IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Hybris signs Blood Music

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:54:32 -0700

Hybris has signed Blood Music, the solo alias of Karl-Jonas Winqvist, and will be releasing a new album from him this fall, his first since 2008's "I lay my keys wherever I go". The first single "Glad that you called" features First Aid Kit and can be heard via Swedish Radio right here.

Big Fox - Grow up (video)

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 19:54:44 -0700

The latest from Hybris records artist Big Fox.

Hybris on Spotify mythbusting

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:39:14 -0700

Kalle Magnusson from the label Hybris dispels many of the myths concerning artist royalties and digital service payouts in 2012: http://blog.mediaevolution.se/2012/06/26/mythbusting-spotify-doesn%E2%80%99t-give-any-money-to-artists/
This is merely one example of many which shows the gents at Hybris speaking out against what many of the old vanguard would like you to believe.

Faye - Water against the rocks

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:07:43 -0700

New Swedish pop from Faye (nee Fanny) via Hybris and licensed to Best Fit Recordings for a 7" release in the UK in July/digital release on June 25.

Musik med Fanny

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:10:36 -0700

New live music at PSL with recent Hybris signees Fanny: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2012/04/10/musik-med-fanny/

Hybris expands

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:36:16 -0700

Swedish label Hybris has a new booking division, a new office in Copenhagen and a new website to tie it all together: http://hybr.is/

2012 Manifest Award winners

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:23:30 -0800

Here are the winners of the 2012 Manifest award, Sweden's indie/alternative Grammy:

Folk/Ballad: Siri Karlsson - Gran Fuego (Flora & Fauna)
Experimental: Hanna Hartman - H ^ 2 (Komplott)
Punk: Obnoxious Youth - The Eternal Void (Adult Crash)
Dance: Jonsson/Alter - Samlad årsproduktion (Kontra-Musik)
Hardrock: Opeth - Heritage (Roadrunner)
Rhythm: Simone Moreno - Planetas (Soul Dog Records)
Singer/Songwriter/Country/Americana: Ane Brun - It All Start With One (Balloon Ranger Recordings)
Rock: Pascal/Mattias Alkberg - Allt det här (Novoton)
Best Unsigned: Death By Armborst
Jazz: Jonas Holgersson - Snick Snack (Moserobie)
Hip-Hop: Mofeta & Jerre - Briljanter & Smaragder (Pumpa Records)
Synth: Necro Facility - Wintermute (Progress Productions)
Pop: Azure Blue - Rule of thirds (Hybris)
Best live act: This is Head (Adrian Recordings)
SKAP/Manifest Prize for best lyrics: Philip Ekström - Det Vackra Livet (Labrador)
SKAP/Manifest Prize for best composer: Maria Lindén - I Break Horses (Bella Union)
Manifest Prize for best indie: Popkollo

Noonie Bao - About to tell (video)

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:58:43 -0800

PSL has the premiere of the new single "About to tell" from recent Hybris signee Noonie Bao: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2012/01/27/premiar-noonie-bao-about-to-tell/

Lucas Nord - Let us stay young (video)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:09:51 -0800

"Let us stay young" is the debut single from recent Hybris signing Lucas Nord, featuring guest vocals from Rasmus Flyckt and Emil Gustafsson of Urban Cone.

Hybris signs Noonie Bao

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:56:00 -0800

Yet another new signing to Hybris, here's Noonie Bao. Look for her album "About to tell" to be released on January 27.

Hybris signs Fanny

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:36:54 -0800

Presenting Fanny, a new signing to the label Hybris. Look for the debut single to be released on February 29.

2012 Manifest Award nominees

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:53:49 -0800

The nominees for the 2012 Manifest Awards, Sweden's alternative/indie Grammy, have been announced:

Folk/Ballad:
Marin/Marin – Småfolket (Dimma Sweden)
Merit Hemmingson – EQ (Amigo/Cosmos)
Navarra – Nya fönster (Kakafon Records)
Siri Karlsson – Gran Fuego (Flora & Fauna)

Dance:
Skudge – Samlad årsproduktion (Skudge Records)
Jonsson/Alter – Samlad årsproduktion (Kontra-Musik)
The Field – Looping State of mind (Kompakt)
Pallers – The Sea Of Memories (Labrador)

Punk:
Sju Svåra År – Storma varje hjärta (Not Enough)
Obnoxious Youth – The Eternal Void (Adult Crash)
Vånna Inget – Allvar (Heptown Records)
Black Feet – Black Feet (Dirty Faces)

Hip-Hop:
Mofeta & Jerre – Briljanter & Smaragder (Pumpa Records)
Ison & Fille – För evigt (Hemmalaget)
Mohammed Ali – Vi (Bad Taste Records)
Roffe Ruff – Barrabas (Olofsson Management/Swingkids)

Experimental:
Hans Appelqvist – Sjunga slutet nu (Häpna)
Hanna Hartman – H ^ 2 (Komplott)
Ophir – Opus Operatum (Komplott/Callithrix Records)
Midaircondo feat. Michala Østergaard-Nielsen – Reports on the Horizon (Twin Seed Recordings)

