Khoma
The second wave
Roadrunner Records
With a new giant label backing them up and a new letter in the bands name, the guys are back with the follow-up to 2004's best album, "Tsunami". The hype has started again with "The second wave" and, for once, it's well-deserved. With a sound that can tear down walls, Khoma's mix of post-rock, indiepop and metal seem to appeal to a wide range of people. Influences from Radiohead are heard in the vocal arrangements, but not to the extent that it becomes annoying. What really makes this band so interesting is that they sound like no other. With members from great acts like Cult Of Luna, The Perishers and old Plastic Pride, it's bound to come out sounding good. They spill their hearts out for us with songs about the great strike in Sweden ("1909.08.04"), feminism and animal rights. But the political aspects are never taking over, it's always the music that's in focus. And I somehow feel that that's exactly how they want it to be. However, there's a negative side to this record and by that I'm talking about focus. Some of the ballads should have been excluded to make the album a total blow-out. And I must say that the decision to include three already released songs, "One of us must hang", "Stop making speeches", "Like coming home", is somewhat boring. But in spite of this, hat's off to Khoma and I look forward to Metaltown in Gothenburg in July. 'Cause if you like them on their records, you should really try to see them live!
- Jonas Appelqvist