Seems kinda weird for such an obviously mainstream pop-aspiring artist to release their debut via the self-limiting 7" format, but it's not as if I mind. The full-color foldover and white vinyl makes for a nice package that befits the ambitious music contained therein. And ambitious it is: both tracks soar with grandiose Swedish melancholy, no doubt helped considerably by the talents of producer/engineer Rikard Löfgren (Bay Laurel/Leon Music), who also happens to share songwriting credits alongside Jessica Johansson, the artist herself. While Viridiflora's electro/pop is in no way groundbreaking, it is well-executed, especially on the b-side "I bleed you out" which attempts a more personal and mature lyrical approach that appeals to me far more than the vague generalities expressed in "High on you". There's still a bit too much guitar on the far side of corny for me to give it a wholehearted recommendation, but it's still enjoyable. - Avi Roig
Hellsongs are pure schtick and I can't fully back them, but I do enjoy a good number of their well-chosen covers. This Iron Maiden tune translates to their style amazingly well and I think I may also like their new vocalist better than the original. If I believed in guilty pleasures this would surely qualify, but there's no shame in having a little fun. Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8JgkhsEjzg
I kind of hate the studio version of this song, even moreso having seen the above. Multi-tracked vocals and shitty machine percussion set for drum'n'bass circa 10 years ago are not befitting an artist such as Susanne Sundfør; she requires no such adornment and the more you layer on, the more it takes away. I especially detest the way the lines "You make me bleed / You make me breathe" are twisted into some sort of neo-R&B melisma harmony, even worse that they drop the floor from beneath her at that most crucial, cringeworthy moment. "The brothel", the title track of her latest album, is still the best song of 2010, but here you will see why I can't recommend it as a whole -- "It's all gone tomorrow" remains a terrific song at its core, but its production problems are emblematic of the record's shortcomings.
09/01 - Aerial – Black rain from the bombing [digital only + remastered + 1 bonus track]
09/13 - First Love, Last Rites – Slow wind [digital single + video]
09/13 - Simian Ghost – Sequenced dreams of independence [digital single]
10/06 - Robert Svensson – The madness [digital single + video]
10/26 - Robert Svensson – You're a wasteland honey [LP]
11/11 - Simian Ghost – Sequenced dreams of independence [LP]
tba - Love is a Burning Thing [LP]
tba - First Love, Last Rites [LP]
The Metal Hammer-curated Ja Ja Ja showcase that was cancelled in April due to the Icelandic volcano eruption has now been rescheduled for September 16 and will feature Sólstafir, Thunderstone and Kvelertak: http://www.jajajamusic.com/events.php
Teaser videos are a bumout, but it does provide extra content with the news that Familjen's next single "Det var jag", due in late August, will be released in two separate digital editions as well as on 12" vinyl. And with a full-length video too.
Far from Tellus' self-titled album is a swirling, cohesive, and, most importantly, damned entertaining effort, combining elements of folk and blues, 70s rock and 80s pop, all on their own terms. Like some strange marriage between The Kinks and fellow Norwegians Superfamily, Far from Tellus ramble through decades of inspiration, tying these echoes together into seamless, layered, and often anthemic compositions. Also, like the aforementioned Kinks, Far from Tellus have a fine relationship with the poignant and the playful, never allowing the latter to overpower or besmirch the former: "Norwegian fairytale mix" blossoms to life with such swagger upon layers of guitar, piano, and banjo, only to transition into a gloriously simple and memorable chorus; "Mogens" opens with a strummed banjo and closes with enough rock organ to make any Zeppelin fan happy, its middle section reminiscent of the clever, driving compositions of Herr Nilsson, yet another Norwegian outfit (I'm sensing a theme here); and seven-minute closer "Bless our souls" builds beautifully to its wonderfully raucous ending, reminding me of Britpop acts like James throughout. "Far from Tellus" is an impressive display of talent and songwriting. I wouldn't be surprised to find it on my Best of 2010 list, even with almost half a year left to go. - Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson
Champagne Riot will be releasing a double a-side single via UK label on September 27, or at least so says Off the Radar. The featured tracks will be "Heart stab" (see the aforementioned link for a d/l) and "A friend of a friend" and no, I'm not sure if XXX Records is the legit name or just a placeholder, but it's certainly the least original name I've heard in ages if it is indeed a new English label.
Viridiflora
Far From Tellus
