There's been a lot of talk about how former Popsicle front man Andreas Mattsson, who after Popsicle's demise has spent some of his time writing songs for dodgy pop acts, now is going on tour with critically acclaimed 'noise artists' Tape, and how his first solo album starts with a five-minute instrumental piece (how innovative!). Me, I've been a Popsicle fan as long as I can remember (thanks to my sisters), and with last year's compilation "The good side of Popsicle" my interest in them was suddenly rekindled. "The lawlessness..." is obviously a blessing then, especially since it almost sounds like a straightforward follow up to Popsicle's last album (and their masterpiece) "Stand up and testify". Mattsson's voice, (sad) lyrics, and (gorgeous) melodies haven't changed that much at all – and thank god for that!
- Simon Tagestam
Their self-titled LP was one of my favorites from last year and I was expecting the same from them in their latest release. How I could have missed them twice on their tour last year is beyond me. Anyways, seven new songs, five from their "Destroy" 7-inch and four from the "Survive in the city" 7-inch release (both of which are now out of print). Early '80s punk as thrown through the L.A. buzzsaw (i.e. Germs, Black Flag, etc...) is their sound. The seven new songs, such as "Hollywood smile" and "Empty head," all have the energy of their previous releases and will keep the kids pogoing, but I feel like they're missing something. Lead singer Otto's vocals are much more snottier and snarling. The songs from the 7-inches, such as "Destroy" and "We're Blank," are more to my liking. The untitled track reminds me of Agent Orange's "Bloodstains (darkness version)", only more sped up. This is a keeper.
- Navy Keophan
Because of the hype and certain boyfriend associations, it took me some time before I caved in and bought The Concretes' first album. This time around, I don't give a damn about any hype or family relations - I just want to listen, listen, listen to this excellent album all day every day. The Concretes' debut was mighty good, now for "In colour" they've produced an album with even more melodic and stronger songs. Just like there are 'feel good films', there are of course 'feel good records' and "In colour" is precisely one of those.
- Simon Tagestam
Their website claims that the debut record from Sweden's Antennas (formerly Novak) reflects the music from the 1980s and 1990s in which they grew up, but it may well be closer to the synth pop sensibilities producer Giorgio Moroder popularized in the late 1970s as he worked his way out of disco toward new wave. The ten songs on this record are built on synthetic plink-plink-plinky sounds, around which alternating conventional rock guitars, bursts of energetic drumming, and electronic distortion are juxtaposed with the organic sounds of pianos, strings, or horns. Eschewing conventional song structures, Antennas favor recurring motifs and unexpected transitions, the songs shift more than they build. Despite the variety of instruments, the sound is relatively sparse, leaving the focus on idiosyncratic vocals a listener will either adore or tire of quickly. There are a lot of interesting qualities here and some stand out tracks, but as a whole it wears thin too long before the end.
- Nancy Baym
The weather last night was far from perfect, but I still made the long drive up to Seattle to see Figurines. Kira and one of the Kindred Spirits had visa issues, so no other Danish acts made the bill though the remainder of the band was still in attendance. After a shambling, mediocre set from locals The Elephants, Figurines took the stage and did their thing. Let me tell you, that band is a well-oiled machine. They are a great example of what a tight band should sound like. After quietly opening with "Back in the day", they set into "The wonder" (today's mp3) and were off and running. Drummer Kristian Volden laid down a strong four-on-the-floor backbeat and joyfully sang along to himself with every song while frontman Christian Hjelm proved to be a manic, energetic frontman. The other two guys in the band (guitarist Claus Johansen and bassist Andreas Toft) were much more nondescript, but they did their job and did it well. I'm a little disappointed they had an extra musician on stage playing guitar, keyboard and percussion to help them perfectly replicate their album, but since he didn't distract from the overall experience, it's kind of a moot point. I feel that a rawer live sound would have benefitted them. Anyhow, it was a very good set and I think the audience appreciated it. A few of the midtempo songs dragged a bit due to the crowd's lack of familiarity with the material, but the fast songs caught their attention and the two slower numbers ("Silver ponds" and "Rivalry") were very engaging. The band plays Portland tonight, goes back to Seattle this weekend for a radio appearance and an in-store then travels to LA and SXSW. Look for them to be back this summer. My short interview with Christian should hopefully be online sometime this weekend.
Congrats to Piers Untersander, Olof Sjöstedt and Michael Stocker. You've all won tickets to the Spring Wonderland Festival. Thanks again to everyone who entered.
Hemstad CDs just arrived on my doorstep this afternoon. Get it now!
Rusty Flores has a new website to coincide with the release of their new album: http://www.rustyflores.com/
Swedish synthpop artist Emmon (aka Emma Nylén of the band Paris) has a new website: http://www.emmon.se/
Tolbiac, the solo project of Veli from Finnish indiepop act Red Carpet, has posted an albums worth of material for free download: http://hansoovoice.com/tolbiac/music.php
Finnish act Lemonator has confirmed their new album "At the presence of great beauty" for release on April 26. The first single "Will I ever find out" will be released digitally in late March.
Khoma's video for the song "Medea" is now online: http://uk.music.yahoo.com/ar-30655345---Khoma
The first review I've seen of their new album "The second wave" is here: http://www.movinghands.net/reviews/detail.asp?id=1040
Swedish punks Kamikatzee recorded four new songs and finished mixing some earlier ones last week for an EP on Dirty Faces and has posted two of 'em for download: http://www.kamikatze.se/
The new Rigas album is done and just about to be sent off to press. It features guest appearances from the likes of Blood Music aka Karl-Jonas Winqvist, Malin from Midaircondo and Pelle Lindroth from The Chrysler and will be out on April 19.
Andreas Mattsson
Antennas
