Infamous Norwegian black-metal act Gorgoroth will be going into the studio on August 25 to begin work on a new album. The lineup will be core members Gaahl (vox), King (bass), Frost (drums) plus Teloch and Ice Dale on guitar and Herbrand Larsen (Enslaved) in the producer's seat.
Swedish avant jazz/classical/pop label Compunctio has new music from Andreas Eklöf, Ingebrigt Håker Flaten/Håkon Kornstad and Andreas W Andersson posted on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/compunctio
Head there also to see details for the upcoming fest they're doing in Linköping on August 23.
Norwegian leftist hip-hop crew Gatas Parlament has posted all the videos from their recent "Kidsa har alltid rett" DVD on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/gptv
Norwegian hardcore act Snöras is now streaming new material at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/snoras
The band's new album "Plague waters" will be released on CD and 2LP via Fysisk Format on September 9.
And speaking of Fysisk Format, the label has now signed math-metal act Manhattan Skyline and will be releasing their long-awaited debut on October 27. Samples: http://www.myspace.com/manhattanbitches
Dusted reviews the Eleanoora Rosenholm album "Vainajan Muotokuva": http://www.dustedmagazine.com/reviews/4483
Sune Wagner of The Raveonettes has signed with Auditorium for his eponymous solo project. No release date yet, but they say to expect something by the end of the year.
All About Jazz on the new album "Sumo" from Swedish jazz/fusion act Oddjob: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=30107
Danish act Little Jimmy Reeves has enlisted Christian Rindorf (The Rumour Said Fire) as their new drummer.
Swedish crust/doom act Icos has a new split 7" out with French act Overmars featuring the new track "Far from home". Head to myspace to preview said track and also to get European tourdates: http://www.myspace.com/icosonline
MP3: Hari and Aino - Finland
Therese is spot-on in her assessment of Hari and Aino. Comparisons to early Cardigans are unavoidable as they both feature a female-fronted lineup with a similar sweet, cocktail party pop sound and easy-going vibe, though I do disagree about the best song -- "Finland" wins it for me with it's light disco feel and subtle rhythmic intricacy. However, we both agree it's a bit on the restrained side. I understand they're after a very clean, refined sound, but I don't think a little extra excitement would get in the way. As is, it's perfectly pleasant and undemanding. The Cardigans always took more chances, still do in fact. As nice as this is, nice doesn't win.
Hari and Aino - Finland
Here's the playlist for this week's radio show:
01. Midnight Choir - Will you carry me across the water?
02. TALK 1
03. Anna Maria Espinosa - Everyday
04. I Are Droid - Sevenfold
05. Paavoharju - Kevätrumpu
06. TALK 2
07. I'm From Barcelona - Music killed me
08. Marit Bergman - All that I ask of the morning
09. Ef - Thrills
10. TALK 3
11. Hello Saferide - Anna
12. Freddie Wadling - Running madly backwards
13. Tobias Hellkvist - Vintervarm
14. TALK 4
15. Scraps of Tape - Vibrancy
16. Oskar Schönning - Stoner
17. Elias and the Wizzkids - 24
18. TALK 5
19. Robert Svensson - Young enough (ft. Markus Krunegård)
Reminder: My show on Sirius Left of Center (channel 26) airs Sundays at 11pm ET with repeats on Monday at the same time.
The Silent Ballet has good things to say about the new Tobias Hellkvist album "Sides": http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/1707/Default.aspx
Hari and Aino
s/t
Plastilina Records
To me, Andrea Dahlkild, lead vocals in Hari and Aino, is a blend between Duffy, Maja Ivarsson and Nina Persson. She is edgy in a sophisticated & balanced way. I ain't eager to go to one of their shows since I don't think that will be needed to change my impression. The Cardigans are not a secretly professional band, but it sometimes falls flat; Hari and Aino reminds me of that. You know when there is a possibility to listen too much of something effecting in sickness to your ears. The album withholds 10 songs, a perfect number! This is sweet indie pop, not cocky, political, heartbreaking songs; no, we are talking about a hint of shyness and pulsating sympathetic music that are feeding your hungry music veins. Finland apparently has a big influence on them (see "Finland") and I really have to ask them why; going on talking about their other songs, I must say that "Seasons" is causing good vibrations and is unquestionably their best hit. Also, I recommend "Your heartache and mine". This Stockholm based band has very good potential, I just want them get wild here and there, to surprise. I wish them my best and think y'all out there should give this little twee beautiful album a listen.
- Therese Buxfäldt
The Tremolo Beer Gut are heading out on tour in early September:
09/01 - Hafenklang, Hamburg (GER)
09/02 - Spedition / Belle etage, Bremen (GER)
09/03 - tba (secret show)
09/04 - 12/10, Stuttgart (GER)
09/05 - Alte Hckerei, Karlsruhe (GER)
09/06 - tba, Freiburg (GER)
They Live By Night's new single "Catching up" is streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theylivebynight