IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Boy Omega - Follow the herd

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

"Follow the herd" is the 2nd single from Boy Omega's album "The ghost that broke in half", his fifth album overall and one that took a full two years to come to fruition. For all the pieces that were assembled to make that work possible, there were many left behind, hence this EP. Some have appeared in other locations in past and some never before, but now they all come together for you in this 6-song EP. A pair of instrumentals, a pair of covers, a Christmas carol that remains evocative even when the season has passed, and the title track, an orchestral pop tune with dizzying twists and an aching melody.

Tell me about "Follow the herd" -- what's the song about?

It touches upon a few different subjects, but mainly it's about being true to yourself. It's also about the too-early and unexpected death of my uncle.

The track almost feels schizophrenic with the way it splits between the fuzz/Arp-heavy part and the quieter bits with the horns (and strings?)... what's the thought process behind that? How did you end up at that arrangement?

When I'm working on a song in the studio, I basically just try different things until I feel happy with the result. I like surprises and I like when unexpected things happen, so that might have been what I was aiming for.

So how much of that was done at home and how much necessitated the involvement of other musicians/studios? Did you have it all mapped out in your head before you decide it to the next level?

Most of it was done at home. On the songs "Follow the herd" and "Dinosaur drugs", me and Calle Fredrikson (from Alarma Man) ended up finishing the songs in his home studio. We rearranged and rerecorded some parts. Calle also recorded the live drums on "Follow the herd" with Alarma Man drummer Andreas Litfeldt at the La Blaza studio in G�teborg. I usually have a pretty good idea of how I want the song to end up, but as I said before, I like surprises, so it's also nice when you end up with something you didn't expect to end up with.

And how do you know when it's done?

I guess you never know.

What's next for you then? Tour and then fatherhood and then what? Do you have any goals or expectations?

Yes, a tour in a couple of weeks from now. I'm really looking forward to that. I'm also really looking forward to being a dad. I think it will be amazing.

When it comes to music, I've already started recording songs for the next Boy Omega album. I've chosen about 50 songs to work with, and I guess 10-15 will end up on the album. I'll be recording in both my home studio and in the Kepner Treg studio with my good friend (and part-time Boy Omega live member) Per-Ola Eriksson. We'll see when we can finish that one. I'm in no real hurry at the moment, and I think "The ghost that broke in half" deserves some more time in the spotlight before I give birth to yet another album. There are also plans to release three more singles from the ghost album ("Black metal fairies", "Roll the dice" and "No light in the lantern"). All of which will have exclusive b-sides.

What else... I'll be doing a UK radio session in April with exclusive recordings. I'm also working on a new instrumental solo project (www.myspace.com/mountgolden) and a brand new project with my best friend Martin Bergstr�m. Me and Martin B will also try to finish and release our second album as Kubot.

When it comes to touring, I just got an offer to do some Boy Omega shows in France next year, so I might say yes to that.

Last, but not least, I plan to spend as much time as possible with my girlfriend and the baby, make some more music videos, take long walks with the dog and bake lots of bread.

Download the full 6-song EP here. You can also go here to download previous single "Dinosaur drugs" along with the exclusive b-side "Our secret".

New Alcoholic Faith Mission album in March

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:13:46 -0500

Pony/Rec has confirmed that Danish act Alcoholic Faith Mission will release their new record "Let this be the last night we care" on March 5. Samples at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/alcoholicfaithmission

Pintandwefall interview at Bloginity

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:10:43 -0500

Bloginity interviews Pintandwefall: http://www.bloginity.com/categories/daniel-haim/pintandwefall-exclusive-interview/11650/

New Magyar Posse album on the way?

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:56:23 -0500

Finnish postrock act Magyar Posse report that they are finally working on a new album and have posted a (very) rough demo tune at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/magyarposse

Joel Alme lines up next single

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:27:41 -0500

Joel Alme's next single "If you got somebody waiting" will be released on March 16 via Razzia Records.

