The release of the new Zeigeist 3-track single "Neverending love", and yes that is a Roxette cover, has been moved up to February 5. And unfortunately, it will also be the group's last - they're calling it a day (again). Listen at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thezeigeist
Oliver North Boy Choir's forthcoming album "Shameless pop songs 2008" and companion EP "Blackmail", both due out February 22, will also be their last. Read more at the group's website: http://www.olivernorthboychoir.eu/
Familjen is going to Germany in April:
04/24 - Magnet Club, Berlin
04/25 - Projekt 7, Magdeburg
Aside from being twice as long as it should be, "Skinnad" is proof positive that Franke's return comes with a bang, not a whimper. The swagger and the attitude are of primary importance and thank goodness those qualities have been retained. And there's far less self-conscious brooding. Instead, we get sunglasses and leather jackets. But what I love most has to be the trashy cymbal abuse and the gratuitous reverb. If you're gonna go for that, go whole-hog and oh, they do. But five full minutes? Please. Thankfully none of the other songs on the album make the same mistake.
Franke - Skinnad
Check out the video for the new Existensminimum single "Fuglesang": http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=51590953
Cosy Den/Cosy Recordings will be releasing two new albums from Swedish indiepop artists Tada Tátà and Moofish Catfish on March 10 and of course they'll be throwing a release party as well. Read more: http://www.smallstepforward.com/cosy/wordpress/?p=392
The new Emil Jensen single "Allt jag gillar upphör" is now streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/emiljensen
Hear (and purchase) the b-side version as done by Billie the Vision & the Dancers at Klicktrack: http://www.klicktrack.com/klicktrack/releases/emil-jensen/allt-jag-gillar-upphor/2
My Darling You! has two new 5-song EPs coming out on Luxury later this month. First up is "A.K. art" on February 11 to be followed by "Saying things you don't want to hear" on February 25.
The Silent Ballet reviews the record "One-way ticket to candyland" from Norwegian experimental/freejazz act MoHa!: http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/2126/Default.aspx
My Little PonyI am still wondering whether choosing such a name for your band works in your interest or against you. It sets the tone for something not that ambitious. Don't be fooled though, "Think too much" is a sensitive and sincere album from one of the front-runner bands on the new Oslo indiepop scene. My Little Pony's music creates a sometimes bright and euphoric, sometimes down-tempo and mellow soundtrack, packed with trombones, saxophones, banjos and slide guitars; reminding me of The Magic Numbers and Belle and Sebastian. Lyrically, they are funny and inventive and make some amusing TV series references ("MacGyver", "The West Wing" and "The Mighty Boosh"). And, as always, what counts the most is that this album has proven itself by managing to stay on my playlist for quite a while now.
- Vasilis Panagiotopoulos
PopMatters on the latest Satyricon album "The age of Nero": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/69539-satyricon-the-age-of-nero/
In Flames guitarist Jesper Strömblad will be sitting out the band's upcoming tour plans so he can detox from alcohol addiction. Niclas Engelin from fellow Swedish act Engel will be stepping up to take his place.
Swedish electro artist Emmon has a new blog: http://emmonmusic.blogg.se/ (in Swedish)
Holiday for Strings will finally be releasing something new this year - the gatefold 2x7" "Two of you" comes out March 3 in the US and April 6 in the UK via Kanine Records. Details and samples at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/holidayforstrings
It's almost too precious: Danish Norwegian artist Stina Stjern has hand-knitted unique covers for her new 7": http://stinastjern.blogspot.com/2009/02/fancy-knit.html
