IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

MyFriends: Bluebridge the Quartet, Desktop Orchestra, Epidemics, Gentil, Harasser, Panter

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

I can't keep up! My list of bands to feature here gets longer and longer every day. Anyhow, here's six unsigned/up-and-coming acts that deserve more attention.

Bluebridge the Quartet
SOUNDS LIKE: Postjazz? Well, that's what they call it. Imagine what it sound like if EST indulged their rock side a bit more and I think you'll be close.
HIGHLIGHTS: Bergman, Torsdag, 2008 exclusive
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/bluebridgequartet

Desktop Orchestra
SOUNDS LIKE: It's amazing what you can accomplish with even a basic home studio these days. This is interesting electro/acoustic pop that should appeal to fans of acts like Fredrik or Fontän. Skirts the edges of experimentalism, but never alienating.
HIGHLIGHTS: Both tracks are great
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/desktoporchestradk

Epidemics
SOUNDS LIKE: Ex-members from Disconvenience soldier on with the punk-rock thing, 'cept now the vocal hooks are way bigger and the songs are better. Match that up with some excellent walking basslines and I can't help but think of The Rezillos. Nicely done!
HIGHLIGHTS: Bloodstains, Never grow up
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/epidemicspunk

Gentil
SOUNDS LIKE: Takes the weirdo electro/fucked-up indierock stylings of latter-era Bear Quartet and runs with it. Still a bit rough around the edges, but bursting with potential. Of course that probably means they'll be doomed to obscurity, but I'll be listening.
HIGHLIGHTS: Chapter 1 why language matters, Debaser
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/gentilmusic

Harasser
SOUNDS LIKE: Normally I'd say that attempting to emulate Swedish hardcore legends Breach is an idea that's doomed to fail, but somehow these Danes pull it off. Bravo!
HIGHLIGHTS: Fortabelse
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/fasterkatt

Panter
SOUNDS LIKE: Easily fits within the paradigm of modern indie MOR, but they do it well, so who am I to say it's no good? Again, tons of potential.
HIGHLIGHTS: Every song is eminently likable, but I like the low-key "Part time queers" best
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/pantermusic

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Umeå-based punkrockers Disconvenience have broken up. Look for members to start new bands soon.

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Umeå-based 70s punk rivivalists Disconvenience will spend most of April touring Europe and dates are posted here: http://www.acc.umu.se/~samhain/rickards/disconvenience/gigs.html

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Download the new video for "Umeå punk city" from Disconvenience: http://umeahardcore.com/bands/disconvenience/disconvenience-umea_punk_city.mov

Mon, 05 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Norrland punk-rockers Disconvenience report that their new full-length album "Umeå punk city" is finished and confirmed for release on LP in July via Cage Match Federation/Wasted Sounds. CD format will be out later on and Malaysian label Cactus Records will be putting it out on cassette with tracks from the "War on wankers" 7" included as a bonus. The sound is described as early 80s British punk meets the speed and urgency of early American hardcore. Listen to some samples:

01. Mental meltdown
02. I'm a pervert

Disconvenience War on wankers 7" Wasted Sounds

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Female-fronted punk-rock from Northern Sweden with above-average vocal melodies and harmonies. The lyrical content relies almost completely on naive punk clichés which is a bit disappointing, but while the subject matter is a bit tired, it\'s not handled so terribly. I know I\'ve heard far, far worse, so if you don\'t think too hard about it, it won\'t bother you. Not bad for a debut release, but they\'ll need to step it up to keep people\'s attention.

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Wasted Sounds is releasing the debut 7" from The Vicious, the new band from Sara of t(I)NC/Doughnuts along with members from Tristess, Regulations, DS13, Cult of Luna and Dead Ones. The band is set to release their debut full-length through Burning Heart later this year, but here's where you can hear 'em first. Check out a sample track: http://www.wastedsounds.com/mp3/Vicious_-_Suspicions.mp3
For ordering info and more new Norrland punk releases such as Auktion, Reign of Bombs and Disconvenience, go here: http://www.wastedsounds.com/