IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Moloken album pushed back to November

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:00:20 -0700

The new Moloken album "Rural" is mixed and ready to be mastered, but it will not be out this month like previously announced. Instead, the release is being pushed back to November while artist/animator Kenny Lindström (Bring Me the Horizon, Totalt Jävla Mörker, Logh, Norma Jean, etc.) finishes up hand-drawing the artwork and the band works on a new video Standard Film Team. More details (and hopefully samples) when I get 'em...

This week's Last.fm chart

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:07:57 -0800

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week unique to our group:

01. Säkert!
02. The Radio Dept.
03. Familjen
04. The Bear Quartet
05. Loney, dear
06. Håkan Hellström
07. Johnossi
08. Logh
09. The Concretes
10. Jens Lekman

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Presenting: Voice Of...

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 13:52:26 -0800

Check out Voice Of..., a new solo project from Joakim Westlund of Aerial/The Giant's Dream: http://www.voiceof.se/
RIYL Logh or any of Joakim's other bands.

A Swarm of the Sun e-card

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:06:27 -0700

Check out an e-card for A Swarm of the Sun's new album "Zenith": http://formton.se/aswarmofthesun/
If you dig Logh and Cult of Luna, these dudes are about halfway between.

Sirius playlist week #31

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:39:40 -0700

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:

01. Niels Nielsen - Dpend
02. TALK 1
03. Haleiwa - Pure vida dude
04. Óðmenn - Einn ég ræ
05. The Bear Quartet - Lovers goodbye
06. Night Minutes - Sweetheart at the funeral
07. TALK 2
08. A Swarm of the Sun - The worms are out
09. Logh - An alliance of hearts
10. Tomas Halberstad - I must be in love
11. TALK 3
12. Liechtenstein - On the tram
13. Scraps of Tape - Blindspot
14. Dear Euphoria - Coming down
15. Dyno - Emotional
16. TALK 4
17. Kvelertak - Ordsmedar av rang
18. The Social Services - Baltic Sea
19. Oriel Joans - Knuckles whiten
20. TALK 5
21. Ted Gärdestad - Oh, vilken härlig dag

Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.

MP3: Kausal - Evac

Mon, 24 May 2010 14:51:54 -0700

Isis announced their impending breakup last week which leaves a vast emptiness in the world of post-metal. Who will fill the void? Perhaps it could be Kausal -- they're one of the few bands I've heard of this ilk who seem to be charting their own path rather than stride down the tired, tried and true. Like countrymates Logh, they take many cues from solemn art-pop and evoke much of that band's same dark loneliness and longing, but they take it in a different direction by building on heavy repetition and incorporating subtle elements of improv. "Evac" shows them at one of their most accessible moments, as much of their debut album "In dead cities" is built on sprawling instrumentals, but there is still plenty of oomph in their sound, most notably in that huge kick and that cyclic and-one-and rhythmic pattern. The heavy mood is crucial too; in fact, I'd even say that's the most important aspect of getting this post-metal thing right. If you can still feel the weight of darkness pressing down during the most lush or quiet moments, you win. Kausal does, thus they earn my praise. I've generally felt positive towards everything I've heard from Version Studio before, but this is by far the best of the lot.

Logh in the studio

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:23:49 -0800

Logh started work on album #5 today.

Mattias Friberg (Logh) in NYC

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:50:54 -0700

Mattias Friberg (Logh) will be playing a one-off show in NYC before embarking on tour with Fever Ray at Piano's on September 23.

Additional Logh show in LA

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:27:46 -0700

Mattias Friberg has added an additional Logh solo show on September 9 at Hotel Cafe in LA.

Logh in the US details

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:49:42 -0700

Logh's upcoming show at the Knitting Factory in LA on September 10 (previously mentioned here) will actually just be Mattias Friberg solo + backing tracks. My understanding is that Mattias is coming over on tour with Fever Ray (he is doing backline) and will be taking the opportunity to do his own thing on the side.

Logh in the US at long last

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:26:59 -0700

Holy shit! Logh is confirmed for a show on September 10 at the Knitting Factory in LA. I have no idea if there will be other shows yet, but I'm trying to find out.

This week's Last.fm chart

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:03:14 -0700

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Miss Li
02. The Tough Alliance
03. Mew
04. Håkan Hellström
05. The Bear Quartet
06. Broder Daniel
07. Fever Ray
08. bob hund
09. Tiger Lou
10. Logh

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Logh's latest to get US release in October

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:23:20 -0700

Paper Tiger will be releasing Logh's most recent album "North" in the US this October. Now how about a tour?

MP3: Logh - Forest eyes (RBG version)

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:51:13 -0700

Despite releasing the new "Death to my hometown" EP recently, Logh has been keeping an extremely low profile as of late. Raising families, recording other bands, living life... just a few shows here and there, but mostly keeping quiet and out of the spotlight. It's a shame, but it's not as if I don't understand -- playing in an underappreciated band takes its toll, not to mention all the various false starts, botched US releases and other annoyances the band has faced. Of course I still stand behind them 100% and am happy to restate it, even if releasing a 7" wasn't enough by itself. As for the new EP, the standout for me is not the title track/single, but the new version of "Forest eyes" which originally appears on the album "North". As with much of the band's recent material, the mood is plaintive and reserved, though this updated version adds a synth throb and a driving beat that gives it so much more oomph over the original. Still, it's the band's restraint which gives them their strength -- the more they hold back, the more gripping it is. The e-bowed guitar adds more tension, too, way more than the plainspoken arrangement on the original. There's no massive conclusion either, but the resolve feels right. Anything else would be out of character. Still one of Sweden's best bands despite the lack of drama.

Sirius playlist week #28

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:18:48 -0700

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:

01. Samtidigt Som - Vid min sida
02. TALK 1
03. Tortyr - Ingen anger
04. Tribulation - Beyond the horror
05. The Fine Arts Showcase - Lovesick
06. TALK 2 (Umeå Punk City set)
07. The Bombettes - Oh boy
08. Industri Royal - Location location location
09. Regulations - Different needs
10. Moloken - Followers
11. Inständg - Kött är mord
12. Knugen Faller - Jag vill inte vara med
13. The Rats - Everything is a trap
14. TALK 3
15. Elmo - Blind heart
16. Logh - Forest eyes (RBG version)
17. Shining - Plågoande O'Helga plågoande
18. TALK 4
19. NEI - City of gold
20. Svart - Honey, honey
21. Fare You Well - It's almost over
22. TALK 5
23. Samuraj Cities - 2 close 2 yr hrt

Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.

Sirius playlist week #22

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:23:39 -0700

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:

01. Zacke ft. Movits - Spela mig på radion
02. TALK 1
03. Florence Valentin - Såld är såld
04. Ikons - Guns (Pistol Disco remix)
05. Logh - Death to my hometown
06. TALK 2
07. Thåström - Långtbort
08. Le Corbeau - Night stroll
09. Skriet - Fåglarna
10. TALK 3
11. Kongh - Unholy water
12. C.Aarmé - Blodet
13. TALK 4
14. The Bell - On and on
15. Heroes & Zeroes - Cipramillion
16. Ison & Fille - Jag skratter idag
17. TALK 5

Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.

Logh - Death to my hometown (video)

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:41:46 -0700

Check out the wacky video for Logh's new single "Death to my hometown": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVnZgUyMNWI&fmt=18

Sirius playlist week #17

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:29:41 -0700

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:

01. Rigas - It's a shame
02. TALK 1
03. Sonic Ritual - Take the edge off
04. Logh - Death to my hometown
05. Hanna Hirsch - Framtid och besvär
06. The Amazing - Dragon
07. TALK 2
08. Promoe - Growing up on the road
09. Robert Svensson - I was summer, you were
10. Thåström - Linnéa
11. TALK 3
12. Murmansk - Sumac
13. Röyksopp - This must be it
14. Fy Fan - Snick snack
15. We are the Storm - A song for our city
16. TALK 4
17. Truckfighters - Monte gargano
18. The Psyke Project - For us to see for us to help
19. Dear Euphoria - Tell me
20. TALK 5
21. Samuraj Cities - 2 close 2 yr hrt

Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.

New Logh EP, website

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:05:43 -0700

Logh's new EP "Death to my hometown", featuring 3 previously unreleased tracks, is out now and they've unveiled a new website to commemorate it: http://logh.se/
Go there for a preview as well as a live video from Danish radio.

Logh to play the End Pilot Festival in Germany

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:53:38 -0700

Logh will come out of semi-retirement and return to the live stage for the End Pilot Festival in Erfurt, Germany on April 11. Other Swedes appearing include Scraps of Tape and Erik Enocksson. More info: http://www.endpilot.de/

Logh video making-of preview

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:42:26 -0800

Logh is working with animator/director Kenny Lindström from Organic Level on the video for their new single "Death to my hometown". Check out some initial sketches here: http://picnicwithpanic.blogspot.com/2009/02/logh-death-to-my-hometown.html

Logh to release 'Death the my hometown' as a single

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:18:17 -0800

Logh will reportedly be releasing the song "Death to my hometown" as a single in the near future. A video is in the works.

The Idle Hands prep 'Dark rooms'

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:26:31 -0800

The Idle Hands are currently mixing their new album "Dark rooms" with Mathias Oldén (Logh). No release date yet, but samples should be online in a month or so.

