The Dead Frog website is updated with even more demo reviews: http://www.deadfrogrecords.com/demos-reviews/
I don't know how those guys suffer through all that crap, but kudos to them for doing it!
Music (for Robots) on Marching Band (nee Second Language): http://music.for-robots.com/archives/001416.html
Absolut Noise talks them up as well: http://absolutnoise.blogspot.com/2006/04/allez-je-vous-fais-marcher.html
Lost at Sea reviews The Sounds: http://www.lostatsea.net/review.phtml?id=387028636443d2e2b3e8ac
Marie Fredriksson of Roxette's new solo album will be called "Min bäste vän" and will be out on June 14. The first single will be for the John Holm-penned track "Sommaräng" and will be released on May 15.
My boys KVLR are back! They had their first rehearsal in over a year today and finished two new songs with four more on the way. Look for them to record a new full-length at Arrowstreet in Umeå over the summer. Song titles so far include "Feel bad hit of the summer", "You caress the greedy hand", "Bad century dream" and "Enemy diary".
Check out a live video of Kemialliset Ystävät playing at Vastavirta Club in Tampere: http://www.kemiallisetystavat.com/kyvv.mov
Finnish ambient/glitch act Musti Laiton has posted their new record "Nous Voulons voir Euro Disney" for free download: http://mustilaiton.net/nous_voulons_voir_euro_disney.htm
New Göteborg-based indierock act Lola has posted three new tracks for download: http://www.lola.nu/
Kaada's new album "Music for moviebikers" will be released on July 11 via Ipecac, the label run by Mike Patton. Preview some tracks at myspace: http://myspace.com/kaada
Finnish "Neuriscan" act Callisto has confirmed that their new album "Noir" will be released on May 10 via Fullsteam Records. Tracklist:
01. Wormwood
02. Latterday Saints
03. The Fugitive
04. Backwoods
05. A Close Encounter
06. Pathos
07. Folkslave
08. Woven Hands
Listen to a preview track at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/callistochaos
MP3: You Is Stupid - I am history
Despite the terrible name, You Is Stupid is a good band. The trio features current and ex-members of acts such as Hardy Nilsson, Autorock, Reverend Big O and Fraction of My Former Self, so they aren't exactly fresh faces on the scene, but I think that's okay. Their take on the lighter side of 80s goth music is refreshing in a world of bleak Joy Division clones. It's still definitely heavy on the minor chords, but try thinking more along the lines of Echo and the Bunnymen or The Cure to get a good idea of what these guys are after. I especially love the way that the minimalist guitar licks on this particular track counterbalance the vocals. They make sure that neither element overwhelms the other until they rise up together in the triumphant final chorus. Extremely well done.
You Is Stupid - I am history
In my mind, the sound of classic Swedish indiepop is forever associated with bands such as Broder Daniel and Bad Cash Quartet. Revved-up garage rock riffs, lots of reverb and baleful, weary vocals. It's echoes can be heard in acts as disparate as Niccokick and The Embassy, but regardless - the roots still show. Citylights, today's featured demo act, epitomizes that original classic sound perfectly. The band's actually been around for awhile now (since '98/99 they say) and they also enlisted the help of Pelle Carlberg to produce their latest recording from which today's new mp3 is taken. The experience shows - this is sublime pop, done just as well as any of the so-called big names. Download more songs from the band's website: http://www.mysecretscience.com/citylights
New reviews today: [click here]
I happen to think that The Alpine put out the best pop album I've heard so far this year, but hey - I can deal with dissent. To each their own, right?
Thanks to everyone who came out last night to make Tack! Tack! Tack! a success yet again! Look for a full report and video footage soon!
Swedish Love Story's debut full-length album will be released on May 22. Read the press release: http://www.slsmusic.com/content/infotext_1.2.rtf