Swedish pop artist Laleh will be doing a pair of shows at Water Rats in London on December 7-8: https://www.themonto.com/news.php?news_id=44
MP3: Trio Mediaeval - Det lisle bånet
As promised, today's featured track comes from Trio Mediaeval (or Trio Mediæval, if you like), a vocal ensemble with members from Norway and Sweden that specializes in early music, often infusing the style with modern arrangements and techniques. The group is currently on tour in support of their latest release on ECM, "Folk songs", a collection of exactly that - traditional Norwegian folk music - and I'll be seeing them tomorrow night at Town Hall in Seattle. I expect it to be a fairly subdued affair as the venue is an old church (really, the perfect place to see and hear this kind of music) and I doubt anyone will be jumping out of their pews to cause trouble. Definitely the kind of show where talking during the performance is simply not tolerated. Also, though their repertoire does include a few numbers with rowdier subject matter, I don't suspect they'll be anything like the boistrous Mediaeval Baebes. Even the addition of percussionist Birger Mistereggen, as on the recording, will do little to change that. Mistereggen's contributions are mostly subtle and very textural. A little jaw harp (as on today's featured track) or some light drumming, but that's about it. This is primarily spiritual music, apt for meditation and reflection, not dancing and drinking. Actually, one of the most exciting aspects of tomorrow's performance is the pre-show lecture. There's such rich history and strong craftmanship involved in this music, merely listening is not enough. So for now, enjoy the piece I've posted today and I'll be back this weekend with a full report.
Trio Mediaeval - Det lisle bånet
Boeoes Kaelstigen
Pan European
Adrian Recordings
Ladies and gentlemen, Boeoes Kaelstigen has all of the potential to be the next big thing from Scandinavia. Their brand of smart, calculated electronica is catchy and, most of all, gets all the right parts moving. From start to finish, "Pan European" flows like cognac down the throats of the willing; ending in the spectacular second movement of "Flir"-a sweaty populace. This is meant to be played in those über-hip back alley bars, with dim lights and smoke in the air. This is meant to be played from the club to the bedroom. Boeoes Kaelstigen's "Pan European" is one of the sexiest releases of the decade.
- Matt Giordano
Montys Loco finally has a couple new tracks on myspace: https://www.myspace.com/montysloco
Sounds awesome - very recommended!
Smalltown will enter the studio tomorrow to begin recording their 2nd full-length album. Canadian label Deranged Records will be releasing it in North America and Combat Rock Industry out of Finland will handle things for Europe. Expect a spring release.
Niccokick's new album "The good times we shared, were they so bad?" is confirmed for release on February 6 via Startracks.
Finnish hardcore act Down My Throat has called it quits. Read their final statement here: https://www.myspace.com/downmythroat
Finnish emo-rockers Disco Ensemble is keeping a video diary as they record their new album: https://discoensemble.blogspot.com/
All of the tracks from Bertine Zetlitz's new best-of collection are posted for streaming on myspace: https://www.myspace.com/bertineofficial
Danish DIY indie label Workaholics on Holiday has two new releases from The Up Set and The Dear Elaines available for pre-order: https://www.bsbta.com/workaholics/
Musique Machine reviews the latest Supersilent album "8": https://www.musiquemachine.com/reviews/reviews_template.php?id=1501
The Cleveland Free Times talks to José González: https://www.freetimes.com/stories/15/30/jose-gonzalez
Disfear has a new track up on myspace: https://www.myspace.com/disfear
Classic Swedish hardcore/crust act Mob 47 has parted ways with vocalist Jugga. Guitarist Åke will take over in his stead.
Aftonbladet has started the nomination process for this year's Rockbjörnen: https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesliv/musik/rockbjornen/