MP3: Moto Boy - A room without you

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:00:53 -0800

Moto Boy- I think you're great, but that online concert earlier today? Not so hot. I mean, you looked and sounded good as far as I could tell, but the stream barely worked at all. I'm not sure if it's just a matter of your provider needing a better CDN or what, but I could only get video and audio in fits and starts. I'm not sure what kind of bitrate you were aiming for, but with a visitor list just under 200 (or so it said when I gave up), that's not good load balancing. I'm not all that surprised though -- aside from a few big media sites, I really haven't seen that many quality live flash streams. On-demand? Easy. But even though I don't work directly with streaming media these days as much as I used to, I know that doing live flash is much more problematic. So live and learn I guess.
On the other hand, your new music box? Beautifully done! Big ups to whoever came up with that because it made my wife very, very happy. I love that the piece is notated on the side of the box, too. It might not ever get as much day-to-day use as my Logh ice-scraper, but it will definitely receive a much more prominent display in my house.

New Kristofer Åström tracklist revealed

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:03:07 -0800

Startracks has posted the tracklist for the new Kristofer Åström album:

01. Presentación
02. Come out
03. The party
04. Blind motherfucker
05. Twentyseven
06. When her eyes turn blue
07. Big lie, idiot die
08. Hard to live
09. A song for while I'm away (Thin Lizzy)
10. Me & the snakes
11. Oh, man
12. Old man's car

I haven't heard anything yet myself, but my inside sources tell me that it's not as country as "Rainawaytown" (boo!) and that the backing band is the Rainaways for some of the album and with a trio the rest of the time.
UPDATE: Kris has provided with the correct titles and order and also a few more crucial details! The name of the album is "Sinkadus" and the aforementioned trio is composed of Fredrik Normark and Mattias Friberg (Logh). Also, in addition to the trio and Rainaways tracks, Kristofer plays a few songs together with producer Johan Lindström too. Can't wait to hear it!

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:36:49 -0800

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Tiger Lou
02. Anna Ternheim
03. Hello Saferide
04. The Soundtrack of Our Lives
05. Frida Hyvönen
06. Jens Lekman
07. The Bear Quartet
08. The Tough Alliance
09. Logh
10. The Fine Arts Showcase

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:50:42 -0800

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Familjen - Nu händer det igen
02. TALK 1
03. Murmansk - Pale
04. KTMK - Valaistu risti
05. Lapko - Hugging the phone
06. Hebosagil - Big sun
07. TALK 2
08. Samuraj Cities - Washed up!
09. Sad Day for Puppets - Marble gods
10. Logh - An alliance of hearts
11. Epidemics - Never grow up
12. TALK 3
13. Simon Says No! - Shiver
14. Kornstad - Turkey, Texas
15. Spirits of the Dead - White lady/Black rave
16. TALK 4
17. Laakso - Hang me in the Christmas tree

Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XM U. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and in my house, channel 831 on DirecTV.

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:33:32 -0800

Check out live footage of Logh performing live on Danish National Radio: http://www.dr.dk/P3/Spejder/indslag/20081113113727.htm
Very recommended, naturally.

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:10:30 -0700

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Hello Saferide
02. Håkan Hellström
03. Glasvegas
04. Detektivbyrån
05. The Knife
06. Britta Persson
07. Anna Ternheim
08. Fredrik
09. The Radio Dept.
10. Logh

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:39:20 -0700

Stereo Test Kit has a new label sampler for free download featuring music from We Are Soldiers We Have Guns, Band in Box, Logh and more: http://www.stereotestkit.com/stk/
Also be sure to head to the label's frontpage for another free track from We Are Soldiers We Have Guns.

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:03:14 -0700

Bad Taste Records is putting out a new comp on September 24 entitled "The Mission Hall Sessions" which is just that, a collection of recordings from their very own Mission Hall Studio in Lund. Artists featured include Christian Kjellvander, Mattias Friberg (Logh), Andi Almqvist and more. See here: http://www.badtasterecords.se/shop.asp?id=479&artistid=0&typeid=0

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:06:09 -0700

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Hello Saferide
02. Detektivbyrån
03. The Radio Dept.
04. Jens Lekman
05. Logh
06. Håkan Hellström
07. Shout Out Louds
08. Tiger Lou
09. Kent
10. Juvelen

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:05:25 -0700

German webzine Fallen/Legen has created a mixtape to accompany an article they posted focusing on the Swedish scene down in the southlands of Malmö and Skåne: http://www.fallen-legen.de/?p=359
Artists featured include Logh, Familjen, The Radio Dept. plus a whole lot more good stuff - very recommended! Deutsch reading comprehension not required.

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:29:35 -0700

Check out the Araki (Tiger Lou) remix of Logh's "Death to my hometown", now streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/logh

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:56:05 -0700

Scraps of Tape are at Mission Hall Studio with engineer/producer Mathias Oldén (Logh) for the next two weeks working on their next album.

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:23:16 -0700

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Logh - Saturday nightmares
02. TALK 1
03. Pay TV - Miss Capitalist
04. TST - No teenage future
05. Dmitry Fyodorov - Wolfbrigade
06. TALK 2
07. The Opium Cartel - Flicker girl (ft. Rachel Haden)
08. Bjorn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson - Någonting är pa väg
09. On Volcano - Out of sight
10. TALK 3
11. Lemonator - Heart burns
12. Loudpipes - Downhill blues
13. The Greencoats - Honey
14. TALK 4
15. Christian and Karla-Therese Kjellvander - Two souls
16. Detektivbyrån - Neonland
17. Knife and Ape - Upset blues
18. TALK 5
19. Cut City - Replacement
20. Culkin - Twin Lakes annual
21. Last Days of April - Playerin
22. TALK 6
23. Viking Truckers - Love on the road

Reminder: my show on Sirius Left of Center (channel 26) airs Sundays at 11pm ET with repeats on Monday.

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:56:15 -0700

In addtion to the upcoming German shows that Logh has planned for July (posted in the sidebar), they'll also be performing their excellent (and IMO, classic) album "The raging sun" in its entirety at Bang Bang Club in Berlin on July 29.

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:14:19 -0700

Check out the Logh track "Death to my hometown" as featured in the trailer for the videogame "World in conflict": http://www.gamespot.com/video/940051/6191813/videoplayerpop

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:33:59 -0700

Check the "in concert" sidebar for a few new Logh tourdates.

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:35:23 -0700

Bad Taste Records (Logh, Looptroop Rockers) has signed Sahara Hotnights and will be releasing their most recent album "What if leaving is a loving thing" all over Europe sometime around September. Expect European tourdates to be confirmed soon as well.

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 16:26:37 -0700

Here's this week's radio show playlist:

01. Desert Planet - Riot sector 68
02. TALK 1
03. Grande - We did it all
04. Sara Berg - Crawl back from under
05. Dialog Cet - Buckfighter
06. TALK 2
07. Doktor Kosmos - Doktor Kosmos släpper en skiva
08. Halph - Weight
09. Bright Oak - The undertow
10. TALK 3
11. Juvelen - They don't love you
12. Frivolvol - Take it from the beginning
13. Little Jimmy Reeves - Sidetracked
14. TALK 4
15. Keith Canisius - Omorose
16. The Kid - Mayhem troopers
17. Lognhalsmottagningen - Bodybuilder
18. Markus Krunegård - Rocken spelar ingen roll längre
19. TALK 5
20. Firefox AK - Techno tears
21. Biker Boy - April song (Mr Bananas remix)
22. Thomas Denver Jonsson - Saved by the bell
23. TALK 6
24. Nina Kinert - Pets & friends
25. Familjen - Hög luft
26. Brainbombs - Down in the gutter
27. TALK 7
28. Anders Persson och Carl Smith - Morgonsol i April
29. Abduktio - Uutisia rintamalta
30. Nordvargr - Rektal B
31. Karin Holmberg + hab - Who we are
32. TALK 8
33. Lapko - Killer whales
34. Madrugada - Lift me
35. Kristofer Åström & Hidden Truck - What I came here for
36. TALK 9
37. Sambassadeur - Subtle changes
38. Dreamboy - What have I done
39. The Tough Alliance - Lucky
40. TALK 10
41. Logh - Saturday nightmares

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:41:13 -0700

Stereo Test Kit has a new 10-track label sampler posted for free download: http://www.stereotestkit.com/
Artists featured include Band in Box, We Are Soldiers We Have Guns, Dear Euphoria, Audrey, Logh and more. And speaking of both Band in Box and We Are Soldiers We Have Guns, STK will be releasing new albums from both of them later this year. First up is Band in Box's debut "This fiction" in May with "Get up, get out" from We Are Soldiers We Have Guns following in June. Keep checking the STK website for new preview tracks from them in weeks to come.

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 22:53:58 -0800

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Tiger Lou - The loyal
02. TALK 1
03. Karin Ström - Silent night
04. Saft - I do not smoke
05. Caesars - Strawberry weed
06. TALK 2
07. Meshuggah - Bleed
08. Pacific! - Number one
09. Pascal - Längtar efter dig
10. TALK 3
11. Logh - An alliance of hearts
12. Benea Reach - New waters
13. Astrid Swan - Sea/e life
14. TALK 4
15. Lykke Li - I'm good, I'm gone
16. The High Hats - Bitterswede
17. Lis Er Stille - Lorelei
18. TALK 5
19. The Tough Alliance - Leg 7
20. Cosmic Overdose - En av dom
21. The Second Band - The piano machine
22. TALK 6
23. De Stijl - Date times
24. Death Breath - Death breath
25. Montys Loco - Farewell Mr Happy
26. Randy - Freedom song
27. TALK 7
28. Jonas Knutsson & Horn Please! - Snygg Olles polska
29. Moonbabies - Forever changes everything now
30. Kristofer Åström - Conjure me
31. TALK 8
32. Ljudbilden & Piloten - Wedding
33. Anna Leong - Guillotine
34. Convoj - RAMJAC
35. TALK 9
36. Tsukimono - Gloomy Sunday

Top 10s for 2007: Niklas Åström (Ef, And the Sound)

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800

These albums have made the biggest impact on me during 2007.