Hardrock:
In Solitude – The World. The Flesh. The Devil (Metal Blade)
Opeth – Heritage (Roadrunner)
Terra Tenebrosa – The Tunnels (Trust No One Recordings)
The Haunted – Unseen (Century Media Records)

Rhythm:
Syster Sol – Kichinga! (Swing kids)
Simone Moreno – Planetas (Soul Dog Records)
Kapten Röd – Fläcken Som Aldrig Går Bort (SwingKids)
OK Star Orchestra – The Beat and the Melody (Rootsy.nu)

Pop:
Azure Blue – Rule of thirds (Hybris)
Jonathan Johansson – Klagomuren (Hybris)
Korallreven – An album by Korallreven (Hybris)
Loney Dear – Hall Music (Dear John)

Rock:
Pascal/Mattias Alkberg – Allt det här (Novoton)
Kajsa Grytt – En kvinna under påverkan (Playground Music)
Bob Hund - Det överexponerade gömstället (bob hunds förlag)
Tramp – Indigo (Killer Cobra Records)

Synth:
Henric de la Cour – Henric de la Cour (Progress Productions)
Necro Facility – Wintermute (Progress Productions)
Mr Jones Machine – Monokrom (Progress Productions)
Covenant – Modern Ruin (Progress Productions)

Jazz:
Jonas Holgersson – Snick Snack (Moserobie)
Parti & Minut – Från klart till halvklart (El Dingo Records)
Priming Orchestra – Deep Blue (GAC)
The Splendor – Delphian Palace (HOOB Records)

Best Unsigned:
Death By Armborst
Storskogen
Schizo and the Personalities
Farsta

Singer/Songwriter/Country/Americana:
Brothers of End – Mount Inside (Konjaga)
Ane Brun – It All Start With One (Balloon Ranger Recordings)
Promise & the Monster – Red Tide (Imperial Recordings)
Lars Bygdén – Songs I Wrote (Massproduktion)

Best live act:
Kriget (Kriget)
This is Head (Adrian Recordings)
Graveyard (Nuclear Blast)
Mattias Alkberg (Teg Publishing)

Interesting to see Hybris and Progress Productions dominating their respective niches. Winners will be announced on February 3 at a ceremony at Nalen in Stockholm. Read more: http://manifestgalan.se/manifestgalan-2012/nominerade/

Gaffa SE top 30 Swedish album highlights

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:12:35 -0800

Swedish highlights from Gaffa SE's top 30 albums of 2011:

3. Mattias Alkberg - Anarkist (Teg Publishing/Playground)
4. Anna Järvinen - Anna själv tredje (Stranded/Universal)
5. Skriet - Det Beslutande Organet (Novoton/Border)
8. Invasionen - Saker som jag sagt till natten (Sony Music/Sony)
12. Graveyard - Hisingen Blues (Stranded/Universal)
14. Deportees - Islands & Shores (Universal/Universal)
16. I Break Horses - Hearts (Bella Union/Cosmos)
18. The Field - Looping State of Mind (Kompakt/Border)
20. Syket - With Love (Baseline Music/Sony Music)
21. Jonathan Johansson - Klagomuren (Hybris/Border)
28. Movits! - Ut ur min skalle (Universal/Universal)
29. Det Vackra Livet - Det Vackra Livet (Labrador/Border)
30. Ison & Fille - För evigt (Hemmalaget/Playground)

See the full list: http://gaffa.se/artikel/55303 (in Swedish)

Hybris signs Lucas Nord

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:40:56 -0700

Hybris has signed young Swedish pop artist Lucas Nord and will be releasing his debut single (feat. vocals from Urban Cone) in November with an album to follow in early 2012. Get a nearly useless 20-second sample here if you must: http://youtu.be/ifN5AbLnvcM

Jonathan Johansson - Stockholm (video)

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:28:49 -0700

Jonathan Johansson's new video for the single "Stockholm". Look for his new album "Klagomuren" to be released on October 31 via Hybris.

Klagomuren teaser

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:58:18 -0700

A quick teaser for the upcoming Jonathan Johansson album "Klagomuren", due out October 31 via Hybris.

New Jonathan Johansson gets release date

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:44:49 -0700

Hybris has confirmed the new Jonathan Johansson album "Klagomuren" for release on October 31 with the single/video "Stockholm" preceding it on October 5.

Korallreven - As young as yesterday

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:34:49 -0700

Download the new Korallreven single "As young as yesterday", featuring guest vocals from Victoria Bergsman: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/112072/Korallreven%20-%20As%20Young%20As%20Yesterday.mp3
Said tune will be released on 12" on September 20 via Acéphale/Hybris featuring b-side remixes by Panda Bear and Girl Unit. The duo's upcoming full-length "An album by Korallreven" follows on November 15.

New Monty album confirmed

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:19:43 -0700

The new Monty album "100 år senare" has been confirmed for release on October 12 via Hybris and will be preceded by a one-song-per-day online preview starting 10 days prior.

