Subliminal Sounds will be releasing a new album from long-time folk/progg act Kebnekajse on February 25. The record was recorded in the classic Silence Studios with Dungen guitarist Reine Fiske and Anders Lind behind the controls. Visit Wikipedia for more on the band: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kebnekajse
Rune Grammofon has posted preliminary details for their next release, "You lost me at hello" from Bushman's Revenge: http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/bushman_s-revenge/rcd-2083---bushman_s-revenge_-you-lost-me-at-hello
Promoe from Looptroop Rockers will release his new Swedish-language solo album "Kråksången" on April 22 via JuJu Records. Producers on the record include Astma, Filthy, DJ Large and Jimmy Ledrac and there will be guest appearances by Timbuktu, Supreme, Afasi, PSTQ and Vincent. More info and a download of the first single "Detta har hänt" here: http://www.looptrooprockers.com/promoes-new-album-in-swedish/
Read a good business-side perspective of 2008 as told by upstart Danish indie distribution enterprise Labelkollektiv: http://labelkollektiv.com/news/2008-in-review/
Kning Disk has posted details for the new Rickard Jäverling album "The valleys", due out April 4: http://www.kningdisk.com/02_releases_kd061.asp?id=1061
This will be his 2nd full-length release and there will be a special limited edition with handmade packaging and a bonus 7". As with everything Kning Disk does, this definitely looks like it's worth checking out.
Finnish hardcore act The Phoenix Foundation has finally confirmed a February 4 release date for their new self-titled album via Combat Rock Industry.
Norwegian sludgerockers Årabrot are streaming a new track at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/arabrot
The band's new Steve Albini-recorded album "The brother seed" will be released soon via Norway Rat Records. Also keep an eye out for US dates around SXSW - the band will be touring with Scully and The USA Is A Monster.
Ane Brun will be doing a few UK shows next month:
02/24 - The Roadhouse, Manchester
02/26 - Union Chapel, London
02/27 - Academy 2, Glasgow
02/28 - Academy 3, Birmingham
I don't think I'll ever be a fan of their modern metalcore sound, but the Finnish act Medeia really knows how to make an entertaining, self-parodying video. Here's their latest for the song "Descension":: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_96gC-verMU&fmt=18
Timo RäisänenI lost all hope for Timo Räisänen when the album "Love will turn you around" was released. So when I heard about "...And then there was Timo", a cover album on top of everything, I was not too excited. After hearing it later at a friend's house I realized I'd made a big mistake. This is the old Timo, the "Lovers are lonely"-Timo singing covers with his old original sound that on this record has made room for a more distinct guitar tone. The covers are not perfect and even painful at times compared to the originals. An example is when he sings AC/DC's "You shook me all night long" with his high-pitched and vibrant voice. On the whole though, Timo does a pretty good job when he takes on artists like Whitney Houston, Depeche Mode, Sahara Hotnights and even Josh Groban. But the fact that it is a cover album and the difference between the originals compared to the covers does not really affect me. What really gets to me is the sound of Timo, who makes the songs his own. Timo is still not as good as he used to be and maybe he shouldn't cover AC/DC, but I still get the feeling that the old Timo is there. The Timo who does not sing songs like "My valentine" and stays within the indiepop frameset.
- Morten Frisch
Live music at PSL with Nottee: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2009/01/26/musik-med-nottee/
Talking With Tim talks to Christopher B, the founder of Swedish indiepop-centric label Series Two Records: http://talkingwithtim.com/wordpress/2008/12/20/christopher-b-with-series-two-records/
MIC Norway profiles soon-to-be-international act I Was A King: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2009012610195624242618
If you are curious about hearing samples of that Java reissue I mentioned last week, go here: http://www.myspace.com/deadbirdsrecords
Here are the nominees for many of the domestic categories of the Danish Music Awards:
Album:
Crushing Digits - Veto
Gør Det Selv - Sys Bjerre
Melankolia/XxxCouture - L.O.C.
This Is For The White In Your Eyes - Choir Of Young Believers
Til Rotterne, Til Kragerne, Til Hundene - Peter Sommer
Group:
Veto
Carpark North
Volbeat
Spleen United
Hej Matematik
Female artist:
Tina Dickow
Aura
Ane Trolle (Trolle//Siebenhaar)
Sys Bjerre
Szhirley
Male artist:
Henrik Hall
Troels Abrahamsen (Veto)
L.O.C.
Jannis Noya Makrigiannis (Choir Of Young Believers)
Peter Sommer
Newcomer:
Aura
Oh Land
Sys Bjerre
Annika Aakjær
Choir Of Young Believers
Hit:
Walkmand - Hej Matematik
Downtown Boys - Infernal
Ramt I Natten - Lizzie
Crucify My Heart - Private
Malene - Sys Bjerre
Head to Gaffa for the rest: http://gaffa.dk/nyhed/30806
