mixtune for Cully has a new non-album track up on myspace for listening entitled "International": myspace.com/mixtuneforcully" target="_blank">https://www.myspace.com/mixtuneforcully

Hybris Records act The Kid have their (excellent) new single "mayhem troopers" posted for free download: m.com/index2.php" target="_blank">https://www.hybrism.com/index2.php
Look for a new full-length album in may.

New European dates for Swedish postrock act September malevolence:

05/28 - Lades, Kopenhagen (DK)
05/29 - Grüner Jäger, Hamburg (GER)
05/30 - Schokoladen, Berlin (GER)
06/01 - Jadlodajnia Filozoficzna, Warschau (POL)
06/03 - Cafe Panam, Leipzig (GER)
06/04 - AZ Conni (tbc), Dresden (GER)
06/06 - Rockhouse, Salzburg (AUS)
06/07 - mKSC, Koper (SLO)
06/08 - Rhiz, Vienna (AUS)

Dusted reviews the Lasse marhaug cassette collection "Tapes 1990-1999": magazine.com/reviews/4120" target="_blank">https://www.dustedmagazine.com/reviews/4120

Themilkfactory reviews Swedish duo Wildbird & Peacedrums: milkfactory.co.uk/st/2008/04/wildbirds-peacedrums-heartcore-the-leaf-label/" target="_blank">https://www.themilkfactory.co.uk/st/2008/04/wildbirds-peacedrums-heartcore-the-leaf-label/

The new millencolin album "machine 15" is now streaming at myspace: myspace.com/millencolin" target="_blank">https://www.myspace.com/millencolin

The Washington Post Express talks to In the Country sideproject Ballrogg: m/read_freeride/2008/04/from_the_depths_ballrogg.php" target="_blank">https://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2008/04/from_the_depths_ballrogg.php

First there was Private, now there's Private Party: myspace.com/weareprivateparty" target="_blank">https://www.myspace.com/weareprivateparty

Check out a Digfi studio session with Swedish artist Action Biker: m/default.aspx?id=11704" target="_blank">https://www.digfi.com/default.aspx?id=11704

Atlantic Records has reportedly signed Lykke Li over here in the States and will be the ones responsible for releasing her debut album "Youth novels" later this year.
Update: might be UK-only. I am getting details confirmed.

MP3: Snöleoparden - Nr. 1

Snöleoparden likes the xylophone. It appears on many tracks on his self-titled debut and is even claimed as the title for one of the pieces. Wood, metal, maybe even plastic- all forms are put into play. At first I wasn't into it at all and wrote him off as an amateur Alog wannabe (no pun intended), but further listens have proven to be far more rewarding. The utilization of instruments typically associated with children's music is supposed to evoke feelings of naive wonderment, though unfortunately that doesn't always sit well with me and my often sour mood, so it's no surprise that such feelings often turn to annoyance in my world. However, when it does work, it works well, especially when Snöleoparden is able to latch onto a simple melody or repetitive rhythm. "Nr. 1" stumbles a bit in a wonky sort of way, but the more it gets tweaked out towards the end, the more interesting it is. I'm not completely wowed, but the live first-take feel is not without its charms. The spirit of playfulness is something I most certainly can endorse.

Snöleoparden - Nr. 1

The news is out: yes, I will be back in Sweden this summer. The good people at m.se/" target="_blank">STIm have invited me to attend this year's Hultsfred Festival and how could I refuse? See you there? Read the press release: myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=149470349&blogID=373291933" target="_blank">[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: m/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