Big Fox - Saturday (video)

Mon, 23 May 2011 19:35:49 -0700

PSL has the premiere of the new Big Fox video "Saturday", one of Hybris' new signings: http://psl.svt.se/psl/2011/05/21/extra-extra-videopremiar-big-fox-saturday/

Svensk Musik label of the month: Hybris

Thu, 12 May 2011 19:07:35 -0700

Hybris is Svensk Musik's label of the month for May: http://svenskmusik.org/article/may-hybris/

New Juvelen EP in May

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:32:23 -0700

Hybris will be releasing a new 4-track 12" EP from Juvelen on May 18 entitled "Make U move".

Hybris signs Big Fox, Azure Blue

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:10:57 -0700

Hybris has announced the signing of the new artist Big Fox, aka Malmö-based artist Charlotta Perers, and will be releasing her debut single "Saturday" b/w "Cut you out" on May 25. More about her here, including a stream of said single: http://bigfox.se/
In other news, Hybris has also signed Azure Blue, the solo project of Tobias Isaksson of Labrador Records vets Irene and Laurel Music. His debut single "The catcher in the rye" is out today and can be previewed here, while his forthcoming album "Rule of thirds" will be out in September.

Hell on Wheels update

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:00:24 -0800

Finally got official confirmation from Hybris that the new Hell on Wheels album "One ros" will be out in early March with the first single coming on January 20.

New Hell On Wheels album finally coming

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:14:48 -0800

The new Hell On Wheels album "One ros" will finally be out later this month on Hybris following a 3-year gap since the release of previous album "The odd church". The band will celebrate with a release show at Debaser in Stockholm on January 22 and if the PR is on point, we can also expect a split 7" tribute to NZ indie legends The Chills featuring Peter Bjorn and John to be released soon as well.

Monty - Orden

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:59:49 -0800

Out today via Hybris, the new Monty (nee Montt Mardié) single "Orden".

Hybris presents Simon G

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:29:36 -0700

Hybris has a new digital release out now from Swedish rapper/comic artist Simon G aka Simon Gärdenfors (ex-Las Palmas, Far och Son): http://hybrism.blogspot.com/2010/08/ny-release-pa-hybris-digital-simon-g.html

Familjen Mänskligheten Adrian Recordings/Hybris

Mon, 17 May 2010 12:18:49 -0700

The opening of Familjen's "Mänskligheten" was enough to give me pause. Here is one of my favorite Scandinavian electronic artists and an album I've been looking forward to for a little while now, and the first track sounds like a lazy, bedroom remix of a forgettable '90s techno track. Even with the outstanding "När planeterna stannat" following quickly after the trainwreck of an opener, a bad taste was left in my mouth as the album progressed. What has always attracted to me to Familjen is the songwriting, the indiepop playfulness embedded into the electronic framework. This is lacking from an artist like Kleerup, who is great in his own right, but approaches electronic music with more of an affinity for the mainstream. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this tact, it's just not what I've come to expect from Familjen after falling for "Det snurrar i min skalle". "Mänskligheten" -- with the exceptions of "När planeterna stannat", "Man ser det från månen", "Viggo", and "Det var jag", the standouts in my opinion -- could act as the soundtrack to a film set in Ibiza. Is "Mänskligheten" a bad album? By no means. It's just that the clever songwriting that sold me on "Det snurrar i min skalle" is mostly sitting in the passenger seat on this particular journey.

Monty 2010 Hybris

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:07:58 -0700

David Pagmar is proving himself to be quite the prolific pop-artist, and with his new moniker Monty, he's at his most straightforward yet. The change of name is to signify his switch into his native language craft, and the focus found on past releases not wane at all -- in fact, it is up there with "Clocks" as his tightest set of songs. Like most of his releases (barring the aforementioned "Clocks"), "2010" took me a few listens to realize his accomplishment. As a reference point for Montt Mardié fans, this release has the feel of the world he created on "Metropolis" throughout the entire album, a mood piece so to speak, that hides itself in dimly-lit corners only to reveal itself as not an aspect to fear, but one to embrace. However that is not all, because on "2010" Pagmar is also embracing the listener in every track -- it's dank sparseness is an enveloper in an oddly comforting way.

Elias & the Wizzkids Just do it! Hybris

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:45:35 -0800

After releasing two stellar singles in 2009, Elias & the Wizzkids have returned with their second album, "Just do it!". They have changed their sound immensely since the early days, and said singles alluded to the band's new, finely honed pop sound and clean production as opposed to the alt-country leanings of their first record. I must say thought, it's quite enjoyable hearing Elias Åkesson's scratchy voice over the lush arrangements of this new set (see "Oh these nights" with it's anthemic chorus). However, the band doesn't fully forsake their old sound, they just consolidated it to the closing track "What would kill us". And it works so well, because each track recalls varying influences, and excels wholly on its own. The 80s-leaning opener "Waste of time", the 70s-pop-meets-Beatles aspect of "Crooked road" and the absolutely huge "Hit & run". But the underlying strength of each one makes this a much more cohesive set than this review may lead on -- the structure of the album is as impeccable as the songwriting and performance. It's hard not to gush (in the professional sense) over a great album, but when one hears it, it is the logical conclusion.

