Radio LXMBRG
s/t
HaHa Fonogram
This is one of the most impressive debut records I've heard lately because it breaks the usual first-album trend of having weaker filler songs to round out a few good singles. Start to finish, Radio LXMBRG kept up my interest with catchy, well-constructed pop songs. The Swedish six-piece glides with ease from dark indie pop to Saint Etienne-style lounge to synth-heavy pop that nods to early 80s New Wave. Even better, the band has three lead singers who veer off in radically different directions. Lisa Holmqvist's low, sultry voice adds an element of mystery to the Portishead-esque "Teach me how to say goodbye." "John the Baptist" sounds like a blend of The Cardigans' Magnus Sveningsson in his guise as Righteous Boy and Taco, of "Puttin' on the ritz" remake fame (or infamy). That might sound scary, but it adds the just the right edge to the cinematic "It's cruel up north". And then there's the smoother Sebastian Castro, who sings lead on the club-worthy, soulful "Under starry skies". Already out in Sweden and soon to be released in Norway and Denmark, Radio LXMBRG deserve a wider audience. Hopefully other international labels will license this one soon.
- Matthew W. Smith