Check out a video of Norway's Green Carnation playing the song "Myron & Cole" live at a show in Kristiansand from October: http://www.greencarnation.no/video.htm
Following in the footsteps of fellow Finnish goth-rockers HIM, 69 Eyes recently completed work on a video for the new single "Lost boys" with director Bam Margera of "Jackass" fame.
Rockfoto has posted some new pics of Seven Feet Four: http://rockfoto.nu/intSpelning/209/intBand/435
Callisto
True nature unfolds
Fullsteam Records
These Finns play standard mid-tempo heaviness ala Isis, Koma, Cult of Luna and the like. They've got some good riffs here and there, but the songwriting is lacking too much in terms of dynamics and flow to elevate them above generic status. They have good ideas, they just don't quite know what to do with them. The screamy vocals kind of bug me too, but that's a minor peccadillo when so much of the album is instrumental. Not bad for a debut album, but kind of unnecessary in an increasingly overcrowded genre.
- Avi Roig
Enslaved
Isa
Tabu Records
If this album was from someone else other that Enslaved, I'd probably recommend it wholeheartedly. However, considering the band's reputation as one of the longest-running and most progressive black-metal acts ever, it is sadly disappointing. There's just too many plodding, grim (read: boring) riffs that go nowhere. Every time they break away from same ol' tired formulas and decide to change up the rhythm or build upon the melody, the results are fantastic. It just doesn't happen nearly enough. I still think Enslaved are one of the world's best BM bands, I just wish they'd do more to keep moving the genre forward.
- Avi Roig
Holiday For Strings
Demo
self-released
This Stockholm quintet plays a heady mix of experimental art-rock and more accessible, subtle rock. Singer Magnus usually steers you in the direction the rest of the band wants to go. The natural weariness of his voice on "Touch the tiger" works well with the song's understated melody, while the heavy, robotic effects on it provide one of the many odd hallmarks of the more free-form "Brest". The band uses repetition in the same way that Stereolab does, with subtle lines setting up a rhythmic hook instead of beating you over the head with boredom (as repetition can do in the hands of less capable musicians). Guitarist Oscar adds some potent crackles, buzzes and other sound effects, giving some of the songs a Sparklehorse feel. Holiday for Strings experiment without falling into the trap of self-indulgence. Hopefully this demo will get a proper release soon.
- Matthew W. Smith
Niccokick
Awake from the dead, my dear best friend
Razzia Records/BOW Music
Niccokick are from Sweden, play fantastic angst ridden "lo-fi rock", and have previous to this full-length, released various eps, 7"s and a self made cd-r. This is a really good album and it contains plenty of excellent tunes, but it's also quite a disappointment, since too many of the songs feature on their other releases. It feels more as a best of disc than a new album. But if you've never heard Niccokick before, this album is a very good introduction and I think you should go out and get it (that is if you like your indie rock stuffed with catchy riffs and songs about not-feeling-too-old and drinking).
- Simon Tagestam
Starmarket
Abandon time
Strange Fruit
Being a massive Starmarket fan, "Abandon Time" really took me by surprise. It appears that singer Fredrik Brändström has decided that his other band The Crystal Committee from now on will concentrate on the slower alt.country tinged songs, and Starmarket will do the shorter, faster, and poppier numbers. I wouldn't say that Starmarket has regressed per se, but it could be seen that way since we all know that bands usually go from playing fast rocky music to a slower more mature sound, and not the other way around. Not that I mind the least though, I think Starmarket are great, whether they play depressive emo, or catchy power pop. Also, this album really makes me want to witness them play live, and I hope they decide to play in London next year (and not just Spain and Germany).
- Simon Tagestam
Suburban Kids With Biblical Names
#1 EP
Labrador
Bouncing along whimsically, the "#1 EP" by Haninge, Sweden's Peter Gunnarsson and Johan Hedberg is smart pop that never takes itself too seriously. It's an impressively catchy four-song debut, especially considering the group started playing together a year ago this month. "Ba ba bas" are in abundance (especially on the harmony-driven "Trumpets and Violins"), matched splendidly with simple piano and acoustic guitar melodies. Against such a sugary backdrop, lyrics like "I notice she's been listening a lot to Joy Division lately/and I notice that darkness in her smile" and "I want to turn all the dance floors/into a burning inferno of ba-ba-ba" sound even funnier than they would otherwise. The closing track even brings Morrissey to mind. Sometimes the lead vocals are a little hard to hear, but then again the EP was recorded at the home of Peter's parents. With melodies that will stay in your head for days and enough zaniness to make you laugh, the young Suburban Kids with Biblical Names are off to a promising start. Labrador was wise to snatch them up.
- Matthew W. Smith