Elias & the Wizzkids - Stormy weather

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:37:38 -0800

The new Elias & the Wizzkids album "Just do it!" is out now via Hybris and the band is now streaming their latest single "Stormy weather" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/eliasandthewizzkids

Hybris, the Android app

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:52:48 -0800

Hybris was the first Swedish label to release an iPhone app and now they're once again first in line with an app for Android. Read more/download here: http://www.hybrism.com/news/hybris-android-app/

Hybris 2010

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:50:56 -0800

New releases in works from Swedish label Hybris:

Elias & the Wizzkids – Just do it! (March 1)
Monty – 2010 (March 7)
Familjen – tba (spring)
Far & son - Ett hjärta av brons (fall)
Hell On Wheels – tba (fall)

Musik med Kommun

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:47:23 -0800

New live music at PSL with Hybris all-stars Kommun: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2010/01/09/musik-med-kommun-2/

Manifestgalen 2010 nominees are go

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:43:31 -0800

The nominees for the 2010 Manifest Awards, Sweden's alternative Grammy, have been announced:

Punk/Hardcore:
En Svensk Tiger - Versace style (Buzzbox records)
Troublemakers - Made in Sweden (Svindel)
Tysta Mari - Sveriges Casino (11743)
The Clichés - Monkey see, monkey do (Randale)

Dance:
Minilogue - Samlad årsproduktion
Samuel L Session - The man with the case (Be As One Imprint)
The Field - Yesterday and Today (Kompakt)
Tomas Andersson - Stiff Disco (Funk Noir)

Jazz:
Bengt Berger - Beches Brew (Country & Eastern)
Jonas Kullhammar Quartet - The Half Naked Truth 1998-2008 (Moserobie)
The Opposite - Intertwined (Kopasetic)
Plunge With Bobo Stenson - Origo (Kopasetic)

Rhythm:
Calle Real - Me Lo Gané (Timba Records)
Jaqee - Kokoo Girl (Rootdown Records)
Music is the weapon - Music is the weapon (Music is the weapon)
Syster Sol - Dömd att bli bedömd (Swing Kids)

Rock:
Florence Valentin - Spring Ricco (Startracks)
Makeouts - In A Strange Land (Bachelor Records)
Murder by guitar - Murder by guitar (Jeet Kune Records)
Skriet - Skriet (Novoton)

Pop:
Anna Järvinen - Man var bland molnen (Häpna)
El Perro Del Mar - Love Is Not Pop (Licking Fingers)
JJ - JJ n° 2 (Sincerely Yours)
Jonathan Johansson - En hand i himlen (Hybris)

Hårdrock/Metal:
Abandon - The Dead End (Black Star Foundation)
Candlemass - Death Magic Doom (Nuclear Blast)
Katatonia - Night Is The New Day (Peaceville)
Tribulation - The Horror (Pulverised)

Synth:
Arvid - Andetag (Wonderland Records)
Dupont - Entering The Ice Age (Progress Productions)
Emmon - Closet Wanderings (Wonderland Records)
Rupesh Cartel - Anchor Baby (Megahype)

Singer/songwriter:
Ane Brun - Live at Stockholm Concert Hall (Balloon Rangers Recordings)
David Åhlen - We Sprout In Thy Soil (Compunctio)
Jonna Lee - This Is Jonna Lee (Razzia)
Kristofer Åström And The Rainaways - Sinkadus (Startracks)

Folk/ballad:
Taken By Trees - East of Eden (Rough Trade)
Miriam Aida - Letras au Brasil (Ajabu)
Tore Berger - I huset långt på landet (Brus & Knaster)
Esbjörn Hazelius - Blunda och du ska få se (Amigo)

Hip-hop:
Mohammed Ali - Processen (Bad Taste Records)
Organismen - Om Gud vill och vädret tillåter (Organismen)
Promoe - Kråksången (Pope Records)
Stor - Nya skolans ledare (Redline Records)

Best live:
Frida Hyvönen (Licking Fingers)
Jenny Wilson (Gold Medal Recordings)
Fever Ray (Rabid Records)
Florence Valentin (Startracks)

Best unsigned:
Den Svenska Björnstammen
Extended Heads
Fulmakten
Nora

Go here for more: http://www.manifestgalan.se/122.aspx

Elias & the Wizzkids album pushed back to March

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:50:20 -0800

Hybris has pushed back the release of the new Elias & the Wizzkids album "Just do it" to March 1 and yes, it will be available on both CD and vinyl.

Hybris, the iPhone app

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:44:23 -0800

Hybris is now the first Swedish label with their own iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/se/app/hybris/id344917290?mt=8
I haven't checked it out myself since no one has given me an iPhone yet, but they say that you can use it to "listen to our music, watch the videos, connect with fans/artists/label and a lot of other stuff."