Logh – North
After the disappointment that "A sunset panorama" left me with, I met this album with quite lot pessimism. Downloaded it during Music in Mind festival in Brugge, Belgium in February and it really blew me away, and saved me from dying of boredom during the long drives the rest of the ef tour.

Digitalism – Digitalism
2007 was the year I discovered how fun it was to dance the nights away with this kind of techno/electroklash/trash/whatever. "Pogo" might be the song of the summer 2007.

Radiohead – In rainbows
No need for comments.

Aerial – The sentinel
The best indie/post rock album of 2007, and it's Swedish! I love those lyrical parts.

Sdnmt – The goal is to make the animals happy
The second best indie/post rock albums of 2007, and it's German! And yeah, the lyrical parts are lovely here as well ;)

Polarkreis 18 – s/t
Mix Sigur Rós, Radiohead and Coldplay and you kind of get it. Great songwriting, nice ideas, well produced, superb sound. And it's German! Who could believe that?

Siva. - The story is complete, but I think we've lost the book
What the... another German indie band that gets on my list?! Great alternative indie rock, heavily influed by Radiohead, but is still able to make something of their own.

Staffraen Hákon – Gummi
I rediscovered this Icelandic artist. Last time I listened to him was in 2004, and was more minimalistic and ambient electronica. Now its pure Icelandic beauty in the veins of Sigur Rós, all topped with vocals signed Efterklang.

Amiina – Kurr
More Icelandic beauty! Strings, toy instruments and electronics topped with tender vocals. Lovely piece of music that makes me relax.

Olafur Arnalds - Eulogy for Evolution
And the 3^rd Icelandic artist! I never thought strings and piano would attract me so much it did during 2007. Together with the soundtrack of The Fountain (signed Clint Mansell), Johann Johansson and Max Ricther – Olafur Arnalds really get me nailed to modern alternative classical music.

---------------------------
Niklas Åström plays drums for the band Ef and also runs the label And the Sound. Ef's new album "I am responsible" will be released on January 19 via ATS.
www.andthesound.se
www.efmusic.nu
www.myspace.com/ef

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:16:58 -0800

Eskju Divine are currently in the studio with Mathias Oldén (Logh) working on their third album.

Top 10s for 2007: It's a Trap!

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Another year down, another batch of top 10 lists to add to the already overwhelming commotion. I probably listened to more music than ever in 2007, yet putting together this year's list was painless compared to year's past. The simple reason why: all the best releases were obvious. Yes, there were notable also-rans, but let's leave that to the comments section. For now, let's just stick to top tens.
-Avi Roig, Editor-in-Chief

10. Various Artists - Ny musik för landssorg (Container Recordings)
Exceptionally moving. A high-concept work of art.

09. Repoman - s/t (Monument)
Fierce, unrepentent hardcore. I can only imagine how good this must sound live.

08. Tobias Hellkvist - Transports (self-released)
Beautiful, blissed-out drone. Pure aural sunshine.

07. Familjen - Det snurrar i min skalle (Adrian Recordings/Hybris)
The perfect response for anyone put off by the coldness of The Knife. Familjen is destined for greatness.

06. Maia Hirasawa - Though, I'm just me (Razzia)
Cute without being too cloying, sweet without being too twee. The best indiepop album of the year.

05. Susanne Sundfør - s/t (MBN)
A tremendously talented young lady from Norway who's probably only just getting started.

04. Aerial - The sentinel (Nomethod/Tangled Up!)
I knew this was top 10 material the first time I heard it. Nobody does epic noiserock better.

03. Laakso - Mother, am I good looking? (V2)
The easy consensus pick. Uneven overall, but forgivable when you consider that this record contains more than a handful of the year's best songs.

02. Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words - Fall, fall, falling (Kalligrammofon)
The yin to Tobias Hellkvist's yang. Where Hellkvist's music makes me want to stand with arms outstretched, ready to embrace the world, Dead Letters makes me want to curl up in a fetal position in a dark corner. I never realized how profoundly moving drone could be until I heard this.

01. Kristofer Åström - RainawayTown (Startracks)
Far and away the album I listened to the most this year and the one I know I'll hold dear for years to come. From tender ballads ("Fallen") to raucous rock'n'roll ("A little out of tune"), this record covers the full spectrum of human experience and puts it into song.

Jonas Appelqvist

10. The Fine Arts Showcase - Sings Rough Bunnies (Adrian Recordings)
A cover album strictly consisting of songs from obscure indie duo Rough Bunnies is commercial suicide. But Gustaf Kjellvander's craftsmanship is so honest and true, it's impossible not to capitulate.

09. Knugen Faller – Lugna favoriter (Cage Match Federation/Ny Våg)
Fans of Buzzcocks, Gorilla Angreb and X should immediately go get a copy of this one!

08. The Lionheart Brothers – Dizzy kiss (Racing Junior/NONS)
Psychedelic rock in the vein of fellow countrymen Euroboys.

07. Moonbabies – At the ballroom (Startracks)
The duo of Ola Frick and Carina Johansson left their more experimental side at home, recorded and released a wonderful pop oriented full-length album and it is infectious.

06. Repoman – s/t (Monument)
The ferocity in Repoman's music is breathtaking. Hardcore resembling Converge is always welcome in my book.

05. My Midnight Creeps – Histamin (Dead Moose/EMI)
In the absence of new material from The Soundtrack of Our Lives, this is where to go. Primal rock at its best suffered a huge loss with the death of guitarist Robert Burås. He will be missed. RIP.

04. Aerial – The sentinel (Nomethod/Tangled Up!)
These guys go from strength to strength. "Black rain from the bombing" gave us a hint on what was coming. This is headstrong indierock that has no intention to rub the right way. Kudos to that!

03. MABD – Ditt hjärta är en stjärna (A West Side Fabrication)
I adored "Tunaskolan" when it came out. This is an even better record. Cynical lyrics, Springsteen-ish vibes and punk rock mixed with Matti Alkberg's unmistakable voice. Magic!

02. Laakso – Mother, am I good looking? (V2)
There's not a chance to defend you from the attack that is this record. And really, why should you? Surrender to Sweden's finest pop combo!

01. Logh – North (Bad Taste Records)
Having released several wonderful records, this is the culmination of their career thus far. Indierock has never sounded this beautiful.

Nancy Baym

10. Pelle Carlberg - In a nutshell (Labrador/Twentyseven Records)
I still feel like he's falling short of his potential, but even a so-so Pelle Carlberg record has enough outstanding moments to carry the day.

09. Vapnet - Något dålight nytt har hänt (Hybris)
Who was it that said they like this band more than ice-cream? Tasty bouncy sweets.

08. Thirdimension - Before the end begins (Hidden Agenda)
A quiet acoustic live performance lets the strength of the songs shine through.

07. Familjen - Det snurrar i min skalle (Adrian Recordings/Hybris)
I am no fan of electronica, but this record's got too much pop sensibility to ignore.

06. Les Issambres - Late fairytales (Fifth Week Records)
This surprise little record out of nowhere enchanted me with its sister/brother vocal arrangements, simple but compelling songs, and non-pretentious flute.

05. Isolation Years - Sign, sign (NONS)
Their most consistent record to date has some great songs, and no duds, but doesn't have the outstanding highlights of some of their previous efforts.

04. Sambassadeur - Migration (Labrador)
The word "lush" is getting tossed about a lot in reference to this record, and indeed, it shimmers and shines. Very nice second record sees them grow in new directions.

03. Club 8 - The boy who couldn't stop dreaming (Labrador)
Soft, seductive, and beautifully performed, the sixth record from Club 8 is easily their best, despite a couple of dull moments.

02. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin (Dead Moose/EMI)
Robert Burås' far-too-early death this year was a heartbreaking loss, but this last offering wonderfully showcases the magnitude of his epic guitar playing genius.

01. The Fine Arts Showcase - Sings Rough Bunnies (Adrian Recordings)
Gustaf Kjellvander transforms lofi seeds of great ideas into ultracatchy pop brilliance. Easily got more playtime out of me than anything else this year.

Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson

10. The Mary Onettes – s/t (Labrador)
80s throwback bands may have finally been forced to take a backseat this year, but The Mary Onettes celebrate that strange and influential era of music in a way that few bands could ever claim to.

09. Seabear – The ghost that carried us away (Morr Music)
Seabear exude a delightful warmth into their compositions: something lost, almost nostalgia inducing, foreign without being unfamiliar, and altogether wonderful.

08. Jens Lekman – Night falls over Kortedala (Service/Secretly Canadian)
Darling of every blogger and hype-generating music website the world over, Jens Lekman did indeed make his mark upon 2007.

07. CS Nielsen – Against the dying of the light (Songcrafter Music)
In September, I wrote that CS Nielsen had crafted one of the greatest albums of the year. I stand by that statement.

06. Anna Järvinen – Jag fick feeling (Häpna)
"Jag fick feeling" will, for the foreseeable future, be one of the first albums I run to as the leaves sicken, bleed out their autumn hues, and gracefully descend to the ground below.

05. Immanu El – They'll come, they come (And the Sound)
As I wrote in my review of this album, Immanu El's "They'll come, they come" is unquestionably a forceful and substantial album; an effort that probes sections of our musical consciousness that have fallen into shadow and been ignored too long.

04. The Chrysler – The Benelux years (Flora & Fauna)
Dropping one spot since the June round up, "The Benelux years" still surprises me with new layers every time I listen to it. The Chrysler are one of the most underrated bands of all time.

03. Kent – Tillbaka till samtiden (SME)
Kent have absolutely nothing to prove anymore - they are arguably one of the best Swedish bands of all time - and yet they continue to prove themselves, over and over and over again. It's frightening.