Sirius playlist week #6

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:30:28 -0500

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

01. TALK 1
02. Monument - Feel failure
03. Regulations - To be me
04. Du - Bring down a house
05. Tyrant - Go ahead raise the dead
06. TALK 2
07. Tobias Fr�berg - When we go to war
08. Next Life - Anti matter
09. Lo-Fi-Fnk - Marchin' in
10. Boy Omega - Just a boy
11. TALK 3
12. The Bear Quartet - I was a weapon
13. I'm from Barcelona/David Ljung - Silence
14. Thee Gutted String - I've been to town
15. TALK 4
16. Paper - Before that day
17. The Goner - Bright and colossal (risen mind)
18. At the Gates - Suicide nation
19. TALK 5
20. Madrugada - Look away Lucifer

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.

Steso Songs album preview

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:47:48 -0500

Gimme Indie is offering a preview of the new Steso Songs album "Now it's dark": http://www.minradio.se/gimmeindie/nyheter/special/stesosongs.html

Pets - Setting trends (video)

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:38:27 -0500

Swedish indiepop act Pets have a new video for the song "Setting trends": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDlspO95BCE

Jennie Abrahamson - Outside your window

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:19:56 -0500

Jennie Abrahamson's new single "Outside your window" is up at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jennieabrahamson

New Sterling record in March

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:19:10 -0500

Danish indierock act Sterling will release the new album "Tonemaskinen" on March 8. The first single "Spring for dit liv" is out now and the next one "Vi kommer aldrig hjem" should be on the radio too.

Fenriz' "Band of the Week" goes big

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:06:49 -0500

Many folks have abandoned myspace, but Fenriz of Darkthrone still uses it to highlight his favorite underground acts with his "Band of the Week" feature and now, after doing it continually for a long while, it's led to some bigger/better things besides just hipping many folks to lots of great music (myself included). First up, there will be a "Live Evil Fest" happening in Camden, UK in late October featuring a number of previous "Band of the Week" recipients including Obliteration and Sonic Ritual, two IAT favorites. Go here for more on that: http://www.myspace.com/liveevilfestival
Secondly, both Nocturno Culto and Fenriz will be co-editing the March issue of Terrorizer where they will be running features and interviews on many other bands they dig. Should be great for anyone into true underground metal + punk, so yeah, keep an eye out!

Peter Mor�n - Ett land som inte �r

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:56:29 -0500

There's another new Peter Mor�n track streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/petermorn

Sista Sekunden studio diary

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:53:33 -0500

Sista Sekunden have posted a studio diary documenting the recording of their new album: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=54025215&blogId=528587261

Fang Bomb mix at Fluid Radio

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:50:28 -0500

Swedish label Fang Bomb made a mix for Fluid Radio featuring various cuts from their catalogue (Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words, Jasper TX, etc.), a few upcoming things (such as Neghantil) and also a selection of other artists they like (Coil, Psychic TV): http://www.fluid-radio.co.uk/2010/02/fang-bomb-iso-sequence-2/

Music from Norway at PDX Jazz

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:45:27 -0500

There will be a special Norwegian music series at this year's Portland (Oregon) Jazz Fest: http://pdxjazz.com/blog/?p=2827
Artists featured include ECM acts Frode Haltli and The Christian Wallumrod Ensemble plus the fantastic trio In The Country.

Dmitry Fyodorov iPhone app

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:42:43 -0500

Adrian Recordings has unveiled an iPhone app drum machine based on sounds from the new Dmitry Fyodorov album "Shapeless": http://www.adrianrecordings.com/default.asp?newsid=257

Bloodlights "Simple pleasures" preview

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:41:18 -0500

Norwegian rockers Bloodlights are now streaming samples at their website from their upcoming album "Simple pleasures": http://www.bloodlights.com/
The official release date is March 1 for Europe, February 28 for Germany.