Jonathan Johansson En hand i himlen Hybris

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:23:08 -0800

Beginning with the dancetastic title track, Jonathan Johansson's debut albumshowcases the talent of someone who will surely be one of the biggest popstars to emerge from Sweden this year. Stylistically, I see him as the perfect successor to Kent (in particular their "Vapen & ammunition" album), but his sound is honed further down into slick. Catchy numbers of the uptempo set ("Sent för oss", "Högsta taket, högsta våningen") and the leaning-on-mournfulness of "Psalm noll noll" and "Du sa" all provide for a rather complete listen, especially considering it is a debut. "Innan vi faller" will obviously get many a U2 comparison, but one should not let that be a detraction from how great of a song it is. The only thing I find to be out of place on the album is his cover of "Everybody wants to rule the world" (here as "Alla vill ha hela världen"), as his originals are so strong it provides the albums weak point (also, I fear him becoming a "one-cover-hit wonder"). With a sweet falsetto caressing the melodies, Jonathan Johansson is a name to look out for.

The Kid Transient blood Hybris

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

After their raw, goth-encapsulated debut record, The Kid have returned with a very impressive follow-up. The production is fuller, the aura less dark, but what they have created here is a brooding, even industrial, dance-pop album. The hooks in "Transient dance" and "The shadow of a horse", combined with 80s-inspired beats, have a certain breathing room that is lacking from most dance records. The slow, plodding "Bluemoon" is foiled perfectly at the end of the album by their cover of Cortex's "Mayhem troopers". A great album that updates, instead of retreads, the genres to which The Kid obviously loves.

Vapnet Döda fallet Hybris

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

"Döda fallet" received mixed reviews in Sweden upon its release. Expressen (one of Sweden's biggest newspapers) gave it the rating two out of five and called it "unimaginative" and "colourless". Most of the reviewers seem to have liked Vapnet's previous album "Jag vet hur man väntar", but then failed to be impressed by "Döda fallet". This was my initial reaction too, I just couldn't get into the album and it kind of bummed me out since their previous releases are like children to me. But then after I've listened to it for a week, I came to realise that I really loved it (it was like slow and repetitive hypnotism). When I told a friend in Sweden about how great I think the album is, he turned up his nose and told me that "in Sweden only fourteen year old girls listen to Vapnet" (ouch!). I don't know what the general consensus is, but it's a shame that Vapnet aren't bigger than what they actually are in their native Sweden, since they're one of the best bands to surface in the last few years. "Döda fallet" contains a bunch of slower songs and quite a few poppy ones, and they're all brilliant with ace melodies. After I'd decided to give the album the above rating I made myself listen through it once more, just to see if there were any crap songs on it that I'd miss, but there weren't any. They're all top notch! I'm very relieved and glad to be able to say that Vapnet with "Döda fallet" are even better than before (and I feel sorry for above mentioned friend and all the other people who fail to see their greatness).

Juvelen 1 Hybris

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

More than a year after issuing his debut EP, the mighty (and yes he's mighty already) Jonas Pettersson has finally released his debut full-length under the Juvelen moniker. Entitled "1", it is so, as his debut album, and also, one of the best flat-out pop albums I have heard in years. The strange thing about this album though, is that each of it's ten songs could be a hit single, yet it retains a cohesive feel that a singles collection does not. Every track is a stand-out, however, for the skeptic I'd recommend "Money don't talk", "Don't mess" and "Everytime" to win you over. His seductive, synthesizer heavy pop/r&b hybrid could—and should—elevate Juvelen to being a global household name.

It's pure pop perfection will make you smile, and dance, and smile and dance.

TIAC Overstaying the welcome Hybris

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Balancing itself somewhere between over-accessibility and kitschy electronica, "Overstaying the welcome" is an undeniably fun album, but it's hard to give a general impression of the record overall. "Catalogue of failures" is an overabundance of 80s clichés and synths, wonderfully wound around solid songwriting, but the following track "Piss on you" is rather disappointing, especially the lyrics. Imagine New Order on a drug binge (probably uppers) in Berlin deciding to record an album in a weekend... and you're somewhere in the realm of TIAC's "Overstaying the welcome". It's a lot of fun, like I said, but there's an obvious expiration date to this enjoyment.

Elias & the Wizzkids A little mess Hybris

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Part alt-country, part Buddy Holly and part indiepop is the make-up of Elias & The Wizzkids on their debut full-length "A little mess" and it's a solid effort from start to finish. Split into two halves, the beginning of the record is like a sunny afternoon, bright and fast, whilst the ending is more subdued and akin to a fireside dusk, mellow and full of purpose. Tempos found on "I wish", "Acknowledge me" and the stellar "The dance" get the heads bopping in the first half. "Fourth of July" and "Friday night" offer a dwelling for the listener with their warmth and personal feel. However, in track six we find "The mermaid", perhaps the album's best song, with its reminiscent romanticism through fairytale characters making complete sense. All in all, "A little mess" maybe so emotionally, but organized and logical, just as we all are.

Elias & the Wizzkids The dance Hybris

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Veering back a bit from the electronic-hinges of the past few months, Hybris has delved into that vault that is the Swedish music scene to focus on a band that has its heart set on the music of the 1950s mixed in with the indiepop/alt-country stylings of today. At only four songs, one a cover at that, it leaves the listener looking ahead to a proper album. Thr first three tracks: "The dance" (easily the best on this release), a good uptempo cover of every run-of-the-mill singer/songwriter staple "Wonderwall" and "Regret" all set a nice tempo before "Autumn leaves" mellows it all out. Perhaps switching tracks three and four would have prevented the EP from fading into silence; however, this is yet another promising band on a label that I know will put their passion behind it.

