I haven't heard anything from MZ.412 in quite a little while, since the last Cold Meat Industry release I believe, and it appears that scaring the shit out of the listener is still a priority. If any thing, this is a lot more palatable than previous releases where the music was a lot more minimal and much darker. In fact, this sounds a lot more than label-mates Puissance, in the martial-rhythms and Neoclassical tendencies that they display. All of that was always a part of MZ.412's sounds, but now it takes much more of a central place in the music. MZ.412 has always been one of the most violent bands I listened to, although not violent in a traditional sense, but this time the violence has been replaced with a dark will to disturb. I am not sure I like this more than the old material, but it certainly is interesting.
- Simon Thibaudeau
I always enjoy to some extent getting new music I am unfamiliar with and it can end up in one of three ways: good, mediocre or bad. Unfortunately, the new Oceano da Cruz album falls into the latter category. And why is it unfortunate one may ask? Well, it's because evoking the emotion of indifference is one of the most frustrating, and it's hard to gauge what to do to different the next time; also, it's an emotion that is without passion. Whilst I cannot deny that the musicianship is excellent, the genre it falls into (novelty music) has just been done better before (see: They Might Be Giants, Ween, Nerf Herder); and at twenty-one tracks, it's quite a long record, and tough to get straight through. However, whenver a song would come on random it would sound better, so I have taken the view of this as more of a "singles" (used loosely) collection and would advise you to listen to a track sporadically. You'll find it much more enjoyable.
- Matt Giordano
More breezy, melodic pop rock from Sweden... how do they keep churning this stuff out so effortlessly over there? Out of Clouds is a six-piece ensemble from Gothenburg and this, their second EP, is a charming little thing. What you get here is four tracks of sweet, summery rock distinguished by strong melodies and the high, plaintive vocals of Joel Goranson, who reminds a bit of American singer David Mead (especially when he goes for the falsetto). "Like a lily", which has already gotten some attention on these shores, balances its airy vocals with a fairly vigorous rhythmic attack, while the evocatively named "Revelations in a cold season" offers clean, pretty guitar lines and a pleasing string arrangement. Lyrically, matters tend to be a little saccharine, as on the reasonably rockin' tune "Untroubled mind", where Joel tells us: "I had this feeling, I feel fine/I wanna spend my days in sunshine/I shouldn't worry cause I am/Under protection of the greatest love/I feel like dancing..." There are sweet harmonies adorning the tune, but everything tends to be pretty much on the surface. On the slightly more melancholy "He's in control", the arrangement has a bit of a '60s vibe, and the vocals reel you in, but the tune seems to be some kinda religious ode, which leaves me unsettled. It's too early to make a real prediction for Out of Clouds, but they definitely have an ear for melody and pop-rockin' freshness. Just watch it on the syrup, boys, 'cause many a band has gotten creatively stuck when they poured it on too thick.
- Kevin Renick
Papercut is Erik Berglund and Ulrica Brunner, two beautiful young people who apparently grew tall on milk, cupcakes and synthpop. At the tender age of 9, Ulrica bought her first CD, "Dance vol. 1", and apparently it's been a strong influence ever since. A keyboardist in Firefox AK, her new collaboration with Erik has resulted in some simple electro-pop with vocals eerily reminiscent of St Etienne. This three-song demo includes the atmospheric "Time" and the more poppy "Adrian", both of which are ripe for remix to become club anthems. Until then, the perfect accompaniment to a stroll around Borders.
- Stacey Shackford
Sambassadeur's eponymous debut was one of 2005's best records - lovely lazy jangle pop with just a wee bit of electrobeat that managed to be blissfully gentle without crossing the line into annoyingly twee. This EP picks up right where that one left off, with 4 songs that show the band continuing to do what they do best. It's a must for those who enjoyed the first record, and a good taster for those curious about the band.
- Nancy Baym
First the bad news about this Finnish quartet -- they only have one song of which 10 variations appear on this record. The good news is that it's a really good song, so even though I keep checking to see if I've inadvertently repeated a number I just heard a few minutes ago, it's nonetheless a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Their sound is (to quote their website) "mellow and cheerful" pop reminiscent of Starlet that foregrounds singer Antti's mediocre yet appropriately earnest vocal delivery and bright guitars. I'll hope for more variety on their next record, but this marks a bright debut from a young band with a lot of promise.
