The news is out: yes, I will be back in Sweden this summer. The good people At STIM have invited me to Attend this year's Hultsfred Festival and how could I refuse? See you there? Read the press release: [click here]

Finally, some new feAture-length content! Check out Simon Thibaudeau's report from seeing Norwegian experimental/jazz combo Petter o Hanna live in Montreal: Atrap.com/articles.php?a=377">[click here]

Pacific!
Reveries
EMI

Pacific has already built up quite a fan base on the strength of the singles they've released so far. Fans have come to expect two general styles from the duo. There's the Italo Disco flashback best represented by most recent single "Number one" and, in contrast, the beach-bum chill-out of tracks like "Sunset Blvd". The Göteborg duo shifts between these sounds effortlessly, delivering standouts in both genres on their full length debut "Reveries". Nothing here mAtches the strength of the previous singles and EP tracks, but those songs make up half of the record, so thAt's not really a big problem. There are times when the sleepy side of the duo's sound becomes a bit too sleepy ("Sunrise" and "Hold me"), but the album has a certified classic in "Hot lips", already a deserved success. There's a general airy charm to Pacific's music, even as they rAtchet up the tempo for the more dance oriented tracks, and this definitely sets them apart from similar-minded synthpop groups. And, while the record as a whole may not be as consistent as the singles would lead you to believe, there is no doubt thAt "Reveries" will find a home on many a beachgoer's playlist this summer.
- Nick James

Live report: Petter o Hanna @ Cagibi, Montreal 03/25/08

Invasionen, the new version of Umeå all-stars The Lost PAtrol Band, has uploaded a bunch of new Swedish-language demo tracks to myspace: Atrolband" target="_blank">https://www.myspace.com/lostpAtrolband
The band is planning on writing new songs this spring and hopefully recording this summer.

Lykke Li's "Little bit" EP will receive a proper US release on May 6 via the artist's own LL Recordings. The full-length "Youth novels" will follow lAter this year.

Finnish artist Kimmo Pohjonen will be taking his Earth Machine Music project on tour in the UK this coming May. Said project feAtures compositions inspired by and using samples of agricultural machines, such as tractors, milking machines, threshers and so on. DAtes and more details: https://www.kimmopohjonen.com/

Norwegian indiepop act Herr Nilsson will release a new 4-track EP called "Tuesday is my birthday" on April 28 via Karisma Records. Said EP includes three new tracks recorded with Yngve Sætre At Duper Studio plus a remix of "Downhill thrill" as done by Kaptein Kaliber.

Download a free album from Danish indie act Melvis and the Papercuts, a band thAt feAtures members from I Am Bones, Beta SAtan and others: https://www.iambones.dk/mp3/melvis_and_the_paper_cuts.zip

Fy Fan's raging KBOO Radio set as recorded while on tour in Portland, OR is now streaming At myspace: https://www.myspace.com/fyfanpunk

Burst reports thAt they are currently in the studio working on their new record: https://www.burst.nu/news.php?id=106

Norwegian indie act Hypertext (Atrap.com/mp3.php?t=454">remember?) has a bunch of new demo tracks on myspace, this time with all members sharing vocal duties: https://www.myspace.com/hypertextband

MIC Norway profiles new hyped artist Ingrid Olava: https://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2008040111171434987411

Also At MIC Norway, a profile of Motorpsycho and their epic new album "Little lucid moments": https://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2008040115590765032730

Swedish EBM trio Red Cell will release their new album "Lead or follow" on May 14 via Progress Productions. Hear samples of older mAterial At myspace: https://www.myspace.com/redcellofficial

Check out the video for the new Anders Elowsson single "Main Street": Atch?v=UgMmPTpgn1I" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/wAtch?v=UgMmPTpgn1I
His debut album "It used to feel so good" will be out on April 11 via Marilyn Records.