Familjen Det snurrar i min skalle Adrian Recordings/Hybris

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

As the first song of the album goes: Nu händer det igen ("It is happening again"). A Scanian artist takes the special Scanian accent and makes it into an integral part of the music. Originally from Hässleholm, the same town that gave us Sophie Rimheden and Andreas Tilliander, one-man band Familjen gives us yet another electro hero. Filled with playfulness, without rose-eyed 80s nostalgia, Familjen feels very modern. He blends naive 80s melodies, 90s beats and 00s glitches into a cohesive whole. That combined with his squealing 303s and subtle guitars makes it all sound like it was recorded tomorrow. Album standout (and former IAT MP3 Of The Day) "Det snurrar i min skalle" should become one of the biggest hits of the summer, but the album is filled with songs almost as good. Finally, the lyrics must be mentioned. Familjen has a way with words, and has a knack for finding phrases that catch on. Music you can dance to, plus makes you think? Shocking!

Montt Mardié Clocks/Pretender Hybris

Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

One always hopes that the sophomore album is an improvement, a realisation, and when it is just that, the results can be glorious. Such is the case with the second proper full-length effort from Montt Mardié (and it's a double-disc nonetheless). With the two CDs clocking in at a hour combined, there is no filler attached, yet one can choose just thirty minutes of listening enjoyment at once should they desire. The first disc, "Clocks", is where David Pagmar's vision of everything swinging is pulled off properly, with the instrumentation and vocals working so well. Take note of the pitch-perfect harmonies on "Birthday Boy (drama)", the sad spoken word of "Set sail tomorrow (strings)", and the stellar minimal instrumentation of "Travellers". Disc two, conversely, is comprised of collaborations, and harkens more to the 80s in its sound. Montt Mardié not only delivers ballads ("Surprised" with Andreas Mattsson and "Pretenders" with Hello Saferide), dance numbers ("Metropolis" with Fredrik Hellström of Le Sport and "My girlfriend is in the Grand Prix finals" with Mr. Suitcase) and even one in his native Swedish with the always-stellar Vapnet ("När ni gett dom våld ska vi ge er kärlek"). "Clocks/Pretender" is the sound of a matured Montt Mardié, and this album floored me with how much every single thing has been improved. Lastly, I'd recommend picking up a physical copy of this, as the packaging amazing.

Vapnet Något dåligt nytt har hänt Hybris

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

No rest for the wicked! After giving us the best album of last year ("Jag vet hur man väntar"), Vapnet have now "done an Arctic Monkeys" and released a mini-album (hopefully they will do another "Arctic Monkeys" and release their second full length album this year as well). There are five proper songs on the album - one The Avalanches-like number, and an instrumental outro (which I guess is a version of "Tjernobyl") There is also a song sung by Jens Lekman, which I didn't like at first, but has started to grow on me. The other four songs are of the highest quality. "Tjernobyl" sounds like a song I would consider doing one of those audio tattoos of, in my ear, if those things existed. "Förtjäna mig själv" ("Deserve myself") is another knockout track, with classic Vapnet lyrics and a girl going "baa-ba-ba" in the background during the chorus. I think I love Vapnet more than ice cream.

Juvelen EP Hybris

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

It's a hit! Four tracks of steamy r&b pop (plus an additional remix) really sets the standard for Juvelen. "Watch your step", "Summer spring" and "Of course I remember" are three slow-moving tracks meant to be played post-late night soirées, preferibly with a glass of wine and that special someone you've been making eyes with all night; and the Revl9n remix of "Watch your step" is a deconstructivists fantasy. However, the true centerpiece (and aptly-placed middle track) of this set is "Hanna", a dance-floor gem brimming will pulsing bass and drums. I've quickly become convinced that Juvelen could very well be on his way to pop stardom.

Sibiria Inom familjen Hybris

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

It's always hard when an album comes out at the end of the year, and how to judge it. However, it clicked with me with last weekend when I was riding on the train and just staring out into the space beyond the window. Winter is almost here, it's a cold and overcast fall day and Sibiria has just released easily the most devastatingly beautiful record of the year. Tracks like "Det har varit svårare", "Kompistjyv" and "Inte prata med främlingar" instantly struck chords with me; and the instrumental "Paria" is downright gorgeous. Actually, everything about this release is just beautiful. Congratulations Sibiria, you have created one of the best indiepop albums of the year.

The Sweptaways Ooh aah Hybris

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Cover records are always a bit hard to review. The Sweptaways are a 28-piece all-female choral group, and to hear them cover Kiss ("I want you"), Black Sabbath ("Changes") and the Pet Shop Boys ("Gowest") is quite refreshing. This album works well as a straigh-through listen (although at 28 minutes, it still can be a bit overwhelming) or when you pair up the covers with the originals. This record won't be accessible by all, but those to whom it will appeal with enjoy it thoroughly for the strength of performance and the interpretations.