Rising European tour

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:39:33 -0500

Rising will be heading out on the road with fellow Danes Double Space in March:

03/18 - Simplon, Groningen (NL)
03/19 - La Taverne Du Theatre, La Louvi�re (BEL)
03/20 - Verso, Luxembourg City (LUX)
03/21 - Graf Hugo, Feldkirch (AUS)
03/22 - Modra Povice, Prague (CZ)
03/23 - tba (CZ/DE/POL)
03/24 - CRK, Wroclaw (POL)
03/25 - tba (CZ/DE/POL)
03/26 - Hammerschmiede, Kassel (GER)
03/27 - Magnet Club, Berlin (GER)

Drugged SS - Slurpee dream

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:33:45 -0500

Toby Vail wrote a great essay on what it means to be an aging punk in the new issue of "Nuts!", our local zine, a subject never too far from my mind as the age of my show-going peers gets progressively further away from my own. "I am happy to be alive here in Olympia which is still a thriving punk scene largely unconcerned with trends, careerism and marketability. I just hope the next generation of punks take it seriously. Because what we do can make a difference. We have the power to change things and our actions are connected to history and impact the future. Hopefully you won't all move to Portland or Brooklyn or whatever when your own punk rock mid like crisis at 20 or 25 or 30 or 35... because this is a cool town and it'd be rad if some of you stick around." Those words resonate with me; I was jaded in my early 20s, but I turned it around and turned my back on the city, on the pose, on false aspirations and all the other things that don't matter. It's a bit part of why I live where I do today. And that's why when I come across bands that share those same ideals, it gets my attention. This is the dark side of the same coin: "Drugged SS takes no part of the already established positive hardcore scene in the big cities... Drugged SS are from Setesdal and are going to stay in Setesdal." I can relate to that. I can also relate to the raw, ugly sounds they're making because while in many ways I am getting mellower as I get older, I am not getting complacent. Dark times, dark music.

Drugged SS are a new signing to Ormeyngel Records, the label run by the folks behind Okkultokrati and Haust. They are also the first band they've signed from outside their extended band family. A 6-song demo tape is in the works and will be out soon.

Don Agbai - Sheffield revisited

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:33:15 -0500

Swedish indiepop/electro act Don Agbai are streaming a new track at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/donagbai
The group is also looking for a new label now that Vapen & Godis is no longer around, so interested parties should get in touch.

Meleeh - Trauma (video)

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:25:09 -0500

Swedish hardcore act Meleeh have a new video for the track "Trauma": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj1Of24HeJk
The band's new album "To live and die alone" comes out on February 24 via Black Star Foundation.

Tysta Mari - Sverige casino (T.M.R.)

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

A lot has happened to Tysta Mari since their previous release. "Sverige casino" features a more confident and creative band now that they've once and for all stepped out of the shadow of old Swedish ghost Ebba Gr�n and are walking confidently down their own path. They experiment more on this album and go back and forth over the borders, but somehow they are still able to stay within the frame of mainstream punk and they do so with ease. In the end, isn't that what Swedish punk is all about anyway? To embed insults and obscenities into catchy tunes that won't leave its victim alone for weeks? Their last effort "Tjugo minuter �ver tre" had almost everything I wanted in a record: the politics, the right amount of shouting and the mainstreamed punk mindset. With "Sverige casino" Tysta Mari takes another step towards perfection. Almost there now.
- Morten Frisch
Rating: 9

The Kissaway Trail - SDP (video)

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:16:44 -0500

Filter has the premiere of The Kissaway Trail's video for "SDP": http://filtermagazine.com/index.php/media/entry/the_kissaway_trail_sdp_filter_exclusive_premiere

Tape live preview, interview

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:29:38 -0500

The Washington Post Express talks to Johan Berthling of Tape ahead of their upcoming live appearance in DC on February 8: http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2010/02/mountains-tape-bossa-dc.php

New single from Life on Earth! on Subliminal Sounds

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:33:01 -0500

Subliminal Sounds has announced a new single from Swedish psych act Life on Earth! under their "provincial" alias Liv pa Jorden! for the track "Blomkraftens frukt". 499 copies out on February 13. Read more: http://www.subliminalsounds.se/