02. Shout Out Louds – Our ill wills (Bud Fox/Merge)
Another album whose position was solidified earlier in the year, "Our ill wills" is still one of the best sophomore albums I have ever heard.

01. Aerial – The sentinel (Nomethod/Tangled Up!)
I fell in love with this album in January, continued to proclaim its brilliance in June, and, a few hours from December, crown "The sentinel" the best album of 2007. Absolutely brilliant.

Matt Giordano

10. Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words - Fall, fall, falling (Kalligrammofon)
Beautifully subtle and understated noise.

09. The Chrysler - The Benelux years (Flora & Fauna)
The Chrysler upped the tempo on their third album, and it's easily their best.

08. Christian Kjellvander - I saw her from here/I saw here from her (Startracks)
On his third, and best album, the arrangements have finally acted on the ideas.

07. Boeoes Kaelstigen - Pan European (Adrian Recordings)
Brilliant electronica from this Swedish duo.

06. Montt Mardié - Clocks/Pretender (Hybris)
This second album sees big band and swing return to the musical landscape.

05. The Fine Arts Showcase - Sings Rough Bunnies (Adrian Recordings)
Gustaf reinterprets the Rough Bunnies to gorgeous results.

04. Juvelen - s/t (Hybris)
Hot and sweaty pop music has returned!

03. The Tough Alliance - A new chance (Sincerely Yours)
Göteborg's best have honed their sound into hedonistic pop bliss.

02. Laakso - Mother, am I good looking? (V2)
Sweden's best band delivered its third album in such a fashion only they could - with "Italy vs. Helsinki".

01. Familjen - Det snurrar i min skalle (Adrian Recordings/Hybris)
Familjen's debut album is the best pure pop full-length I have heard all year.

Nick Levine

10. Ninja – I don't play guitar (Popyhtiö)
Finland's answer to Robyn. At the forefront of Finnish pop music. This record has some serious crossover potential.

09. Billie the Vision & The Dancers – Where the ocean meets my hand (Love Will Pay the Bills)
Not a radical departure from previous releases. But hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

08. Familjen - Det snurrar i min skalle (Adrian/Hybris)
Zeitgeist-defining record. Sweden's answer to new rave?

07. Jens Lekman - Night falls over Kortedala (Service/Secretly Canadian)
More upbeat than Jen's previous efforts. Is this mellowing due to his recent engagement?

06. Boat Club – Caught the breeze (Luxury)
Atmospheric shoegaze and Balearic-lite prog pop.

05. Laakso – Mother, am I good looking? (V2)
The most commercially successful release from Laakso thus far.

04. Studio – West Coast (Information)
I'm counting this as it only got a UK release this year. Credit must also be given for some of Studio's superb remixes for the likes of Shout Out Louds and Rubies.

03. Those Dancing Days - s/t (V2)
Undoubtedly the biggest Swedish buzz band of the year. Helped in no small part by It's a Trap.

02. The Tough Alliance – A new chance (Sincerely Yours)
Stunning comeback record, after the experimentation of 2006's "Escaping your ambitions".

01. Shout Out Louds – Our ill wills (Bud Fox/Merge)
This records features the best use of cowbell in 2007.

Christian Stenbacke

10. Kent – Tillbaka till samtiden (SME)
The journey back into the dark electronical realms of the 80's might not have been the perfect career move, but on the other hand, since when has Kent ever cared about such a petty thing?

09. Sällskapet – s/t (Universal)
Cold and dark and damp - Pelle Ossler vs. Joakim Thåström - Life drained from the body, machines in control, the last thing leaving mankind is hope. Are you ready to enter room 212?

08. Kristofer Åström – RainawayTown (Startracks)
There is something special about Kristofer Åström. He has the ability to get to the things that really matter with small words and measures.

07. Bloodlights – s/t (Playground Music)
All things have to come to and end, Glucifer is no more, but the Captain lives on. Bloodlights is cock rock at its best.

06. The Mary Onettes – s/t (Labrador)
It's so obvious and it's so perfect. The Mary Onettes hardly try to hide their Anglophile influences and why should they?

05. Christian Kjellvander – I saw her from her/I saw here from her (Startracks)
Christian Kjellvander is a man of quality; every song sung from his lips is of highest standard.

04. José González – In our nature (Imperial/Mute)
The man is just marvelous; catching every single raw emotion there is with his incredible guitar work and simple, yet direct, voice.

03. The Raveonettes – Lust lust lust (Border Music/Vice)
Finally back to basics; the magic of Sune Wagner and Sharin Foo's voices bound together and the bleak Jesus & Mary Chain meets 50s surf music is a fascinating combination.

02. Logh – North (Bad Taste Records)
Instead of calling it quits, Logh decided to pull it together and release a new album, the best decision ever made.

01. Sound Like Violence – With blood on my hands (Burning Heart)
What is Niccokick compared to this? This is the best album this year by far; the impact of every song is overwhelming.

Simon Tagestam

10. The Hives – The black and white album (Interscope)
Not as good as I wanted it to be, but The Hives manage to deliver a bunch of great songs.

09. Shout Out Louds – Our ill wills (Bud Fox/Merge)
A strong and solid second album from Shout Out Louds.

08. Frida Hyvönen – Pudel (Licking Fingers)
A mini album that has given me very high hopes for Hyvönen's second proper full-length.

07. Anna Järvinen – Jag fick feeling (Häpna)
It took me some time to warm to this Järvinen's solo debut, but now I find it really cosy and pleasant, it's a great album for cold winter nights.

06. Jonas Game – ADHD (Sincerely Yours)
Bad Cash Quartet's drummer managed to make a very personal and intriguing album full of hits.

05. The Tough Alliance – A new chance (Sincerely Yours)
Nice to see TTA back on track after last year's weird ambient album.

04. The Lovekevins – Vs the snow (Songs I Wish I Had Written)
I knew that The LKs were good, but I didn't think they could be this good!

03. Alexis Weak – Välkommen till Gullmarsplan (La Vida Locash)
Ok, it's only a half an hour (free!) mixtape, but I got really addicted to Alexis Weak's personal rapping style in 2007.

02. Säkert! – s/t (Razzia)
It was nice to see the Swedish public embracing Annika Norlin's side project and making her the star she deserves to be.

01. Jens Lekman – Nights falls over Kortedala (Service/Secretly Canadian)
Ah, the King of Sweden! Or, at least he should be. Lekman is the greatest.

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:28:49 -0800

Special offer for December! Buy one "It's a trap! Reader's companion", get the other for free! Or buy either of the Logh or Tiger Lou 7"s and get a dollar off each! Also note that I've lowered the price of the KVLR CD to a mere $4! Go shopping!

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:31:23 -0800

Rumor has it that Logh is working on a live album.

José González Live @ Babylon Berlin:Mitte, Berlin, 11/12/07

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Having seen José once before as opening act for Logh in December 2004, I went into this concert with very high expectations. Roughly two years and a sharp rise in popularity later, he was now set to play an old cinema in Berlin-Mitte - a beautiful location, complete with plush curtains, balcony and mirror ball. José took the stage exactly on time (the concert was being broadcast live on the radio) and played an equal mix of older and newer tracks. Crowd responses grew more intense during current single "Down the line" and reached a peak in the brilliant encore of "Storm", "Hearbeats", "Crosses" and "Love will tear us apart". Generally, his guitar-playing seemed rougher and more aggressive than before, in line with the anger and darkness of the lyrics from current album "In our nature" (as well as with the closing Joy Division cover) and that made his performance all the more intense. Truly a memorable evening, although maybe a bit short - a second set had been scheduled for about an hour later due to huge demand for tickets.

MyFriends: The Deed, Hymns from Nineveh, In a City By the Sea, The Mymmelins, Twin Piloda

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800

This time out, I'm all about sideprojects.

The Deed
SOUNDS LIKE: The guys from Iisole are involved in a bazillion different projects so here's one featuring Martin Nilsson. Like his main band, this is definitely in the melancholic (post-)rock realm (think: Logh), but a bit more laid back.
HIGHLIGHTS: All three tracks are great, you only gotta give 'em time to reveal themselves
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/nilssonmartin

Hymns from Nineveh
SOUNDS LIKE: Devotional music from Jonas Petersen of Danish act Attrap. Take it from a non-Christian - this is very well done.
HIGHLIGHTS: Rejoicingalongsong, A tired man sings abide
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/hymnsfromnineveh

In a City By the Sea
SOUNDS LIKE: More melancholic musings, this time from Mikael Kærsgaard of Munich, a band who happens to be good friends with the aforementioned Attrap. Again, quite nice.
HIGHLIGHTS: He's allright [sic], Shipwrecks
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/inacitybythesea

The Mymmelins
SOUNDS LIKE: Fun's younger, grungier brother.
HIGHLIGHTS: Vompat disco, Conflict in the backyard
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/themymmelins

Twin Piloda
SOUNDS LIKE: High quality pop from Måns Wieslander, a man best known to me for his work with Moonbabies.
HIGHLIGHTS: Shut up and wave, Cousin evil
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/twinpiloda

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:58:08 -0800

Audrey will be begin recording their next album at Mission Hall in Skåne, Sweden on December 27. Mathias Oldén (Logh) will produce/engineer.

Immanu El They'll come, they come And the Sound

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Having dedicated a decent amount of the past five years of my life to the music scene (in various functions and positions, most ending in savage failure), I've developed a rather refined musical palate. I nod and smile and say things like, "Yeah, this band's not too bad" when a friend plays me a song or a group they've recently fallen in love with, but rarely do I find these sessions truly rewarding. My ears have been damaged too long and too often by music for me to continuously fall over myself for new bands like I used to (but I desperately search for that wide eyed, naïve boy in the landscapes painted in new records), not unless they're really bringing something to the table. And Immanu El's "They'll come, they come" is unquestionably a forceful and substantial album; an effort that probes sections of our musical consciousness that have fallen into shadow and been ignored too long.