Biker Boy You got me wrong Hybris

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Ah yes, the Biker Boy EP. Peter Lundbergh devliers to his public four stellar tracks of electronic pop music. Akin to the Pet Shop Boys and The Smiths, Lundbergh's music possesses lighthearted playful melodies and danceable instrumentation with the vocal delivery combination of a Morrissey croon and the spoken aspect of Nick Cave, albeit in a slightly more pained aspect. While the four remixes of "You got me wrong" may seem a bit much, especially listened to in succession, each on their own is a standout track and a great bonus to those who purchase the disc.

Kalle J Om du lyssnar noga Hybris

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Everytime I hear a new record released by Hyrbis, it gets me thinking that not only is Hybris one of the most ambitious pop labels on the planet right now, but also one of the best. Kalle J's full-length exudes masterful pop songwriting and tight song structures. Standout tracks include "Akademisk", "B.G.I.T." and "Burt Ward"; however, it'd be hard to claim one track to be the best, as the album is solid the whole way through. The songs have enough tempo to become hits in all of the discotheques, if not just in Sweden, but all the world over. I'm guessing that Nick, Jason and the IAT! DJs have been playing these tracks at Tack! Tack! Tack! and other festivals, but it is about time for other purveyors of electronic pop to take notice.

Biker Boy You got me wrong Hybris

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

I know I've said before, and I'll say it again. What so many Swedish electronic-based acts are gifted at is evoking a warmth that is normally absent from the icy cold genre. This is proven on Biker Boy's new EP, on which the title tracks bubbles along a jaunty pace with the narrator expressing his concern for his lover getting the wrong end of the stick. It is heavily influenced by the Pet Shop Boys, but it's not exactly Che Guevara set to a disco beat, and is more reminiscent of the British duo's more frothy moments. Not a bad thing at all. "Are you going to be the one?" adds as selection of synthesized strings to Biker Boy's palette and cumulatively is the most ballad-like track on this collection. "I was only joking" is a perfect song for the end of the summer. It's both euphoric and moody at the same time. The EP also features an excellent remix package courtesy of Le Sport, Vapnet, Bremen and Kalle J. Pick of the bunch is the Bremen remix which features beats and synths reminiscent of Audio Bullys.

Montt Mardié Science Hybris

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

After delivering the spectacular debut "Drama", what does David Pagmar give us? Why young reader, he comes through with the first installment of proper new material. The first track on the EP, "1969", is in similar vein as his debut, but is much more fleshed out with horns fully complimenting the vocal melodies, as well as carrying his ideas to new heights. Now the second track is really where Mr. Pagmar shows his wild side. "My girlfiend is in the Grand Prix finals" is a full-on dance assault, and I'm sure the IAT! DJs will be spinning this ridiculously catchy and fun track at Tack! Tack! Tack! for months to come, and it will be a massive hit. The third track "The pilot" begins with a slight Postal Service-sounding introduction, but quickly breaks into a mid-eighties Michael Jackson meets KC and the Sunshine Band disco synth pop masterpiece with hooks abound. And the closing track, "The memoirs of a never doubting scientist," is a soft ballad, sung in the falsetto whisper we've all come to love. Overall, and maybe due in part to the fantastic interview, but mainly because of his great songwriting, I've found myself listening to this EP at least once a day for the past couple of weeks, and I'm looking forward to what comes our way next.

Vapnet Jag vet hur man väntar Hybris

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Based on Simon's two previous reviews, I got really excited to finally hear this band. Their debut full-length album is quite the release and the single "Thoméegränd" is one of the catchiest songs of the year. The instrumentation throughout is upbeat and happy and the melodies are fantastic. This album is a great indie/lo-fi/twee/dance album and, although the record is short, it's a pure pop gem. Anyone to pass on it is a fool.

Hell on Wheels The odd church Hybris/PlayRec

Mon, 22 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Add my voice to the chorus singing the praises of this record. Everyone else compares them to the Pixies, but to these ears they're more reminiscent of sounds a little earlier in the 80s -- the off-kilter yet powerfully melodic pop of the Go-Betweens circa 1983-1985 where dischordant notes careened off of one another, time signatures shifted mid-song, and what seemed at first to be quasi-random messes revealed themselves on repeated listenings to be nuanced, intricate, and brilliantly crafted. Not a note on this record is where you expect it to be, instruments and vocals (both male and female) play off one another as much as they play with one another. It's unsettling and subversively catchy, intellectually intruiging and gut level appealing. Highly recommended.

Vapnet Thoméegränd Hybris

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Vapnet's EP "Ge dom våld" was one record that I played to death last year. The EP works as a sort of safety blanket for me nowadays, whenever I feel a bit down or if I just crave a quick fix of good music, I put it on. My hopes for their forthcoming album are obviously insanely high, but if the songs on it are as good as (their latest release) "Thoméegränd" or the ones on "Ge dom våld", it could end up being one of my favourite albums ever. This EP also contains a bunch of remixes (by such prominent acts as Le Sport, Suburban Kids with Biblical Names, etc.) which are fun and interesting, but not as satisfactory as new "proper" songs by Vapnet themselves.

