The Cardigans
Super extra gravity
Stockholm Records/Universal

When promo copies of "Super extra gravity" began making the rounds, some early reviews proclaimed it to be a complete departure from the band's last effort, the outstanding "Long gone before daylight". Stellar new single "I need some fine wine and you, you need to be nicer" does have a sense of urgency missing from "Daylight", and drummer Bengt Lagerberg does get more chances for his sticks to fly this time around. And yes, erstwhile producer Tore Johansson is back in the fold, speeding up tempos where he gets the chance. But don't be fooled. "Super extra gravity" is not a departure--it relies on the same talents and overall improvements in the band's sound evident after the long post-"Gran turismo" hiatus. Nina Persson's voice now has a warm, natural feel and range not heard on the icy "Gran turismo" or the lighthearted but flat "Life". Her improvement as a lyricist continues, especially on "Don't blame your daughter (Diamonds)", an ode to personal responsibility: "Don't blame your daughter/that's just sentimental/Don't blame your mom/for all that you've done wrong/Your daddy's not guilty/you came out a little faulty/and the factory closed." Like its predecessor, "Super extra gravity" features stripped-down instrumentation (guitars, bass, organ, drums) augmented by strings at opportune moments, but eschews the heavy synth sound of "Gran turismo" and the cutesy touches (bassoon, recorder, etc.) of the early albums. Songs like "Overload" and "Holy love" would fit right in on "Daylight". Unlike "Daylight", though, this one does run out of steam towards the end. "In the round" and "Good morning Joan" are forgettable, making this a very good album that's not quite as consistent as the one before it. If you get a chance, check out the woozy bonus track "Slow", the closest thing to Cardigans psychedelia I've heard yet.
- Matthew W. Smith