Musik med Daniel Gilbert

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:50:18 -0500

Live music with Daniel Gilbert at PSL: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2010/02/05/musik-med-daniel-gilbert/

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:45:36 -0500

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Bj�rn Eidsv�g - De Beste
02. Fr�ya - My American Dream
03. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
04. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
05. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
06. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
07. Sivert H�yem - Moon Landing
08. Stage Dolls - Always
09. Dina Misund - Listen
10. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til � V�re Godt
11. Shining - Blackjazz
12. Claudia Scott/Casino Steel/Ottar Big Hand Johansen - Honky Tonk Night - The Best
13. N'Jie Haddy - World of the free
14. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ild & Vatten
15. Dum Dum Boys - Tidsmaskin
16. d'sound - Starts and Ends
17. Torbj�rn Egner - Samlede CD-er
18. Jahn Teigen - Teigen - 40 St�rste Hits
19. Jonas Fjeld feat Henning Kvitnes - Den Gamle Veien
20. Ihsahn - After

New TSOOL EP in March

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:43:54 -0500

The Soundtrack of Our Lives will be releasing a new 4-song EP in March entitled "The Immaculate Convergence" featuring the single version of "Passover" from recent album "Communion" plus three brand new tracks: "Take me back", "Snuff parade" and "From this moment". Yep Roc will handle the American release while Warner will take care of things back home.

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:37:56 -0500

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Torgny Melin - Dansbandsnatt
02. Zekes - En s�n natt
03. Erik Gr�nwall - Erik Gr�nwall
04. Amanda Jenssen - Happyland
05. Calle Kristiansson - Calle Kristiansson
06. Nordman - Korsv�g
07. Freda' - Ett mysterium
08. Kent - R�d
09. Dan Berglund - Tonbruket
10. Willy Clay Band - Blue
11. Th�str�m - Be-bop-a-lula hela j�vla dan (1989-2009)
12. Gentlemen - Awaken me
13. Lars Winnerb�ck - T�nk om jag �ngrar mig och sen �ngrar mig igen
14. Melissa Horn - S�g ingenting till mig
15. Malena Ernman - La voix du nord
16. Date - H�r och nu!
17. Nils Landgren Funk Unit - Funk for life
18. First Aid Kit - The big black & the blue
19. Bo Kaspers Orkester - Samling
20. Joel Alme - Waiting for the bells

PopMatters reviews FM Belfast

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:13:11 -0500

PopMatters reviews the American release of the FM Belfast album "How to make friends": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/117902-fm-belfast-how-to-make-friends/

The Silent Ballet reviews "Blackjazz"

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:44 -0500

The Silent Ballet weighs in on Shining's highly regarded new album "Blackjazz": http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/3087/Default.aspx

Svartsot confirm new album, offer samples

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:59:07 -0500

Danish folk-metal act Svartsot have confirmed that they will release their new album "Mulmets viser" on March 29 via Napalm Records. Hear a medley of tunes at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/svartsot

