Lars Skoglund (Laakso, Existensminimum) will replace John Eriksson on Peter Bjorn and John's upcoming UK jaunt. Peter Bjorn and Lars? Doesn't sound nearly as charming.

Novoton has posted the excellent new Existensminimum single "One day I shall die" as a free download: http://www.novoton.se/sounds/existensminimum_oneday.mp3
Existensminimum's album "Last night my head..." is probably the sleeper hit of the year. A great album that's unfortunately slipping under the radar despite many strong reviews.

Existensminimum
Last night my head tried to explode and I wrote everything down
Novoton

Most of you know Existensminimum as the drummer of Moneybrother, and you, like myself, had probably heard the first version of "Running down everyone" over a year ago as a single. With that song, one could see parallels with the two group. Those parallels are have know been extinguished. What Existensminimum has now given us is a stellar experimental/noise/pop/psychadelica record that rips and tears and lilts and flies with each track. The segments of each song interweave with themselves, layering instruments and loads of texture. He suceeds greatly, as none of the tracks are cluttered, and each sound gives way to another. Tracks with vocals, the afformentioned "Running down everyone" (although substantially different now from the older version) and "Cina" hit the listener with hooks. "Sweden" is a true gem, a subtle, delicate number that explodes with vocals chaos towards the end. Existensminimum has created a top-notch debut, and I cannot wait to see what's next.
- Matt Giordano

Download the Assid remix of Existensminimum's "Changing lines": http://www.existensminimum.com/sounds/Changing_Lines_(ASSIDremix).mp3

Novoton has posted a couple new videos for free download:

01. Existensminimum - Changing lines
02. Pascal - Jonnie

MP3: Existensminimum - Changing lines

The new Existensminimum album with the long, clumsy title "Last night my head tried to explode and I wrote everything down" surprised me. I didn't have a lot of expectations, but I never imagined that it would end up to be such a lush pop symphony. I suppose it makes perfect sense since Existensminimum mainman Magnus Henriksson made a name for himself as an engineer and producer before releasing this debut solo album. (He's also well-known for being Moneybrother's live drummer, but that's less important in this context) I know that the single "Changing lines" has already been circulated a bit, but it makes sense as the track immediately jumps out with its strong, soaring melodies and driving bass line. The rest of the record is less straightforward and more sonically adventurous, so it's a bit tougher to pick outstanding moments. I think that's a good thing though - it proves the music has lasting value. There's a ton of earcandy to absorb, so grab your headphones and dig in.

Existensminimum - Changing lines

Speaking of excellent packaging, I also just got a copy of the new Existensminimum disc and it looks damn sweet. Tri-panel digipack, lots of metallic ink - Novoton always does it up right.

MTVe.com is streaming the new Existensminimum album "Last night my head tried to explode and i wrote everything down" in its entirety: http://www.mtve.com/article.php?ArticleId=6295

Novoton has posted the new Existensminimum single "Changing lines" for free download: http://www.novoton.se/sounds/Changing_Lines.mp3
The track is the second single from Existensminimum's upcoming debut5 full-length "Last night my head tried to explode and I wrote everything down", due out May 5.

Top 10s for 2005: Daggan Stamenkovic (Novoton/Klicktrack)

Novoton Records (Antennas/Existensminimum/Black Belt) has announced the signing of Pascal. Look for their debut album to be released this coming fall.

See that flashing box on the right? There's a new contest going on. I'm giving away a couple sets of singles from Novoton Records - all the latest stuff from Antennas, Black Belt and Existensminimum. Click to enter.

Also at Novoton are some pics from Existensminimum's gig at Cirkus opening for Moneybrother. Check 'em out here and here.

Today's mp3 is the brand new single from Existensminimum aka Magnus Henriksson, a man who's probably more familiar to a lot of people as the drummer for Moneybrother. Well, not only is he a great drummer, he's also a respected producer and burgeoning solo artist. This is the first single from his forthcoming as-yet-untitled and unfinished debut solo album. It's officially out today, just in time for his gig at Cirkus in Stockholm where he'll doing double-duty opening the show with Existensminimum and then headlining behind the kit with Moneybrother. Of course, the show is sold out already, but hey - there will be other opportunities in the future, I'm sure. Anyhow, check out the track - it's good stuff.

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Wilmer X - 13 Våningar Upp
02. Pain - Dancing with the dead
03. Lars Winnerbäck - Vatten under broarna
04. E.S.T. - Viaticum
05. Anna Ternheim - Somebody Outside
06. The Ark - State of the Ark
07. Lena Philipsson - Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan
08. Christian Walz - Paint by Numbers
09. Daniel Lindström - Daniel Lindström
10. Fernandoz - Minnenas allé
11. Magnus Uggla - Den tatuerade generationen
12. Backyard Babies - Live in paris
13. Dark Tranquility - Character
14. Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origin vol. 1
15. Lasse Stefanz - Röd Chevrolet
16. Melody Club - Face the Music
17. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao!
18. Uno Svenningsson - Ett andetag från dig
19. Barbados - Best of Barbados 1994-2004
20. Totta Näslund - Totta 7: Soul!/På drift

Niccokick, Existensminimum, Convoj and Band of Joy are among the first list of bands confirmed for this year's Emmabodafestivalen.