The Charade
A real life drama
Skipping Stones Records

The Charade have lineage in a number of well regarded Swedish bands of days past, including Happy Deadmen and Red Sleeping Beauty, so they can at least make some claim to innovating this kind of supertwee relaxed music that brings to mind big fluffy clouds, sunny days, cotton candy, and prozac. Like Club 8, Acid House Kings, or Sambassadeur, they have gorgeous etherial female vocals with some male backgrounds (and occassional leads). The Charade also throw in a lot of background harmonies reminiscent of girl groups of the 60s. If that much fluff weren't enough, they've got happy optimistic lyrics about things going right. There's not a trace of darkness to be found. Were there not so many songs that are catchy, pretty, or both, it'd be excruciating. Instead it's a fine gentle pop record with some strong highlights mixed with mediocre filler.s
- Nancy Baym