Moto Boy's music has been described as "desperate pop" which, for both hopeless romantics and cynics, might be the only review needed. Like Rufus Wainwright with his needle permanently stuck in a 1980s groove, Oskar Humlebo deftly mines the depths of his angst, squeezing out every drop of sympathy, even when his sweet falsetto trips over some of the stupidest of sentiments. (Case in point: the borderline insipid chorus of "If only your bed could cry") While not as instantly as inviting as 2008's ethereal EP "For Martha", "Lost in the call" provides another satisfying chapter in Humlebo's ongoing bid to become the Scandinavian Morrissey. When he cuts himself on lines such as "There is no life without you any way" ("Early grave"), prepare to bleed.
But how much heartache can one man take? By the album's midway point Humlebo's wounded theatrics threaten to wear thin. However, just when the outing is in danger of becoming a one-note pity party, he unleashes the haunting orchestral piece "Siekas", ushering in the delicate reflection of "Nite time is my time" and saving the project from certain stagnation. The high energy "When my heart was high" may not break any new ground, but it's jammed with the sort of morose cheer you can vigorously sway -- if not dance -- to. Then there's closer "The way I feel tonite", a send-off so gloriously delicate, Humlebo is guaranteed to leave more than a fare share of listeners with a lump in their throat and a tear in their eyes. - Laura Studarus
The new Moto Boy album "Lost in the call" is out now via and you can download the whole thing, read all the lyrics and even read all the thoughts behind each song at his website: http://www.motoboy.se/lost-in-the-call
Very recommended!
By his own admission, Moto Boy sets out to redefine your perception of what one man can do with a guitar. With an impressive and androgynous vocal range, he does indeed push the envelope, embarking on some surprising twists and turns as he navigates the length of the album. Dreamy at times, defiant at others, the songs sometimes fall into a self-indulgent experimental style that are testing for both the artist and the listener. For the most part though, the songs are curious, well crafted and caressing. "I miss you baby" and "Blue motorbike" are both rhythmically strong, pop focused and radio worthy. The oddly named "U" is a striking and beautiful addition. For an artist reported to take the stage dressed in drag with a nasty black metal guitar, this album is unexpectedly gimmick-free, demonstrating the full force of talent behind the act. - Rhiannon Elston
One thing I like about this this album is that it's a grower, I just don't seem to be able to get bored of it, no matter how many times I play it. The lyrics are also worth their word count in gold. "Tamagotchi freestyle", for example, contains the superb lines "For what it's worth I know it's hard to stay, every day we miss you, Leila K". Lovekevins sound a bit like the love child of The Tough Alliance and The Radio Dept., which isn't as freakish as it sounds. No, it's very catchy, fresh, pleasant and I think now is the time for you to go and visit their Myspace page and give them a little listen (before you buy this CD). - Simon Tagestam
Unarmed Enemies are the latest signing to new Swedish label, Songs I Wish I Had Written. Unarmed Enemies make the best electronic music in that it has melody, humor and a warmth to it, unlike groups like Ladytron. This humor arises in "Hustlers recharged", where the narrator of the song ponders what it will be like to be fifty years old, have no hair and appalling taste in clothes. This track is also given the remix treatment on the EP by the name-droopingly hip Mr. Suitcase who transforms it into a Europop monster. Right, I'm now off to start my petition to get their cover version of The Go-Between's "Going blind" released. - Nick Levine
Sweden already got The Embassy, The Knife, Three Is A Crowd, The Tough Alliance etc, and now they got Eurosport to add to the list of bands that make great electronic pop music. This CD has three tracks on it, and two of them ("Tell no one about tonight", "Shaking a lot") are near perfection. This is music for lazy Sunday afternoons, this is music for drinking lots of alcohol to, this is music to fuck to. Does that sound contradictory? It's not. - Simon Tagestam
Moto Boy
Moto Boy
