PopMatters on the US release of Loney, Dear's "Sologne": https://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/50371/loney-dear-sologne/
The Local on Cardigans frontwoman Nina Persson and her refurbishing of Stockholm-based department store PUB: https://www.thelocal.se/9099/
Meshuggah will support Ministry on tour in the US next March: https://www.lambgoat.com/news/view.aspx?id=9752
Danish rockers Gob Squad have signed with Dutch label Mascot Records who will bew releasing the band's new album "Watch the cripple dance" in January. Hear samples: https://www.myspace.com/gobsquad
Jettie's new album "Kites for charity" has now been confirmed for a physical release in the US on January 22 via Eyeball Records.
The Open Up and Bleeds have parted ways with drummer Andreas Ohlsson: https://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=89829779&blogID=328500482
OT, but still possibly of interest to some readers: Slate on the evolution of black-metal and the environmentalism of (local to me) act Wolves in the Throne Room: https://www.slate.com/id/2177883/
MP3: Jennie Abrahamson - Songs we sing
Jennie Abrahamson is a singer/songwriter from Sävar in Norrland, Sweden, a small town just a bit north of Umeå. On one hand, her soft pop sound isn't exactly what I normally associate with that part of the country, but I can also understand how it could inspire this sort of sweet, quiet melancholy. At her best, she's reminiscent of Emmylou Harris' more ethereal moments (see: "Wrecking ball"); at her worst, the 80s-esque production robs her of any power by drowning everything in reverb and lame yacht rock tropes. "Songs we sing" features both sides of the equation - it's a good song with a strong vocal performance, but the backing music makes me think of "Take my breath away" by Berlin or, even worse, this song (which I listen to way too often). However, if you can get past that, there is a lot to appreciate. Like I said, it's still a decent song regardless of the production. I just can't handle those damn chimes.
Jennie Abrahamson - Songs we sing
Irene
Long gone since last summer
Labrador
A year after their first long-player "Apple Bay", Irene have delivered their second, disappointingly slower album "Long gone since last summer". Having enjoyed the songwriting and tempo of their first album, as well as this album's lead single "By your side", I was a bit shocked to see the tempo grind to a halt. Most of the songs are slower, and frankly, for their sound, I don't find it to be the most successful method of the band organizing their ideas. They tend to resemble Motown ballads as opposed to the swinging pop that brought "Apple Bay" to life. I think it's because "Long gone since last summer" has such an autumn feel too, but when compared to the bleak sounds of others, Irene just seems a tad overwrought.
- Matt Giordano
Swedish metal act In Flames has resigned with Nuclear Blast. Their as-yet-untitled new album is tentatively set for release in April.
The Je Sais Quoi will be putting a one-sided 12" on Dutch label Knife Slits Water in January. It will include one new track, an unreleased cut from the "Rhythm" sessions and some more surprises.
MetalKult has posted a video interview with Ulver frontman Kristoffer "Garm" Rygg: https://blogs.guitarworld.com/metalkult/videos/ulver-the-metalkult-interview/
Said the Gramophone has a new track from Pet Politics: https://www.saidthegramophone.com/archives/since_this_isnt_cnncom.php
The Guardian discusses "death jazz" and drops a few notable Scandinavian names (Mats Gustafsson, The Thing, Scorch Trio, etc.) along the way: https://music.guardian.co.uk/jazz/story/0,,2207440,00.html