Trinacria - Travel now journey infinitely

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:31:03 -0500

Listening to Norway, part 2. I'm still concentrating mostly on traditional folk records because that's more where my mood's at, but I am pulling a few other selections from the stacks, especially the ones that fall under the category "heard of, but never heard." Trinacria is a band I've always wanted to check out and I even remember hearing about them when they first got going, but somewhere along the line I dropped the ball and never investigated further. Not sure why though 'cuz their album "Travel now journey infinitely" is killer. For the uninitiated, here is a summation of the band as lifted straight from their bio: "Trinacria was originally a composition by Ivar Bj�rnson (Enslaved), Maja S. K. Ratkje and Hils Sofie Tafjord (both from Fe-mail), commissioned by Rikskonsertene for a concert series. The line-up was completed by Grutle Kjellson, Ice Dale (both from Enslaved), Iver Sand�y (Emmerhoff) and Espen Lien. In short: after working together briefly, the composition turned into a vital project which, after touring, became a fully welded band." So yeah, in short: Enslaved + Fe-mail = awesome. Hardly a surprise, though sometimes the marriage of metal and noise is not so hot. Neurosis and Man is the Bastard were the first bands I ever saw who did it and did it well, many others followed. Cult of Luna is one, Pig Destroyer is another, and of course Bastard Noise continues to bring the brutality as only they can provide (check out the new Endless Blockade split if you haven't already!). Naturally, Trinacria lean more towards the epic, blackened end of the metal spectrum as would befit their pedigree, but song-wise, the structure is more postrock-like as they build the pieces into huge crescendos over repetitive riffs and escalating chaos. Any of the six tracks contain therein would probably make for a suitable intro to the band, but I think the title-track closer is best as it's the most epic of all this epicness. Definitely an overlooked gem.

New album, website for Ingrid Olava

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:15:49 -0500

Norwegian artist Ingrid Olava has a new website to coincide with the release of her new album "The guest", due out February 15: http://ingridolava.com/

New music from Little Children

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:14:50 -0500

Swedish artist Little Children (ex-Idiot Kid) is streaming three new tracks at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/littlechildrenmusik
A full-length album has been recorded with Andreas Berthling (Tape) and is on the way.

MIC Norway interviews Lars Horntveth

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:39:36 -0500

MIC Norway talks with Lars Horntveth of Jaga Jazzist about their new album "One armed bandit": http://listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2010020412084763804989

TV Eye to release album in March

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:29:51 -0500

Swedish punkrockers TV Eye (ex-Raped Teenagers) will release their full-length debut album "Nice people" on March 26, which seems crazy since the band has been together since 1998 but hey, that's what Mikael S�rling says, though his notion of "productive" is far different than mine even if they do have another album in the can. Anyhow, hit up their website for samples and stuff: http://www.tveye.se/downloads.html

Joel Alme reviewed at The Line of Best Fit

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:08:46 -0500

The Line of Best Fit reviews Joel Alme's new record "Waiting for the bells": http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/2010/02/joel-alme-waiting-for-the-bells/

Motorpsycho to release new 7" on Rune Grammofon

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:03:01 -0500

Rune Grammofon will be releasing a new Motorpsycho 7" on February 22 featuring a short version of the track "X-3 (knuckleheads in space)" b/w "I.C.U (boinganoid)", an unreleased track from the recent "Heavy metal fruit" sessions. 1000 copies in a Kim Hiorth�y (as with all RG releases), preorder available soon.

Still Single: Liechtenstein, The Faintest Ideas, more

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:06:39 -0500

Still Single covers the Liechtenstein/The Faintest Ideas split on Slumberland: http://still-single.tumblr.com/post/369870062/liechtenstein-the-faintest-ideas-searching-for-the
Also mentioned, Tom Karlsson's "Pojknacke" LP and Molnb�r av John's 7" on Tona Serenad.

The Psyke Project to support Nachtmysterium on tour

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:39:31 -0500

The Psyke Project will support US act Nachtmysterium for a number of UK and European dates in March:

03/19 - ighting Cocks, Kingston (UK)
03/21 - The Croft, Bristol (UK)
03/22 - Central Station, Wrexham (UK)
03/23 - Moho Live, Manchester (UK)
03/24 - Ivory Blacks, Glasgow (UK)
03/25 - The Well, Leeds (UK)
03/26 - Rock City Basement, Nottingham (UK)
03/27 - Islington Academy 2, London (UK)
03/28 - Engine Room, Brighton (UK)
03/29 - The Frontline, Ghent (BEL)
03/30 - Markthalle, Hamburg (GER)
03/31 - The Rock, Copenhagen (DK)
04/01 - Inferno Fest, John Dee, Oslo (NOR)

Isobel & November live DVD and radio broadcast

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:35:08 -0500

Swedish goth/country act Isobel & November filmed and recorded the record release show for their latest album "The ghostwater gospel" back in November and the resulting film will be released on a limited DVD, available for purchase directly from the band. The live audio of the show will be aired by Swedish Radio P4 on February 8 at 5pm and again on the 15th at the same time.

