Örnsberg
Redlinespotting
Perfectly Charming Records

Magnus Carlson sure is whoring himself out these days; I don't know how else to explain his various appearances on records such as Trummor & Orgel's "Cannonball sessions" and now this. Whatever happened to less is more? At least Magnus' voice raises the level here as opposed to that other example (let us never speak of it again). His contribution to "Weekend lights" is a highlight on this decent, but ultimately forgettable record. Örnsberg (aka artist Johan Ragnarsson) strikes me as a slightly less-indie The Tough Alliance: similar mid-fi techno, but without the art-school hangups and West Coast vibe. He's got good songwriting instincts and an okay voice, but he lacks character and attitude and that's something TTA has in spades (for better or worse). Too cool, too reserved and just way too Stockholm.
- Avi Roig