- Nancy Baym
I sure do love it when bands make this reviewing racket easier. So let me express my gratitude to the eccentric Swedish band Tar... Feathers for doing virtually everything right to grab one's attention with this bizarrely titled CD "Make way for the ocean floor to fall to the surface." I hate trying to fit this into a genre, but "stylized art punk" is the general ballpark here, as this very accomplished outfit combines the fluid, disciplined guitar work and tension-laced vocals of multi-talented band leader Marcus Nyke with the utterly exemplary rhythm section of Morton Billeskalns (drums) and Pal Olovsson Rodenius (bass). Additional programming/drumming is also provided by Simon Stalhamre. The sleeve design itself is colorful and weird, and--bless my soul--a lyric sheet is provided. This is enormously helpful, because Nyke's voice here could be a dealbreaker for some. It's like he sings with clenched fists, in a manner that maxmizes both the tension in the lyrics and the dark emotions (often about social detachment or situational anger) powering many of the compositions. So you tend to feel tense yourself while listening, although the masterful playing acts as a reassuring buffer. "Breathing through a straw" exemplifies the potently effective interaction between the no-nonsense guitar and ace rhythm section; the band establishes a dynamic instrumental core that stays anchored for the entire recording. "Half a sentence" has a gritty energy that straddles the line between "arty" and "punk" with the former winning by a hair, and Nyke's occasional yelps or short shrieks act as a kind of weirdness beacon for the aural traveler. The moody "You are lucky to have nothing" has a captivating instrumental intro and gains from guest vocal harmonies by Anna Tomlin. It's great fun following the lyrics throughout, when they're encased in such willful nonconformity. Sample: "Someone seems to have it all/Someone else tries too hard/Why do some things float?/Why are bunnies hopping?" This may be uneasy listening, but it's truly distinctive. And since on that one and "Tada" Nyke is pretty much playing/programming everything himself, it's hard not to conclude that the guy is probably some sort of wacky genius. At any rate, for consistency of vision and overall sonic excellence, this is one of the best albums on the weirder side of Swedish rock since The State of Floral Beings' last CD. If you can get used to Nyke's edgy vocals, you'll find yourself enjoying one heck of a cool disc.
- Kevin Renick
It's got all the trademarks of Swedish twee - horns, girlish vocals that are just a little off, lo-fi production, fast effervescent melodies with a slightly 50s swing beat. It's even got a handclap solo on "Lack of nourishment" (the EP's highlight). It's almost enough to make you jump up and down on the CD in hopes it'll break except for that the songs have enough depth to hold interest over repeated listenings. It's vehemently not for those who don't like twee, but if you're an enthusiast, give it a listen.
- Nancy Baym
Some of you probably already noticed - there's a brand new netrelease from The Giant's Dream for download! "Aeons bygone" is an eight-song, 20-minute sci-fi post-rock/electronica concept piece and I've posted a good introductory track in the mp3 playlist if that sounds a bit daunting to you. Otherwise, I strongly suggest that you download the EP and put it on while reading my interview with Joakim Westlund, one-half of The Giant's Dream. As always, I am working hard to bring you the best and most interesting music that Scandinavia has to offer and, as with this offering, you can't beat the price. Enjoy!
The Giant's Dream - The wastelands of Arrakis
Traktor's new website is online and you can preview their entire new "Vulture" EP there by clicking on the jukebox: https://www.traktorbiz.com/
I realize it's not for everyone, but I really like their discordant rock style. Reminds me a bit of mid-90s Gravity/Ebullition style hardcore.
Tomt Recordings has confirmed that Leopold's second album "Friend of a friend" will be released on December 6. More info and samples here: https://www.tomtrecordings.se/?url=%2Farticle.php%3Fid%3D51
Finnish roots act The Latebirds will be recording a new album in early 2007, as will frontman Markus Nordenstreng under his own name. Read more: https://www.latebirds.com/news/44/
Check out the e-card for Fattaru's new record "Mina drömmars stad": https://www.emi.se/artists/fattaru/mds/index.htm
Apparently the video for the new single"Hörde jag skål" features contributions from Martin Kellerman of "Rocky" cartoon fame? Anyhow, I did the minimalist sound of the production on the tracks featured at the above link.
If Society is offering up Vene's entire demo CD as a free download: https://www.ifsociety.com/files/Vene-Hakanisti.zip
The band's debut full-length "Pimeä puoli" is out now.
Tar... Feathers