Howl - Urgency

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:32:26 -0500

Norwegian rock act Howl are streaming the new track "Urgency" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/howl1
Look for the band's new album "Cold water music" to be released on March 8.

Marvins Revolt - Siberia

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:11:28 -0500

"After almost a decade of making music together as Marvins Revolt, we have decided to put the band to sleep for an unknown period of time."

Bummer, especially since I was just now getting into their latest record "Patrolling the heights". The band was always that way for me though, their music always needed extra time to simmer before it reached optimum flavor and that just doesn't fly in this short attention span world. I make notes to revisit, but many others have already moved on. Pity. Anyhow, here's to whatever comes next for those guys -- I'm sure they'll be doing good things whether with Rising or something else. (Read the band's full statement)

Arcana to release "The First Era 1995-2002" boxset

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:58:08 -0500

Renown Swedish neoclassical/darkwave act Arcana will be remastering and reissuing their first four albums -- "Dark age of reason" (1995), "Cantar de procella" (1997), "...The last embrace" (1998), and "Inner pale sun" (2002) -- as a 4xCD boxset with additional bonus tracks culled from various comps and EPs. More details and samples: http://www.cycliclaw.com/27thcycle.html

22-Pistepirkko - 3 rocks from the lake

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:48:09 -0500

There's a 22-Pistepirkko tour doc posted at Finnish mag site Rumba, complete with English subtitles: http://www.rumba.fi/katso-uusi-puolituntinen-22-pistepirkko-leffa-2998/

Gaahl crowned "Homosexual of the Year"

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:37:03 -0500

Blabbermouth reports that Gaahl (Wardruna, ex-Gorgoroth) was named "Homosexual of the Year" at the Bergen Gay Galla: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=134544
I think it's great that he's speaking out so much about intolerance within the metal community -- it's long overdue.

Abandon - The dead end (Black Star Foundation/Discouraged Records)

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:29:33 -0500

Abandon have always had an air of grace about them that belies their sludgy roots and perhaps that's down to the integral part that Mehdi Vafaei's pump organ plays in laying the foundation on which the band's music is constructed. Whether it's pushed to the forefront of the music, as in "There is no escape" or "The dead en", or looming with menace behind guitar-driven tracks such as "Lost we are" or "It's all gone", it's difficult to imagine Abandon having an impact as sinister as they do without. That's not to say they would lack appeal without it. The G�teborg doom crew have always done a sterling job in constructing some of the most crushing and heavy gut-churners out there and they know their craft like seasoned professionals. On "The dead end" they once again prove that they can write songs capable of tearing the very souls from those who embark on a listening experience and they achieve that not only by utilizing the sheer power behind their collective instrumentation, but by knowing when to drop an all-out aural depth charge and when to recede back into the darkness to create an eerie, transcendental mood that's almost hypnotic. Vocalist Johan Carlzon sadly passed away before this album met its awaiting public, but some sort of comfort can be taken in knowing that this was, without doubt, the finest performance the man has given in a complete body of work that comprises nothing but exceptional output. The fact that he had, unlike many vocalists, the intelligence to use his talent sparingly, only when the music really required his presence, served to heighten the impact he had on Abandon's music and showcased not only a creative genius but also a certain modesty. A unique and essential memorial.
- John Norby
Rating: 8

O'Spada - 10 strikes (video)

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:15:55 -0500

Check out the video for "10 strikes", the latest single from Swedish pop act O'Spada: http://vimeo.com/9024897

More, better Twitter integration

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:52:51 -0500

For the few of you out there who might be interested, I've added Twitter integration to label pages (see Adrian Recordings for example) and I've also updated it so I'm pulling profile pictures and am doing a better job at parsing links, including those @whoever tags and so on. Want more? Give me ideas, make requests. That goes for any/all site features -- I've got the content, now I'm looking for better ways to leverage it to suit your needs.

