New pics at Rockfoto.nu of Mattias Alkberg BD, In Flames and the aforementioned Division of Laura Lee.
Finnish retro synthpop group Desert Planet has a new track called "Fumbler" up at micromusic.org, along with other downloads from tons of other link-minded artists.
German webzine Sellfish has posted an interview Nikola Sarcevic from Millencolin where they talk about his new solo album: http://sellfish.inserteffekt.com/_start.php?link=interviews/nikola.htm
And, as usual, there's the usual round-up of reviews for the week:
Alyson Avenue - Omega
The Bones - Straight flush ghetto
Erlend Oye - DJ kicks
Evergrey - The inner circle
Promoe - The long distance runner
The Accidents
All time high
Bootleg Booze Records
This isn't exactly the sort of stuff I usually listen to, but get a few beers in me and I bet I'd get into it. They claim to be the kings of "hillbilly punkrock n' roll" for what it's worth and I'm not about to dispute it. I certainly can't think of anyone challenging 'em for the throne. Anyhow, it's a decent fun record, even if songs tend to blend together a bit. I'd like to hear them mix it up more in the rhythm department and maybe have the guitars play a little less sometimes. I'd probably would have loved this if I had heard it when I was younger and more of a punkrocker.
- Avi Roig
Arbogast
Something bit me
self-released
I was about the shut this off after the first verse when it suddenly opened up into a huge chorus and I had to reevaluate my thoughts. These guys remind me a lot of Neil Young, both in musical style and also in the way that I really cannot deal with the vocals. The songs and playing are both good and the recording has a really nice live feel, so I'd say these guys have potential.
- Avi Roig
Marit Bergman
Baby dry your eye
RCA
I was almost to write this off as a sophomore slump because it didn't grab my attention right away, but I'm glad I gave it another chance. Marit's strength has always been her ability to write deceptively simple, catchy pop tunes and this album is no exception. They sound innocent and unobtrusive at first, but then they sink their claws in you and won't let go. As for the new major label affiliation, that hasn't changed much except for better production values.
- Avi Roig
The Deadbeats
Come clean 7"
Bootleg Booze Records
As soon as I put this on my wife said, "is that The Hellacopters?" So yeah, they're not gonna win any points for originality, but I must admit that they do what they do pretty darn well. Whereas most wannabe hard rock bands emphasize the 'hard' part, these guys remember to play up the power-pop end of things, even covering a classic Cheap Trick song ("He's a whore"). They've got the talent part down, now they just need a little more personality.
- Avi Roig
Mattias Hellberg
s/t
Silence
For once I get a record that is pretty much exactly what I expected. Take a little bit from each of Mattias' previous bands (Hederos & Hellberg, The Hellacopters, Diamond Dogs) and you'd get this solo debut. It's never quite as stark and despairing as H&H, nor does it rock as hard as the other stuff, but it does show strong influence both sides. I think it actually tends more towards the mellow side, with a bit more songs spotlight guitar and vocals as opposed to uptempo, full-band rockers. I listened to this a bit on my vacation not too long ago and it made for great road music.
- Avi Roig
David Sandström
The dominant need of the needy soul is to be needed
Mofab Teg
This record perfectly balances the aspirations of art, folk and rock. Great music, great lyrics, great everything. I really had no idea what to expect with this, but I was totally impressed. Parts remind of Fireside's "Elite", others bring to mind Norrland indiefolk stuff like Isolation Years. David Sandström, ex-drummer of Refused? Naah, it's just David Sandström, successful solo artist. Definitely another one of the best records I've heard this year.
- Avi Roig
Speedmarket Avenue
I'm going to let my new swiss army knife answer to that
Fickle Fame
This record falls squarely into the category called 'not my thing.' There's some okay melodies here and there, but I really just can't handle slacker indie rock. Bands like The Bear Quartet pull it off because they are amazingly creative and adventurous, but Speedmarket Avenue is no BQ. Pass.
- Avi Roig
Reminder: There's still time to enter the The End Will Be Kicks contest. Simply email contest@itsatrap.com with "TEWBK contest" as your subject line and you're in. I'll be selecting a couple winners sometime next week who will be receiving free copies of the new 4-song EP as well as whatever other goodies I might have lying around. Be sure to include your name and address in the body of the message so I can mail your prize faster when you win.
Pics from Satirnine's recent tour supporting Danko Jones: http://www.satirnine.com/pictures.php?gallery=6
Denmark's Morningside Records has announced that 'eccentric' singer/songwriter Simon Gylden will release his new album "Go Folk Yourself!" on May 28. Live dates can be found here and samples should be coming soon.