Lamont
The golden daze
self-released
Distributed for (free) download on Swedish torrent site The Pirate Bay as well as the band's web site, "The golden daze" tries to be glam pop for the masses, crafted to capture the listener at first listen. Being Malmö based, the band emulates its more successful neighbors, namely The Ark and Melody Club. In this it is successful, but only as an emulation. Despite stabs at punk-laced electro and (oddly enough) swing on the title track, there's not enough originality here to distinguish the band from others. Forgettable as it may be, however, it can also be pretty fun. All tracks are very radio friendly, though none are likely to become radio hits. The production is the album's strongest suit. Aside from a great turn by The Ark's Ola Salo, who gives "Rather do it" (a minor hit in 2006) the kind of behemoth sound that we're used to from these sorts of bands, the rest of the album is produced by Oskar Humlebo (aka Moto Boy). He drenches the band in serpentine rhythms and new-wave synths, which helps to disguise the fact that you're not going to remember many of these songs in a few months. Still, for fans of the over-the-top Malmö based pop sound (like me), there's plenty to like here. Unfortunately, there's just not enough to love.
- Nick James