Next Life to support Owen Pallett

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:25:18 -0500

Next Life will be supporting Owen Pallett for a few European dates:

03/23 - Botanique, Brussels (BEL)
03/25 - Millennium Music Hall, Cardiff (UK)
03/26 - Koko, London (UK)
03/27 - The Deaf Institute, Manchester (UK)

Bj�rn Kleinhenz April tour

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:16:37 -0500

New European tourdates for the always-wonderful Bj�rn Kleinhenz:

04/03 - Be Chez Heinz, Hannover (GER)
04/04 - Hasenschaukel, Hamburg (GER)
04/07 - Klubhaus, Saalfeld (GER)
04/08 - Schokoladen, Berlin (GER)
04/09 - Amp, M�nster (GER)
04/10 - private show, Duisburg (GER)
04/11 - Motoki, Cologne (GER)
04/13 - Caf� L�bke, Trier (GER)
04/14 - D:qliq, Luxembourg (LUX)
04/22 - Club Eden, Ulm (GER)
04/24 - Meskal, Poznan (POL)
04/25 - BWA, Zielona Gora (POL)
04/26 - Falanster, Wroclaw (POL)

Morbus Chron - In obscuritas

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:49:37 -0500

Morbus Chron are streaming a new track on myspace from their just-completed demo "Splendour of disease": http://www.myspace.com/morbuschronband

Paper - Before that day (video)

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:29:29 -0500

Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOsiSQlcFa4

This week's Last.fm chart

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:12:27 -0500

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

01. Shout Out Louds
02. First Aid Kit
03. Jonathan Johansson
04. H�kan Hellstr�m
05. Kent
06. The Magnetic Fields
07. Oh No Ono
08. Beach House
09. Loney, Dear
10. The Radio Dept.

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/

Brothers of End go international

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:07:30 -0500

Brothers of End will have their debut album "The end" released in Europe in March with other territories to follow including Greece, Romania, South Africa and South Korea. Details on labels and relase dates confirmed so far can be found here: http://www.brothersofend.se/licence-booking/

Next Life - Anti matter

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:52:21 -0500

I promised you something on Next Life in my recent mp3 post on labelmates Haust and I aim to deliver. Haust's side of the two bands' new split 12" on Fysisk Format is pretty ruling, but Next Life ain't no slouches either. If pressured, I might even concede their side to be the better of the two, but let's not go there, alright? Let us stick to the facts: this release celebrates the mental/metal act's 10th year and marks the very first time they are joined by a human drummer on record, the very-capable Anders Hang�rd (ex-NoPlaceToHide). A few of the tracks are re-recordings of old material, a few are not, all are ridiculously concise math-metal ragers clocking in at two minutes or less. A full album of the group's full-throttle, video-game inspired music can be a bit much to take, but one side of a split EP is just about perfect as small doses inspire more repeat listens. And for a very small dose, here's opening cut "Anti matter". It's amazing how much action they pack into such a short amount of time.

PopMatters reviews "Blackjazz"

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:31:24 -0500

PopMatters praises the new Shining album "Blackjazz": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/119585-shining-blackjazz/

The Megaphonic Thrift - Talks like a weed king

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:09:23 -0500

Hear a new song from The Megaphonic Thrift at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/megaphonicthrift
As mentioned yesterday, the band's new album "Decoy decoy" comes out March 1 via Hype City.

