Label: Silence
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Sci-fi Skåne consists of Thomas Öberg and Jonas Jonasson, both of Bob Hund/Bergman Rock fame. I used to be a very big fan of Bob Hund when I was younger, but lost interest in them about 7 years ago. Sci-fi Skåne has been described as 'synth blues', and that term alone makes me shiver. But it's in fact a fair description since this whole album is as horrible as those two ill-fitting words make me feel. It could have been better though. Last year Sci-fi Skåne released the single "Jag har aldrig bott vid en landsväg" which sounded like Bob Hund in the good old days, and that song alone is the reason why I decided to give this album a listen. But there's nothing to match that song on this album, what we get instead is just a bunch of dreary songs that makes me feel like I'm trapped in a hole full of old mustard while listening to them. I would gladly recommend Bob Hund's "Omslag: Martin Kann" for anyone who's interested in some fine Pere Ubu-like indierock sung in Swedish, but don't bother with this release, it's just a complete waste of time.
- Simon Tagestam
This is the third full-length platter from Sweden's Fint Tillsammans, and it's a quirky, hour-long delight. The trio sing in Swedish, which might be tough on some listeners (not THIS one, though). But there's so much variety in the music-which ranges from jangly folk-pop to romantic ballads to oddball art rock-that all but those who like staring at a lyric sheet while listening should be able to enjoy it. There are 17 tunes, crafted with subtlety and ingenuity by Henrik Wiklund, Martin Stensö and Henrik Svensson. When I make notes for a review, I usually mark a little star next to tunes that rise above the norm. Ten FT songs earned that distinction for me, which is pretty impressive. Among the highlights: the infectious rhythm, subtle vocals and zippy burst of retro-sounding guitar on "Somna om", the amusing "Dududududududu", the wistfully lovely ballad "Tank om", the timeless-sounding melody and clear, intimate vocal on "Regnet regnar langsamt" (a good one to play for your date if you wanna create a romantic mood) and the foot-tapping charmer Track 9 (the real title is just too long to type). This is one of many driving songs that illustrate what a great rhythm section this band has; bass and drums are spot on, throughout. Fint Tillsammans have pretty much made a classic here, a diverse record that doesn't fit neatly into any categories except "Scandinavian," and I always love it when that happens.
- Kevin Renick
For me, the opening moments of a song are the most crucial when it comes to determining whether or not I'll give the rest of the CD a listen. With Chick Habit, this was the case. This Stockholm quintet play something that sounds similar to AC/DC but with a bit of '60s-inspired pop thrown in. It sounded great until the vocals came in. Lead singer Miléne Larsson's voice is unbearable to the point where it actually ruins the music behind it. I couldn't listen to it after the first track.
- Navy Keophan
For once I get a record that is pretty much exactly what I expected. Take a little bit from each of Mattias' previous bands (Hederos & Hellberg, The Hellacopters, Diamond Dogs) and you'd get this solo debut. It's never quite as stark and despairing as H&H, nor does it rock as hard as the other stuff, but it does show strong influence both sides. I think it actually tends more towards the mellow side, with a bit more songs spotlight guitar and vocals as opposed to uptempo, full-band rockers. I listened to this a bit on my vacation not too long ago and it made for great road music.
- Avi Roig