This will probably turn a lot of people off but The Sunday Orchestra reminds me of These Arms Are Snakes. Not because they sound exactly like each other but mainly because they draw from the same inspiration: D.C. punk/hardcore from the early 90's and build from there with emo and a lot of rock. The results, much like TAAS's are really hit or miss. I won't be reaching for this too often.
- Simon Thibaudeau
At the moment, together with Service, Labrador is one of Sweden's most interesting labels. The bands on Service might be more exciting and they also cover a wider range of musical styles, but with such amazing bands such as [ingenting], The Radio Dept., and Suburban Kids with Biblical Names on their roster, every new Labrador release comes along with the promise of being tremendous. What we got here though is an extensive 25 track sampler that came out last year. Labrador has very successfully managed, like other great record labels, to create their own "sound" (which could be described as a bit poppy, shoegazing, and a lot twee), and most bands on this cd stay within this niche, but there are also a handful of songs that really stand out, such as Corduroy utd's "Daddy's boy" which is pure Dexy's. There are so many great songs on this disc that it's hard to say anything against it, but the fact that most of these songs are on other releases is a shame because then the compilation is really only interesting for people who haven't got too many Labrador releases. But all in all, this is an amazing bunch of songs, and a perfect introduction for anyone who wants to check out some great Swedish indie music that isn't garage rock.
- Simon Tagestam
Well, it seems that dreams really can come true! Thanks to the kind-hearted people at Export Music Sweden, Umeå Open and Chalksounds Records, I will be travelling to Sweden to attend the Umeå Open Festival at the beginning of April. Can't wait! Spring break!!!
Finnish garage-pop act Tigerbombs will head to Japan for their first time ever for a show on April 14 at Astro Hall in Tokyo.
Labrador Records has announced the signing of ex-Edson frontman Pelle Carlberg. His debut five-song EP "Go to Hell, Miss Rydell" comes out soon and you can listen to the title track right here: http://www.labrador.se/mp3/Pelle_Carlberg_Go_to_Hell_Miss_Rydell.mp3
Johnny Bråttom Records has posted an mp3 for "Starlit queen" from Björn Kleinhenz: http://www.tomtrecordings.se/images/Bjorn%20Kleinhenz-Starlit%20queen.mp3
The song comes from Björn's quite-excellent most recent album "Trans pony" which also happens to be the IAT album of month.
Callisto, Finland's version of Cult of Luna, will support High on Fire on tour in the UK:
03/26 - Woughton Centre, Milton Keynes (UK)
03/27 - Cavern, Exeter (UK)
03/29 - Met Lounge, Peterbroough (UK)
03/30 - Rios Club, Bradford (UK)
03/31 - Nice 'N' Sleazy, Glasgow (UK)
04/01 - Hop & Grape, Manchester (UK)
04/02 - Central Station, Wrexham (UK)
04/03 - Liverpool University, Liverpool (UK)
04/04 - Rock City, Nottingham (UK)
04/05 - Bar Academy, Birmingham (UK)
04/06 - The Garage, London (UK)
04/07 - West End Centre, Aldershot (UK)
The group's most recent album "True Nature Unfolds" will be getting a worldwide rerelease via Earache Records in Europe and Australia on March 28 and the US on April 3.
Swedish metalcore act Burst has confirmed that they will be entering Music-a-matic Studios in Göteborg in May/June to record their next album. A tentative release date has been set for September by Relapse Records. In other news, the band will once again support Dillinger Escape Plan, this time for a short Scandinavian tour. Dates at the band's website: http://www.burst.nu/
Bassist Magnus R. Ruud has quit Insense and forsaken the world of metal to concentrate on school and a career. So of course that means the search is on for a suitable replacement. Read more: http://www.blackballoonrecords.com/news_index.asp
Check out some new demo tracks from The Kind that Kills, a new hardcore band from Stockholm featuring Peter from Between Us and the remnants of the group Second Thought: http://www.thekindthatkills.com/
Pitchfork reviews the new Logh album "A sunset panorama": http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/l/logh/sunset-panorama.shtml
I knew they were going to pick on the lyrics, but what the heck is that dude talking about otherwise? I agree that the album seems kind of boring on initial listens, but after repeated plays it really starts to grow on you and reveal itself. Sure, it doesn't top "The raging sun", but it's still a fine album and a noble experiment in live recording.
Finland's excellent doom-metal act Shape of Despair will enter Sundicoop Studios in Savonlinna on March 29 to record an exclusive new track entitled "Sleeping murder" to be released on an upcoming budget-priced comp from Spikefarm/Spinefarm Records. Look for it this summer.
Download the mp3 for "Dirty rabbit" from Finland's Sweatmaster off their upcoming album "Tom tom bullet", due out April 4 via Bad Afro: http://users.utu.fi/satamy/sweatmaster/music/dirtyrabbit.mp3