It's an exciting thing to witness a band's inception. While Pascal Pinon's self-titled debut album is far from perfect, it crackles with a rare, unfiltered emotional honesty -- the heart of their sweet, simple songs rising above lo-fi recordings and elementary musical knowledge.
Not unlike reading a teenage girl's diary (which this might be, given that founding twin sisters Jófríður and Ásthildur and their friends Halla and Kristin were only 14 at the time of the recording), the album drips with simple, deeply felt emotion, with lyrics delivered in both English and Icelandic. "You should listen to it, and the words that I say, it's all terrible shit, and least I know that today," the girls sing in unison in "I wrote a song". While the line hints at the promise of future cynicism to come, for now, the girls seem at peace with guitar strums, shaking bells, and recorder choirs. Pascal Pinon may have better music in their future as both technical proficiency and life experiences grow, but never again will they make anything this beautifully honest and real. - Laura Studarus
Not that O-Zone has a monopoly on the whole "Mai ai hee" chant, but it is funny to hear it compared against Torpedo's new single "Waiting for the fall" since the two songs are world's apart. Or are they?
Yet another Swedish band with the name Monument? And with a similar goth/post-punk sound to boot. Not that I'm complaining since it's definitely a scene I'm into, but I must admit a slight preference for the more romantic sound of the OGs over the newbs' colder vibes. Still good though, no denying, but maybe they should start thinking about new names. Anyhow, check out the band's debut 7" "Teeth & tails", out now via their own and keep an eye out for another to be released soon once they finish mixing.
Jason Lytle (Grandaddy) is currently hanging around Göteborg where he will be producing the new Division of Laura Lee album. Pretty sure those guys are just about done with basic tracking so maybe we'll be hearing it by summer?
Swedish crust/doom act Pyramido is keeping a studio diary while they are recording their new album "Salt": https://pyramido.blogspot.com/
and are the labels that will be releasing the finished product.
Recent signees Rock N Roll Allstars have now officially completed work on their debut album which will be released in fall. Look for the very unsubtle-sounding lead single "Fuck me I'm famous" to debut in early March.
Fellow Nordic music blog All Scandinavian took their time, but they did finally get around to assembling their top 20 albums of the year: https://allscandinavian.com/4931/the-20-best-albums-of-2010/
Check elsewhere on their site for a few other best of-type posts.
Decibel did a video interview with two of the dudes from Meshuggah discussing their upcoming album which will be out later this year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3JT7ivNIvM
has confirmed that the new album "Goods" from Swedish singer/pianist Edda Magnason will be released on March 30. Download the lead single "Handsome" here: https://www.adrianfiles.com/Handsome-Singel_Edit.mp3
Look for a video for the track to appear soon.
Pascal Pinon