Sweden has Aerial and Once We Were, both bands supporting a very high standard for the cinematic explorations of other Scandinavian groups, and Immanu El pass this rigorous assessment with flair and elegance. As is often the case with exceptional records, the closer is brilliant. "...in valleys" is a sweeping, graceful composition, and a fitting conclusion to an album that effortlessly traverses terrain we typically associate with bands like Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, and Logh. It's difficult to truly do anything novel and unique in the genre of post-rock, but Immanu El come damned close, at the very least combining all the beauty that the aforementioned groups investigate in a subtle, distinctive manner. "Panda" demonstrates how essential Claes Nilsson Strängberg's voice is to the overall sound and achievement of Immanu El. Vocals are often absent from these types of explorations, and attempting to place a voice into the strata of other instrumentation is a complicated and precarious procedure. Immanu El excel in this respect, and in a myriad other respects throughout. Absolutely brilliant.

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 16:10:25 -0700

The playlist for my radio show this week:

01. Mattias Bärjed - 99 pounds
02. TALK 1
03. Piroth - Waltz for prima ballerina
04. Hyacinth House - Swedish signs on Monkey Island
05. Aerial - Secret goddess
06. Icos - Fly away
07. TALK 2
08. Robyn - Konichiwa bitches (Trentemøller remix)
09. Folke Rabe - Argh!
10. Him Kerosene - Ladybugs
11. TALK 3
12. Audionom - In the streets
13. The Alpine - Trigger
14. Immanu El - Astral days
15. TALK 4
16. Nina Ramsby & Martin Hederos - Jag har en vän
17. Logh - Thieves in the palace
18. Galento - Gunnar Hardings paraply
19. TALK 5
20. Promise and the Monster - Antarkis
21. The Je Ne Sais Quoi - Heroica
22. Anchor - In the throes of passion
23. TALK 6
24. Repoman - Valley of snakes
25. Ulver - Shadows of the sun
26. Bobby Baby - Do not twist
27. TALK 7
28. Superfamily - Warszawa
29. The Fine Arts Showcase - Modern love
30. Sinikka Langeland - Sus i myrull
31. TALK 8
32. Graveyard - Thin line
33. Mai - Snowing downtown
34. KVLR - Abomination
35. TALK 9
36. Säkert! - Sanningsdan

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

I'm not sure if everyone gets the same 'more video' links at the end of that Fine Arts Showcase clip, but I got tipped on some excellent live clips of Logh from Malmöfestivalen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaH2oI0-VJo
Definitely worth checking out!

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Laakso - Worst case scenario
02. TALK 1
03. Superfamily - I want my money back
04. The Bear Quartet - Ask me don't axe me
05. Ståålfågel - Små gröna män
06. TALK 2
07. Printer - Satisfaction (radio edit)
08. NEI - New morning
09. Paper - Out of it into it
10. Darkthrone - Canadian metal
11. TALK 3
12. Sweatmaster - Animal
13. Bloodbath - Buried by the dead
14. Moneybrother - Guess who's gonna get some tonight
15. TALK 4
16. The Perishers - Victorious
17. The Skull Defekts - Unholy drums are singing
18. Hell On Wheels - Alexander
19. TALK 5
20. Karin Ström - Ordlös
21. Kompjotr Eplektrika - Skulldrummantra
22. Scraps of Tape - How your heart gets thrown
23. TALK 6
24. Brainbombs - Stinking memory
25. M:40 - Brännmärkt
26. Logh - Bring on the ether
27. TALK 7
28. CS Nielsen - Happy
29. Amorphis - Weaving the incantation
30. Juvelen - Hanna
31. TALK 8
32. Killerchaps - Equally dumb
33. Dinosau - Derr lady
34. Knugen Faller - Inte som ni
35. TALK 9
36. The Kissaway Trail - La la song
37. Pg.Lost - Yes I am
38. Suburban Kids with Biblical Names - Marry me
39. TALK 10
40. Don Juan Dracula - Take me home

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

UK-based label Stereo Test Kit (Logh, Boy Omega, Audrey, etc.) has signed Band in Box and will be releasing their debut album early next year along with a split 7" in November. Listen to demo tracks: http://www.myspace.com/bandinbox

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for my radio show this week:

01. Säkert! - Allt som är ditt
02. TALK 1
03. Madrugada - Shine
04. My Midnight Creeps - Don't let 'em bring you down
05. TALK 2
06. Asha Ali - A promise broken
07. Detektivbyrån - Hemvägen
08. Pelle Carlberg - Clever girls like clever boys much more than clever boys like clever girls
09. TALK 3
10. Enslaved - 793 (Slaget om Lindisfarne)
11. TALK 4
12. Fare You Well - Take me away
13. The Kissaway Trail - Smother + Evil = Hurt
14. Emmon - Wake up time (Thermostatic remix)
15. TALK 5
16. KVLR - Traitors and thieves
17. Magnus Carlsson - Va med mig
18. Jonas Kullhammar Quartet - Bebopalulia
19. TALK 6
20. De Må Være Belgiere - Cirkler
21. Johndoe - Kjøtere
22. Manes - Deeprooted
23. TALK 7
24. Khoma - Stop making speeches
25. The Giant's Dream - Significant dawn
26. Las Puertas - The water
27. TALK 8
28. Lordi - The chainsaw buffet
29. Logh - A sunset knife fight
30. Lack - 5 o'clock in the evening
31. TALK 9
32. The Bear Quartet - Before the trenches
33. Jan Johansson - Visa från Utanmyra
34. TALK 10
35. Kashmir - The aftermath

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Kaizers Orchestra - Ompa til du dør
02. TALK 1
03. Logh - Thieves in the palace
04. Élodie - At the end of the line
05. Beem - Ducker
06. TALK 2
07. Hell On Wheels - Alexander
08. Isolation Years - Albino child
09. Honey Is Cool - Bolero
10. TALK 3
11. Mob - Wait for me
12. Skywriter - For heaven's sake
13. Menfolk - Zero is also a number
14. TALK 4
15. Plain Fade - Datura
16. Division of Laura Lee - Dirty love
17. Det Gamla Landet - Det heliga landet
18. TALK 5
19. Elope - Black eyed citizen
20. Fontän - You, me & a tree
21. Gehenna - Touched and left for dead
22. TALK 6
23. Mustasch - I hunt alone
24. Cobolt - The Atlantic Ocean takes her back
25. Blinders On - Blinders are on
26. Madrugada - Higher
27. TALK 7
28. Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words - I could have sworn I heard them SING
29. Notre Dame - Into the coven
30. TALK 8
31. The Motorhomes - The man

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

UK-based label Stereo Test Kit will begin promoting Logh in late August by releasing the single "Saturday nightmares". The album "North", the band's most recent, will follow in September along with a tour later that month. Exact details soon.

Listmania! 2007 so far

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

An ever-increasing glut of new releases and an always-shrinking attention span means that it's harder than ever to keep track of all the music that is able to withstand the test of time. We can help! Yes, it's time once again for the feature that everyone loves to hate - the top 10 list. Okay, top 3s. We're only halfway through 2007, after all. So what has the collective contributing force of It's A Trap! been listening to the most these past six months? Read on!
- Avi Roig, Editor-in-Chief

Jonas Appelqvist:

Logh – North (Bad Taste Records)
An album that crawls under your skin to move you in every way imaginable. Atmospheric, dark and gloomy, yet filled with hope and warmth. Pure magic.
Säkert! - s/t (Razzia)
Annika Norlin together with peeps from Isolation Years. Immediate success of course. And in dialect, which is a huge plus!
Laakso – Mother, am I good looking? (V2)
Needless to say, everything Markus Krunegård touches turns to gold (remember Hets from last year's top ten-list?). Indiepop at its best.

Nancy Baym:

Isolation Years - Sign sign (NONS)
Lacks the high points of their previous records, but it's their most consistent and it spent most of January on repeat.
The Fine Arts Showcase - Sing Rough Bunnies (Adrian Recordings)
Just released and maybe I'll tire of it, but not yet. 30 minutes of delicious pop ditties sung by a man who really knows how to sing. Very tasty, but leaves me hungry for more.
My Midnight Creeps - Histamin (MMC Records/EMI)
Big loud swamp rock with massive guitars. Excellent music for falling on your knees and pumping fists in the air and some walls of sound that epitomize all that rock and roll should be.

Jason Christie:

Familjen - Det snurrar i min skalle (Adrian Recordings/Hybris)
It is zeitgeist. Everything about this is fresh. Not-a-jot of cynicism. Sweden's best act now.
Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing (Stand By Your Band)
Thankfully carving out a breezier side on the new disc. This year's surprise.
Laakso - Mämmilä rock (PEC FI)
Laakso are HUGE. Apparently took 45 years to make using a process more secretive than Iran's muclear program and as mental as the 'Sinner or a winner' bloke on Piccadilly Circus.

Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson:

Aerial – The sentinel (Nomethod)
Released on the last day of the first month of 2007, and still, four months later, amongst my favorite records of the year. Aerial's dark symphony of guitars, the waves of sound breaking over the guiding hands of the drums and bass, both maintaining some form of structural integrity in the midst of the beautiful chaos, and yet still prone to their own skillful flourishes, finds me just as wonderfully lost in the dense layers of their compositions today as I was in the early days of this year.
Shout Out Louds – Our ill wills (Bud Fox/Merge)
Instead of building on the playful, sometimes brash narratives of "Howl howl gaff gaff", the newest effort from Shout Out Louds displays a far more complicated, mature, and powerful sound. It is rare that musicians evolve so noticeably in a record's time, and arguably even more surprising that a group's sophomore album so excels their debut, but "Our ill wills" proves that while it may be a rare accomplishment, it is one that can be achieved.
The Chrysler – The Benelux years (Flora & Fauna)
While not everyone's cup of tea, The Chrysler are, at least in my humble opinion, one the greatest indie bands around. "The Benelux years" outshines their previous efforts, which is no easy feat, and has already cemented itself as a record that will continue to grow on me as the months and years slip by.

Matt Giordano:

Laakso - Mother, am I good looking? (V2)
This should be Laakso's international breakthrough. We'll just see if someone is brave enough to work with it.
Vapnet - Något dåligt nytt har hänt (Hybris)
This band just keeps delivering the goods, and it keeps getting better.
Montt Mardié - Clocks/Pretender (Hybris)
David Pagmar's second album is his vision finally coming into fruition.

Hanzan:

Säkert! - s/t (Razzia)
I never got Hello Saferide. Sure, it was charming, but never blew me away. Säkert! however has made me laugh, cry, blush. It's made me angry, happy, nostalgic, sometimes all this during the same listen. Brilliant.
Eldkvarn - Svart blogg (EMI)
The alcohol-drenched romantism of "Fulla för kärlekens skull" alone could almost have earned Eldkvarn a place on this list. Thankfully the rest of "Svart blogg" is amazing too. Cathartically personal, "Svart blogg" is one album I didn't think I'd love. But clearly do.
Familjen - Det snurrar i min skalle (Adrian Recordings/Hybris)
Shamelessly playful electropop that should be the soundtrack to everyones summer (and autumn and winter). Familjen holds the Scanian flag high, presenting some of the best Swedish electronic pop in a long time.

Nick Levine:

Robyn/Kleerup - With every hearteat (Meatboys mix)
Massive track added onto the UK release of Robyn's album. However, the Meatboys mix is far superior to the original.
Those Dancing Days - demo
The Swedish buzz band of the year so far. Definitely one to watch out for in 2008.
Kalle J - Vingslag 7" (Unga Hjärtan)
I don't know much about Kalle J, but this song incorporates oodles of feel good vibes and is shaping up to be one of my anthems of the summer.

Kevin Renick:

Kate Havnevik - Melankton (Continentica)
One hell of a swirling, self-assured, orchestrally dramatic singer/songwriter debut, this outing by Norway's latest female wunderkind is a gem, and "New day" is among the best songs of the year.
Rumskib - s/t (Darla)
As a fan of ethereal shoegaze when it's got real heart and style, I was mesmerized by the work of this Danish duo. Dreamy, melodic and beautifully produced songs featuring the voice of Tine Louise Kortermand.
Dungen - Tio bitar (Subliminal Sounds/Kemado Records)
Another dose of immacutely rendered, fuzzed-out prog from the dazzling mind and chops of Sweden's Gustav Ejstes. Remarkably free of fat and not cowering in the shadow of its highly acclaimed predecessor.

Avi Roig:

Aerial - The sentinel (Nomethod)
#1 with a bullet. An album I loved wholeheartedly from the very first moment I heard it.
Kristofer Åström - RainawayTown (Startracks)
Older, wiser and with a new backing band to match. This is a record that will sound just as good 10 years from now.
Maia Hirasawa - Though, I'm just me (Razzia)
A toss-up between this and Säkert!. Behind the indiepop hits (Maia's "And I found this boy" vs Annika's "Vi kommer att dö samtidigt") hides two deeply touching records, Maia edges out slightly ahead due to my sadly lacking Swedish skills.

Christian Stenbacke:

Sounds Like Violence – With blood on my hands (Burning Heart/Deep Elm)
Andreas Söderlund is nothing more than pure genious. No matter if he plays with his collegues in Niccokick, produces Hello Safreride or goes back to the basics with neo-hardcore band Sounds Like Violence, everyting reeks with his presence. "With blood on my hands" is the most definite angst-ridden, panic-strucken, anxiety-filled record you'll come a cross this year.
Shout Out Louds – Our ill wills (Bud Fox/Merge)
Shout Out Louds may have gone The Cure, but I don't really care. Great music is always great music, no matter what, right? Beacuse "Our Ill Wills" is certrainly great music. I doubt that you'll ever hear a more well-crafted popsong than "Impossible" for a long time to come.
Isolation Years – Sign sign (NONS)
It was a very close call between Isolation Years and Kristofer Åström, both artists have put out two insanely good records this first half of 2007. The choice finally fell upon "Sign sign", a record filled with the sweet and emotional, almost charitable, popmusic that has become the distinguishing mark of the lads from Norrland, Sweden.

Simon Tagestam:

Säkert! - s/t (Razzia)
Ace melodies and lyrics make this the best album of 2007, yet.
The Tough Alliance - New chance (Sincerely Yours)
What a comeback!
Lovekevins - Vs the snow (Songs I Wish I Had Written)
Clever indie pop with a lot of warmth and humour. A personal favourite.

Last Days of April Might as well live Bad Taste Records

Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Peeling off the layers of music has always been an interesting way to evolve for a band. And it certainly feels as if Karl Larsson finally found his home musically. This, the 5th album, is simply packed with rawk that has an astounding appeal. The man knows how to write catchy songs, but this collection are his masterpiece. And speaking of catchy, "Who's on the phone?" can possibly be the catchiest song to be released this year. Other favourites are the somewhat epic "Melbourne" and the sensitive and driven "Two ply glass". LDOA is a one-man project nowadays, but never is it a dull project. On the contrary, it is very much alive and kicking, something that the album title refers to. With Fredrik Granberg from Randy behind the drums and Mathias Oldén from Logh on bass, it's a combo that really tightens the sound together. And once and for all; I think we can finally erase that "emo rock"-mark LDOA have been labelled with for so long now.

Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Hey look! A nice review of that Logh 7" I put out: http://www.ink19.com/issues/may2007/musicReviews/musicL/logh.html

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Last night's Sirius Blog Radio playlist:

01. Superfamily - The radio has expressed concerns about what you did last night
02. TALK 1
03. Asha Ali - These months
04. Boys of Scandinavia - Why do you love me? (radio edit)
05. Promoe - Headache
06. TALK 2
07. Closer - Sensing the wake
08. The Bear Quartet - Mom and dad
09. TALK 3
10. Kristofer Åström - Just a little insane
11. Familjen - Kom säger dom
12. Pavan - The bird
13. TALK 4
14. Kazakstan - Song to the past
15. Universal Poplab - Vampire in you
16. TALK 5
17. Scraps of Tape - Death as it should be
18. ARM - Drving by accident
19. The Idealist - The knives are my eyes
20. TALK 6
21. Tsukimono - Gathering heavy breathing
22. Pimentola - Wish upon a fallen star
23. Plain Fade - Uliaan leski
24. TALK 7
25. The Skull Defekts - Six six for eyes
26. Logh - Into the night
27. TALK 8
28. Aerial - You will all die, all things will
29. Tobias Hellkvist - Moment at ven
30. Audrey - Views
31. TALK 9
32. Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words - Ashen like the sky

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Stereo Test Kit has licensed Logh's latest album "North" for UK release later this summer. Exact date to be announced soon.

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

May's extra-special Tack! Tack! Tack! showcase has been confirmed! Shout Out Louds, Loney, Dear and Maia Hirasawa at the ICA in London on May 24! Tickets aren't on sale quite yet, but when they are, clicking the banner on the right will take you to the right place! Special thanks to the Swedish Institute for making this possible.
Also note that Logh leaves next week to embark on their European tour and I've updated the sidebar with a bunch of new dates.

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Arcade Fire still rules the It's A Trap! Last.fm listening group top 10 track chart, but Logh did manage to slip into this week's top 10:

01. The National – Fake Empire
02. The Arcade Fire – Keep the Car Running
03. Modest Mouse – Dashboard
04. The Arcade Fire – Intervention
05. Bright Eyes – Four Winds
06. Patrick Wolf – Overture
07. The Arcade Fire – No Cars Go
08. The Arcade Fire – Ocean of Noise
09. The Arcade Fire – Black Mirror
10. Logh – Thieves in the Palace

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Join us and share your tastes! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Trust No One reports that their entry into the Logh "Raging sun" 7" series (theirs is 3/4, mine is 4/4) will soon be available for preorder: http://trustnoonerecordings.blogspot.com/2007/04/sorry-for-abscence-of-updates-lately.html
Also on the way from the label is the debut album from Kongh as well as a possible Switchblade live DVD.

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Logh selected as The Silent Ballet's band of the month: http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/367/ItemID/403/Default.aspx

MP3: Familjen - Det snurrar i min skalle

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Besides Logh (see yesterday's post), the other hot new release this week is Familjen's debut full-length "Det snurrar i min skalle". The music is just so... joyous. Not to mention, deceptively simple. Run a three-note arpeggio through a phaser and there's your refrain. Naturally, there's a bit more to it than that, but the essence of Familjen's pop/electronica sound is uncomplicated fun. Perhaps the lyrics tell a completely different story, but hey - I don't speak Swedish so I don't really care. Besides, as I've mentioned many times before, growing up on a steady diet of death-metal killed most of my attention for lyrical detail. As long as Familjen mainman Johan T Karlsson isn't singing about killing babies or something, I'm cool. Or actually, maybe that would make it even better?