Andreas Mattsson The lawlessness of the ruling classes Hybris

Sat, 11 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

There's been a lot of talk about how former Popsicle front man Andreas Mattsson, who after Popsicle's demise has spent some of his time writing songs for dodgy pop acts, now is going on tour with critically acclaimed 'noise artists' Tape, and how his first solo album starts with a five-minute instrumental piece (how innovative!). Me, I've been a Popsicle fan as long as I can remember (thanks to my sisters), and with last year's compilation "The good side of Popsicle" my interest in them was suddenly rekindled. "The lawlessness..." is obviously a blessing then, especially since it almost sounds like a straightforward follow up to Popsicle's last album (and their masterpiece) "Stand up and testify". Mattsson's voice, (sad) lyrics, and (gorgeous) melodies haven't changed that much at all – and thank god for that!

El Perro Del Mar You gotta give to get Hybris

Sun, 08 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

This latest release from Sarah Assbring (aka El Perro Del Mar) isn't that different from her previous ones, but it's thankfully another step towards perfection. The title track itself is one of my favorite songs at the moment to hum along to while doing household chores, and "Do the dog" – the second track – is equally catchy and if there's a dance to go with it, I want someone to teach it to me. With Christmas now gone and winter torturing our souls with cold winds and dark days, we can hide under blankets, drink hot chocolate, listen to El Perro Del Mar, and smile enough to make the sun blush.

Montt Mardié Drama Hybris

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

With a chorus borrowed from a song by The Tough Alliance and songs sounding like a mix between Jens Lekman and Moneybrother, this album could hardly have been done any other time and place than in Sweden 2005. But even though "Drama" is a very timely album, David Pagmar (who is Montt Mardié) has also constructed a great piece of music, in fact one of the best this year! There are some really outstanding "souly" tracks on here (e.g. "Huckleberry friend" - one of my favourite songs of 2005), and also a bunch of uptempo ones, and at the end of the album we get treated to a magnificent cover of Håkan Hellström's sucker punch of a song "Kom igen Lena" shrewdly called "Come on Eileen", which is done in a beautiful stripped-down fashion. I love this album and if I had the money and time I'd spend the rest of the year dressed up as Santa and walk around the streets giving away copies of it out to everyone I met.

Biker Boy Heart Hybris

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

The title track of this EP is a pretty little darling of a song that is steeped in New Order and other bands of that type from the 80s. If you like The Embassy you should definitely seek this song out, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. It's a shame that the other (three) songs on this EP are so dull, if they would have been only nearly as good as "Heart" it could have been a right old party.

Sibiria Norrlands Inland Hybris

Sun, 02 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700

There's been a lot of fantastic music released this year, and two tracks that really kept my passion for great music burning have been Sibiria's "Christian Olsson" and "Ljusdal". The first one is a funny and thought provoking diatribe against a Swedish athlete who's taken his money and moved to Monaco. The latter one is actually one of the absolute most astonishing songs of this year, and it's very brave of Sibiria and Hybris (Sibiria's record label) to exclude this hit from the album. Anyway, this album is entirely sung in Swedish, and I wish I could say that this doesn't matter, but it really does matter, since the lyrics play a very important part on "Norrlands Inland". The record is a lot about how it's like growing up in Norrland, which is the northern parts of Sweden and constitutes of 54% of Sweden's total area but only 13% of its population (who said It's a Trap! isn't informative in a non-musical context!?), i.e. it's a pretty lonely and ultimately boring place to live in (I was born way up north in Sweden so I'm allowed to say this). Also, as far as I know, Sibiria is pretty much the same band as Vapnet, so hopefully they'll deliver another fantastic album under that moniker.

Vapnet Ge dom våld Hybris

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

There's been a lot of hype surrounding Vapnet (Swedish for "The Weapon") this year in Sweden. This made me a bit dubious about them when I went to see them play earlier this year (hype usually has this effect on me). After the gig I felt that I was right about mistrusting Vapnet's ability to deliver, but now after I've managed to listen properly to their debut EP, I've come to realize that the hype was actually justified – Vapnet are great. Their melodic twee-like music with cocky outsider lyrics is utterly appealing (there's something of a Christmas atmosphere all over this EP, especially on the last song "Tusen mot en"). I'm not sure why I didn't like them when I saw them at the Hultsfred Festival in June, perhaps I was in the wrong mood, or they might just have done a bad gig. Who knows? Anyhow, I now really want to see these guys play another show.

El Perro Del Mar Look! It's El Perro Del Mar! Hybris

Thu, 23 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

This is not an album but a compilation of EPs (+ one unreleased songs), but it feels exactly like an album, and an absolutely amazing album that is! When I first heard El Perro Del Mar, I wasn't sure about her music, but after a couple of weeks living with this album and it sort of turning into a pet, I don't even wish it upon my worse enemy to miss out on her. Her quiet, melodic and folky songs are the perfect soundtrack for summer days in the park, and also summer nights in the dark (doing decent things, of course, I am no advocate of lewdness!). That's the deal with great music, I guess- it suits every occasion.