Sharif - Lost causes, causes lost
(Adrian Recordings)

Sharif, the first band ever signed to Adrian Recordings, has just released its second album--six years after its first. The Malmö group has clearly had its ups and downs, something reflected in the fragility of its compositions. The blend of mid-tempo and slower songs on "Lost causes, causes lost" benefit from simple, stark arrangements that allow world-weary vocals to make the biggest impression. For example, the spare acoustic guitar part on "E.A.A. (Eagerly awaiting anytime)" heightens the melancholy of lyrics like, "Could it be you're afraid/of the words you think I'll say?" The distorted vocals and bells on the woozy "Ordinary" bear a resemblance to Sparklehorse, while the jazzy instrumental "Glow in the dark" shows versatility, but strays too far from the album's mournful simplicity. That's the nearest thing I can find to a low point on this album because its well-constructed songs are more impressive with each listen. With understated melodies wrapped around lines like, "there's no such thing as personal freedom/it's all just part of a game," the second effort by Sharif comes highly recommended. John, Rikard, Magnus and Johan deserve a lot of praise for this record--and hopefully it won't be six more years before they make another.
- Matthew W. Smith