MP3: Logh - Thieves in the palace

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Today's the day that Logh's new album "North" is officially released in Sweden and Bad Taste Records has kindly given me permission to post my favorite song from the record "Thieves in the palace". Like most of Logh's best work, the mood is dark and tense, but not necessarily in a "doom" sort of way. The best doom music is defined by an overwhelming sense of despair and hopelessness, something that Logh doesn't fully embody. They have moments of grimness, but the recurring lead guitar melody fills me with a warm sense of optimism. It's something about the way they let the note hang after the string-bend. Pay extra close attention to the way it morphs ever so slightly as it leads out of the breakdown into the song's final coda.
It's funny - every new Logh album is a bit different than the last and not quite what I expected. It always takes me more than a few listens to wrap my head around it and appreciate it, something I fear most (especially America) critics are loathe to do. I like immediate gratification, but I also know that the bands who stick with me the longest rarely make that sort of music. For that, Logh remains one of my all-time favorites and "North" fits in nicely with their ever-evolving progression. Very well done.

Logh North Bad Taste Records

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

It has gone full circle so to speak. I absolutely adored the debut album "Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings", released in 2001 for the band's introverted indierock mixed with atmospheric soundscapes. Rock suitable for a motion picture soundtrack. On "North", the band reveals qualities not shown since that first full-length. Despite the fact that it took some time to reconcile with the record this time, you've got to hand it to these guys as they've done it again! This time, it's a more focused record with no dead spots. A true masterpiece. Gone are the flirtations with the post-rock scene and Mathias Oldén once again proves himself to be a great songwriter. "The raging sun" and "A sunset panorama" are great albums as well, no doubt about that, but now it has all fallen into place. Considering songs like "Saturday nightmares" (the first single from the record, do check out the amazing video as well), "The black box" and "Thieves in the palace", Logh should be acknowledged by a wider audience.

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Logh 7"s are now in-stock and ready to ship! Thanks to everyone who preordered, your copies should be arriving shortly.
Speaking of vinyl, I also just got a big box of restocks from Jezebel Recordings including the complete "Trilogy of dreams, noise and silence" set. I thought at least one of them was sold out forever, but I thought wrong! Also, look for the new Familjen record to go on sale shortly. It comes out tomorrow and is killer.

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The new Logh 7"s just showed up so all you folks who made preorders will be getting your copies shortly. Everyone else - place your order today to get it in on the current cheap price! I'll be raising it a bit tomorrow.

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Silent Ballet reviews the new Logh album "North": http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/370/Default.aspx

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Christian Kjellvander will support Logh on their upcoming European tour. Check the sidebar for details.

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The video for Logh's new single "Saturday nightmares" is now online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcPAd6IQSO4

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Please note that I added a whole bunch of new Logh dates to the "In Concert" section in the sidebar. Test presses for the new 7" arrived yesterday and sound fantastic, so we're on-track to get the finished vinyl by the end of the month. BrooklynVegan readers may want to note that the b-side "Into the night" features Britta Persson and can be downloaded in the mp3 playlist area on the right (click the expand-bar at the bottom to find the link).

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Logh's new single "Saturday nightmares" can now be streamed in its entirety at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/logh

MP3: Logh - Into the night

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0800

A new month means a new album of the month selection for the record club, so if you'll look to the right you'll see that March's selection is "Museum of future sound", the new skweee comp on the way from Flogsta Danshall. This disc is so fresh, it won't be ready for shipping until mid-month, but you can preview a few tracks at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/flogstadanshall
Want to learn more about the new sensation known as skweee? Start with wikipedia and venture onward!
Also note that the price of subscription has gone up another dollar to $12/mo, still a total steal considering all the extras you get for being a member. I'm gonna try to hold it at this price for awhile, but we'll see how it goes. I gotta cover costs, y'know?

The other exciting news for the day is that I've started taking preorders on the new Logh 7" I'm putting out. It's been sent to press, so I expect to have the finished product within 3-4 weeks at the most. In the meantime, I've posted the b-side for download 'cuz I know that a lot of people are excited to hear it. Logh + Britta Persson covering the theme to "Twin Peaks". How awesome is that?

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Note that I have now posted the cover art and tracklist for my next release, Logh's final chapter in "The raging sun" 7" series: [click here]
The jackets are already done and the vinyl has been sent to press, so I'll probably start taking preorders at the end of the week.

MP3: Brick - Hole digger

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

I've done a Friday post on Brick before, but it's been about two years, so I think they're due for revisiting. They also work well as a precursor to our weekly Bear Quartet post as drummer Jejo Perkovic played with Brick before he joined BQ. Some folks might recognize frontman Patrik Instedt's maniacal vocals from the final Breach album "Kollapse", one of my all-time favorites. Patrik was also the man behind the camera for Logh's "A sunset panorama" DVD. However, before all that, he led Brick - Sweden's leading Jesus Lizard imitators. It pains me to say it as I love both bands, but the influence is obvious. Things is, many have attempted the same and failed, but Brick somehow pulls it off. The jagged rhythms, the jabbering, unintelligible vocals, even the slide guitar riff on the track I've posted today - all totally derivative, but done incredibly well. Too close for comfort for you? Just remember that a 1st rate Jesus Lizard clone is still about 1000x better than most of what Touch & Go puts out today.

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

The Harmacy does not like the new Logh album at all: http://theharmacy.blogspot.com/2007/02/logh-north-bad-taste-records.html

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Logh has started a blog: http://loghblog.blogspot.com/
Also, I don't have the details posted on my label page yet, but I'll be releasing the 4th part of "The raging sun" 7" series. Some basic details can be found on the msgboard.

The Sound O.E Me and Laureline Cut n' Paste

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

There's a new batch of swedish indierockbands out there. The scene is very much alive and kicking, much thanks to bands like Seven Feet Four, Division of Laura Lee, KVLR, Alarma Man, Knife and Ape, LDOA and Logh. On this three track-EP, this Eskilstuna-based quintet deliver the kind of tunes that put them in the same league. I had often come to the conclusion that something was missing after hearing their previous recordings, but not anymore. This is well-played and tight indierock with hooks. Especially the title track that, if there's any justice in this world, should get more airtime and attention. It's about time these guys release another full-length.

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

New tourdates for Logh:

02/01 - Cafe de la Plage, Paris (FRA)
02/02 - Cafe Nun, Karlsruhe (GER)
02/03 - Salzhaus, Winterthur (CH)
02/04 - Tams Theater, München (GER)
02/06 - Magnolia, Milan (ITA)
02/07 - Schokoladen, Berlin (GER)
02/20 - AC 30, London (UK)
02/21 - Packhorse, Leeds (UK)
02/22 - Balcony Bar, Dundee (UK)
02/24 - Cavern Club, Exeter (UK)
02/25 - The Hope, Brighton (UK)
02/26 - Porth Mahon, Oxford (UK)

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Logh has posted some snippets from their new album on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/logh
Sounds amazing, just like I expected.

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Logh's forthcoming album "North" will be released in Europe via Bad Taste in the last week of March with other territories to follow shortly thereafter. Look for the band to tour heavily, beginning with Europe/UK in February, Scandinavia in April, more Europe in May and maybe even the US, Japan and/or Australia if they can make it happen.

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Logh reports that their new album is done and have posted the song titles here: http://blog.myspace.com/logh
Expect a March 2007 release via Bad Taste. Listen to preview tracks here: http://www.logh.se/IV.html

Video mix: Katatonia, Nikola Sarcevic, Munck//Johnson, Frida Hyvönen, Thomas Dybdahl, more...

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Katatonia - Deliberation
Really looking forward to seeing these guys tonight for the first time ever. Not only are they one of my favorite bands, but their recommendations have led me to many more other amazing acts. (AR)

Logh - The contractor and the assassin
Someone's posted a Logh video previously, but that won't stop me from recommending this neat video and marvellous song, from my favourite Logh album ("The raging sun"). (ST)

Various Artists - Venn
It's like a Norwegian "We are the world"! (AR)

Nikola Sarcevic - Soul for sale (live on Swedish TV)
From a Swedish morning TV show. Nikola playing a nice little song from his latest album. (ST)

Munck//Johnson - This time
Emotionally brutal and sparse, just like their music. (AR)

Laakso - Aussie girl
One of the most party hard bands in Sweden – Laakso fronted by Pete Doherty-esque Markus Krunegard are now (one way or another) available in three languages... (JC)

Frida Hyvönen - The modern
Great video. Great song. Great artist. Buy her album! (ST)

Thomas Dybdahl - B A part
Latest single from his new album "Science". Quite possibly Norway's best current singer/songwriter - understated and lovely. (AR)

.:Who's who?

JC: Jason Christie
AR: Avi Roig
ST: Simon Tagestam

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Logh has uploaded a new demo clip of the song "Black box" to their website: http://www.logh.se/IV.html

Video mix: KVLR, El Perro Del Mar, Totalt Jävla Mörker, Entombed, Division of Laura Lee, Abhinanda, more...

