Pitchfork reviews the new Arve Henriksen record "Strjon": media.com/article/record_review/42848-strjon" target=_blank>https://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/42848-strjon
I feel like this is one of those records people are afraid to put down because they're afraid they'll seem stupid. I still need to spend more time with it, but I find it to be unfocused and unengaging so far.

Hey, look! A huge new batch of reviews is now posted: m/index.php?a=296">[click here]
If only those things would edit themselves!

Norrland melancholy rockers The Perishers will release their next album on September 4.

The new all-acoustic EP from The Confusions, aptly named "It sure looks like The Confusions but it sounds more acoustic", is out now and available via paid digital download or limited-edition CD only directly from the band or label (massproduktion). So to further entice you, the band is offering up a sample track for free: m/media/sound/the_confusions-all_dressed_up-acoustic.mp3" target=_blank>https://www.theconfusions.com/media/sound/the_confusions-all_dressed_up-acoustic.mp3

The band White Willow is still on hiatus, but they've posted an update concerning all the various members' sideprojects and other activities: https://www.whitewillow.org/

Flyphonic, the production team behind Swedish hip-hop artist Supersci, will be releasing a 5-track EP of their own entitled "mosiac tiles". It will include the Supersci track "Full steam ahead" as well as guestspots from various Swedish jazz artists. Look for it in June.

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli
02. Tone Damli Aaberge - Sweet Fever
03. TNT - The New Territory
04. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
05. BigBang - Too much Yang
06. magnet - The Simple Life
07. Vidar Busk and the Voo Doodz - Jookbox Charade
08. Tord Gustavsen Trio - Being There
09. Jonas Fjeld og Chatham C. - Amerikabesøk
10. D.D.E. - No går det så det suse
11. Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations
12. Steinar Albrigtsen - moments of Peace
13. Silje Nergaard - Darkness out of blue
14. Thomas Dybdahl - Science
15. Finn Kalvik - Komplett Klassisk Kalvik
16. my midnight Creeps - Histamin
17. mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao
18. Kristin Asbjørnsen - Wayfaring Stranger - A Spiritual Songbook
19. Shit City - God bless our home
20. Jokke & Valentinerne - Prisen for popen

Guitarist Peter Lindgren has left Opeth. Read his statement: m/main.html" target=_blank>https://www.opeth.com/main.html
Ex-Arch Enemy guitarist Fredrik Akesson has already been named as his replacement.

Kinda OT, but something I find interesting: Swedish film director Lukas moodysson's ("Fucking Åmål", "Tillsammans", "Lilja 4-ever") next film "mammuth" will be in English. Read more: https://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2204&a=651062 (in Swedish, ironically)

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
02. Sonja Aldén - Till dig
03. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
04. Cornelis Vreeswijk - CV - Det bästa med Cornelis Vreeswijk
05. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
06. Lillasyster - Hjärndöd musik för en hjärndöd generation
07. Eldkvarn - Svart blogg
08. Vikingarna - Bästa kramgoa låtarna 2
09. Nanne - Jag måste kyssa dig
10. marie Lindberg - Trying to recall
11. markoolio - Värsta Plattan
12. The Boppers - 30
14. Shout Out Louds - Our ill wills
15. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am
16. Timbuktu - Oberoendeframkallande
17. mr Jones machine - Återvändsgränd
18. Jerry Williams - I can jive - Det bästa med Jerry Williams
19. Laleh - Prinsessor
20. Emilia - Små ord av kärlek

Pitchfork has a new Club 8 track in their Forkcast section: media.com/article/download/42938-club-8-whatever-you-want-mp3" target=_blank>https://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/download/42938-club-8-whatever-you-want-mp3

MP3: Montt Mardié - Birthday boy (drama)

montt mardié, aka David Pagmar, has got high aspirations. Normally, I'm not one to go for his style of kitschy soul-pop, but I respect the man for trying and I actually think he's finally managed to acheive the sound he's been reaching for with the new double album "Clocks/Pretender". That's kind of been my thing about a lot of the bands on Hybris - I might not be totally into what they're doing, but I still have deep respect for the lot of 'em. Hybris stands for more than music and that's why they are one of Sweden's best indie labels.
The latest addition to montt mardié's "Drama" series "Birthday boy" is especially pleasing, partially because it's already familiar, but also because it ups the ante on the original formula with strings and a full horn section. This is the kind of record that David's been hoping to make from the beginning. Or maybe he'll achieve that with the upcoming live record he just did the other day? Regardless, it's great to see an artist be allowed to indulge themselves so freely. I might not love every song, but it's growing on me.

Montt Mardié - Birthday boy (drama)

Billie the Vision & the Dancers
Where the ocean meets my hand
Love Will Pay The Bills

This third album by Billie the Vision & The Dancers is quite interesting. Whilst the music is easily the strongest in their catalog to date (thus leaving the record with no moments that drag on), lyrically, the album is very inaccessible, which is somewhat strange considering their last two efforts. It feels as though they've recorded the album for their friends, with the numerous inside-jokes and descriptions of specific events ("Absolutely, salutely" and "A beautiful night in Oslo") and perhaps the most pop-culture references ever put to tape ("Overdosing with you" and "I've been having some strange dreams"). On top of that, the amount of characters has tripled, adding to the detachment of the listener. It's a tad discerning because I do consider this to be their most solid album, but I can't help but feel left on the outide of their very (very) bizarre world, looking on as Billie the Vision dances with tranvestites, Argentines and The Pipettes in the dimly lit parking lots of Oslo.
- Matt Giordano

The Chrysler
The Benelux years
Flora & Fauna

The Chrysler are a difficult band to describe; slow, layered pop songs that evoke decades past, with this feeling augmented in the warm, lo-fi production of their records. The band's strength lays in its members' consistently powerful craftsmanship, not so much in clever hooks, memorable choruses, or radio single potential. A few people who I've shared this band with have felt nostalgic for "The moon and the Antarctic"-era modest mouse, though this comparison has its pitfalls and flaws.
The tone of "The Benelux years" is set early on by "I keep my eyes on you sparrow", followed quickly by the complicated and affectionate "Seven wonders" – both songs setting the tone for the warmth that permeates the rest of the record, even in the slower, more reflective pieces found as the record progresses. The final sections of this effort conclude with all the strength and skill that its openers employed to bring it to our attentions, and the midway pieces developed to focus it in our conscious moments. Preceded by the Dire Straits-esque "250 hours in 238 days", the closing tracks are melancholy, though deceptively vibrant, and a fitting conclusion to the record as a whole. While my stereo will undoubtedly fall prey to the bright songs that the coming summer will inspire, there are moments that are enjoyed better with slower tempos and in lower keys, and in those moments I shall be found listening to this wonderful album.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson

Harlem
Cat scratch
Risky Dazzle

This is the latest release on über-cool vinyl-only label Risky Dazzle. "Cat scratch" brings to mind the glory days of acid-house, notably Josh Wink's "Higher state of consciousness" and more recently, the jittery groove of Benny Benassi. It is as much suited to the hipsters as it is to the purists, who will no doubt be gurning like it's 1991 all over again. Top one, nice one, get sorted!
- Nick Levine