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

KVLR - Birthcam
Nothing new under the sun in the directing of this video. Just the band playing the song in a room, a video that's been done so many times before. BUT the song itself makes this video a must-see. KVLR is a band more people should discover. (JA)

The Knife - Pass this on
Great Video and a great song. My girlfriend is convinced that is a transvestite singing. I really can't tell. Maybe my living situation has made me blind. Good thing I am off for some much needed vacation in... ehr, San Francisco. (PA)

El Perro Del Mar – Gods knows (you gotta give to get)
Twee animation here from El Perro Del Mar. Ambitious video, fantastic song. (ST)

Totalt Jävla Mörker - Kall värld
The new album by TJM may have more metal influences in it, but these guys still play hardcore as it's supposed to sound. And the refrain is a damn hit! Check out the new self-titled album out on Relapse. (JA)

Juli & The Monoliths - Itämaista Rakkautta
The lipsynch is terrible, but who could fault Nina Persson? Everything she does has her own attractive appeal. Ain't that so boys! In Finnish she is daft. (JC)

Entombed - Night of the vampire
Who doesn't love a good Swedish death-metal cover of Roky Erickson? Not me. I think I still have this 7" sitting around somewhere. (AR)

Division Of Laura Lee - Dirty Love
Features Nina Persson (The Cardigans, A Camp) on guest vocals. In my opinion, one of Swedens finest bands. Pretty cool video as well... (JA)

Jenny Wilson & Robyn – List of demands (Saul Williams cover)
Yes, two of Sweden's greatest female artists do a blinding cover of Saul Williams' hypnotic song. (ST)

Quit Your Dayjob - Vlado video
Just like one of my previous videopost for IAT (Logh - The smoke will lead you home), this video is shot just a few blocks from my apartment. In fact, in the videostore where I rent horrormovies when I'm in that mood! Low-budget and hilarious! (JA)

Abhinanda - City of hope
Yes! Classic Norrland sXe hardcore at its finest! This shows the beginnings of that classic discordant post-hardcore sound I hold so dear. (AR)

.:Who's who?

PA: Per Apelqvist
JA: Jonas Appelqvist
JC: Jason Christie
AR: Avi Roig
ST: Simon Tagestam

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Logh has posted a brand new demo tack for listening: http://www.logh.se/IV.html
Good luck trying to find it!

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Keep up with Logh as they record their fourth album: http://www.logh.se/loghIV.html

Video mix: Alarma Man, At the Gates, The Bear Quartet, Kings of Convenience, Montt Mardié, more...

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Entry #2 in our series highlighting some of Scandinavia's best video art. No theme, just good music with visuals to match.

Alarma Man - Bird
Great indierock from Göteborg! This song is from the "Duets" 12"-split with Knife and Ape. Influences from the TV-show "24" makes the video even more fun to watch! (JA)

Kristofer Åström - All lover's hell (live)
This song is what made me love his solo material, and seeing this stripped down performance is an example of how great this song is. (MG)

At the Gates - Blinded by fear
Not much of a video by one of Sweden's finest. Just the band playing in some sort of a warehouse with lights blinking off and on. But the sound and the aggression! This is music at its best! The girl with the welder is pretty cool in the video though, makes me think of the girl in the "will it float?"-segment on Letterman. (JA)

The Bear Quartet - Ask me don't axe me
A charming video starring drummer Jejo Perkovic (also known from bands such as Brick, Infinite Mass and Breach) in every role. In times like these when the European Championships in athletics are held here in Sweden, it's always nice to see that not all of us can be athletes. (JA)

The Cardigans - Lovefool
Nina never looked better than in this video. Why on earth did she decide to ditch her blonde barnet, and go brunette? Like The Cardigans' change in sound, such a move was commercial suicide. (NL)

Kings of Convenience - I'd rather dance with you
I saw this video on M2 a couple of summers ago, and then I was in the record store a week or so later with a friend from Moss, Norway and he was surprised I knew who they were. I bought the album and this band has never ceased to amaze on each listen. (MG)

Logh - The smoke will lead you home
A band that needs more appreciation I think! This, the new video, is directed by Johannes Winkler and was shot in Malmö a few blocks from where I'm sitting right now. You gotta love the atmospheric and epic sound of these fine guys! (JA)

Loveninjas - I'm really sorry (that I killed you)
This video is a piece of lo-fi film at it's finest, and the man in heart suit dancing is priceless. (MG)

Montt Mardié - High school drama
It looks like Moneybrother finally has some solid competition for the most souful Swede of the early twenty-first century, and his name is Montt Mardié. And what's better than a song involving drama, The Beatles and pregnancy? (MG)

Tiger Lou - The loyal
As always, when it comes to Rasmus Kellerman and his craftmanship, the videos are works of completion. Especially this one. A dark and weary one that brings out the gloomy feeling the song is about. And, as a fan of horror movies I really like the "The Evil Dead"/"Blair Witch Project"-references. It kinda creeps me out a bit. In a good way! (JA)

.:Who's who?

JA: Jonas Appelqvist
MG: Matt Giordano
NL: Nick Levine

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

UK label Big Scary Monsters will attempt to follow in my illustrious footsteps by releasing a comp of Swedish music entitled "Svenskt" on October 16. The lineup looks pretty damn good actually - names confirmed include Alarma Man, Audrey, David and the Citizens, Last Days of April, Logh, Molia Falls, Moonbabies, The Sound OE and, Traktor, pretty much all bands I would heartily endorse. Check out the comp's own myspace page for more: http://www.myspace.com/svenskt

MP3: Switchblade - 7:05

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Switchblade's latest (and greatest) self-titled album is out now in the US via Cyclop Media. Two songs, one clocking in around 30 minutes and one topping off around minute 17. I considered posting a track, but man - that's a lot of bandwidth. And besides, the whole thing is available for streaming here. Posting samples would be redundant. What I have for you instead is the original version of track 2, the song featuring Mattias Friberg of Logh on vocals and additional guitar. Originally released on the tour-only 7"/CDR back in 2004, the song marks an important point in the band's development. It's less focused on plodding mid-tempo Isis-esque riffage, more on space and texture. The guitars are still plenty heavy, but they're brighter, cleaner and much more sparse. You can hear every note of each ringing chord - nothing is lost in overly sludgy tone. Think of how Shellac's guitar sound is still threatening without necessarily being totally overdriven and distorted. The song builds slowly and remains focused on Mattias' half-spoken vocals before breaking out into an awesome lurching riff at around 4:40. Obviously, it takes awhile to get there, but the journey is worth it as the moodiness of the song's first half is just as important as the bombastic conclusion. If you like Khanate, but sometimes wish they were a bit less esoteric, this is for you.

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Logh has posted "The smoke will lead you home" as a free download: http://195.54.101.165/badtaste/mp3/logh_-_the_smoke_will_lead_you_home.mp3
This is one of my favorite bands, so consider this essential downloading. In other news, the band reports that they have nine songs composed for their next album and will begin recording later this month.

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish melancholy country act The Lancaster Orchestra has completed work on a new album, due out in September via Rootsy Records. One half of Logh makes up the backing band behind singer/songwriter Carl Mathson and Mark Olson of The Jayhawks was set to produce, but was held up at the last minute by a family emergency. Despite the setback, the band feels like it came out quite nice regardless.

Profile: Iisole

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Name: Iisole

From: Stockholm, Sweden

Sounds like: Melancholy post-hardcore. Not quite metal enough for doom, but definitely heavier than most indierock.

Listen: The words

Discography:
2006 - s/t EP (self-released)
2005 - s/t EP (self-released)

Links:
www.iisole.com
www.myspace.com/iisole

Iisole is a band that seems almost tailormade for my tastes. They have driving, noisy guitars like my mates KVLR, but they also indulge in gloomy post-rock ala Logh, another one of my most favorite acts. Seriously, it doesn't get much better than that in my book. So why are they still unsigned? It makes no sense. Explore the mystery!

Who are you and where are you from?

I am iisole. I consist of four individuals with their own agendas.
I try to make them move in the same direction, but most of the time they don't, just to piss me off.
I currently live in Stockholm but sometimes I need a break from the big city and then I go to small places that are surrounded by trees, mountains and weaponfactorys.

What makes you special and why should anyone care?

I got three nipples, a gay dad, a crooked nose and I´ve got a bastard child (love him). That's why.

The power of flight or invisibility - which do you choose and why?

I have to go with invisibility on this one. Then I could sneak on a plane and then I would both be flying and be invisible. And of course rob a bank, start a record label and hire a lot of important people to do all my dirty work.

Tell me about one of your favorite childhood memories.

I'm still a child.
- I was drunk on stage in Norway... "Norway sucks...buy a t-shirt". Never seen people shop away like that.
- When I stole my favourite drum beat...pi-zza ka-tong, ka-tong — ka-tong me pi-zza. That was a good one.
- When I got dismissed by a record label due to alleged attitude problems.
- When I performed in Umeå this dirty punk yelled out, during a slow part in a song, "play faster!". After the show I hated myself for not responding "dance slower".

What's your strongest vice?

Discovery channel, showers, drinking beer while showering, Russian literature, laziness, anything smokable, anything drinkable (green yellow), food magazines, Emmerdale, df, skunk.nu... and my own music.

Tell me about some of the other bands various Iisole members are involved with.

Vi - heavier and slower. (jhd)
Iskra - my ego, indiepop project. Started in a livingroom standard in minor. (Iisole members + a bunch more)
Deud - garagenoise duo (jhd, hmn)
Avsmak - gory horror hip-hop in swedish (iaeb)
Suffocate for Fuck Sake - Breach, Sigur Ros, Cult of Luna and Mogwai at the same time. (emm, jhd)

What does the future hold for Iisole?

Iisole will be appearing on a 12" compilation by Jezbel Recordings set to release in June. We will also appear in the June issue of a Swedish music magazine called Groove and have a song on their monthly cd.
We will do pretty much anything to get a record deal, it would be so fucking nice not having to burn our own cd's or pay for doing gigs.
Other than that, we'd like to play live as much as possible.
Om inget händer innan imorgon så kommer jag.

MP3: Logh - War ensemble

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

June 6 is Swedish National Day? Boo-o-oring! No! Today is 6-6-6, the National Day of Slayer! To celebrate I'm giving y'all an mp3 of Logh doing an amazing slowcore take on Slayer's classic "War ensemble". Raise the horns and join the festivities! The track is the b-side from the band's "The bones of generations" 7", the second of a four-part vinyl single collection from "The raging sun", still as yet to be completed. The sound quality is imperfect since it's a vinyl rip, but it's still awesome.