Free live recording from Svarte Greiner

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:06:43 -0500

Norwegian drone artist Svarte Greiner has a 45-minute live set posted for free download, recorded in Moscow last year: http://playmytape.net/page.php?id=85

Pitchfork reviews Anna Ternheim

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:09:45 -0500

Better late than never, Pitchfork reviews the US release of Anna Ternheim's "Leaving on a Mayday": http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13889-leaving-on-a-mayday/

Lindstr�m & Christabelle - Real life is no cool (Smalltown Supersound)

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:05:26 -0500

The 80s sitcom that runs in Lindstr�m's head must be a good one. His punchy pianos and retrofitted synthesizers don't just wink and nod to some tinny ancestor, they're as at home in the era as the TV families that materialized behind the electro-cheese of their theme songs. If that's true, then "Real life is no cool", Lindstr�m's album with seductive Norwegian-Mauritian songstress Christabelle might as well be "Family Matters". Lindstr�m is the whitewashed theme, and Christabelle a young Laura Winslow, the pristinely beautiful center of attention. But while "Family Matters'" stiff and unsexy theme may be the most ill-matched theme of all time, Lindstr�m has no problem relating to Christabelle -- his retrograde stylings are an oddly synchronous fit for her breathy delivery. Nowhere is this faultless latticework more noticeable than on "Keep it up" and "High and low", two songs that tower above the album. On these, Christabelle's ineffable sexiness reigns supreme. Lindstr�m's vocal production here is a sort of anti-social enabler: the subtle cracks and pops of Christabelle's half-whispered consonants actually succeed at creating an air of intimacy. That's a massive compliment given that it's a dance album. So "High and low" and "Keep it up" are the consummate singles: they've got enough holdover from the spacey futurism of 2008's "Where I go you go too" to please the diehards, and enough short-form nostalgia to seduce the iTunes generation. But elsewhere on the album, Lindstr�m's backwards gaze becomes pure pastiche. "Baby can't stop" is an MJ retread without the slightest hint of distinction, and "Lovesick"'s Survivor bassline is just that -- a Survivor bassline. Ultimately, though, this album comes as good news to those of us who found Lindstr�m's earlier work too inscrutable or too lengthy for consumption. "Real life is no cool" distills Lindstr�m to sitcom-sized morsels of dance music deeply invigorated by the smoky sensuality of Christabelle's vocals.
- Nathan Keegan
Rating: 7

Du - To bring down a house

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:38:23 -0500

TrustMe Records is giving away the new Du track "To bring down a house": http://trustmerecords.com/nyheter/du-er-digg-og-vi-spanderer-free-download/

BQ - 89 LPs are here

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:04:04 -0500

I just received a package with a few copies of The Bear Quartet's excellent 2009 album "89" on glorious vinyl and man, do they look good! Want one? Email me. $20 plus postage.

J�hann J�hannsson to release soundtrack album in April

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:37:25 -0500

Icelandic composer J�hann J�hannsson will release the new album "And in the endless pause there came the sound of bees" in April via Type Records. Said album with feature J�hannsson's soundtrack for Marc Craste's film "Varmints" which was previously released as a limited tour-only edition last summer, but will now appear with two previously unreleased tracks. More info and international tourdates at Iceland Music Export: http://www.icelandmusic.is/News/1267/Johann-Johannsson--New-Album---Tour-News-/default.aspx

Absolut Noise turns 4

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:27:05 -0500

France-based Swedish music blog Absolut Noise celebrates its 4th birthday by posting a bunch of rare tracks: http://absolutnoise.blogspot.com/2010/02/absolut-noise-4-years-old-birthday.html

A-ha to play final US dates in May

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:22:22 -0500

US dates have been announced for A-ha's worldwide farewell tour: http://www.a-ha.com/tour/
NYC and LA only and fan presales are already gone, but that's the way it goes.

Punk nostalgia not dead

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:43:34 -0500

Speaking of Patrik Wir�n (see below), he reports on his blog that there will be a massive 1st-wave Swedish punk fest happening April 1-3 at G�ta K�llare in Stockholm. Read more: http://rogertsblogg.blogspot.com/2010/02/punknostalgi.html
Artists include Bitch Boys, Usch, Kitchen & the Plastic Spoons, Warheads, Imps and tons more.

Ume� Hardcore, the book

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:37:23 -0500

Swedish rocker turned journalist Patrik Wir�n (Misery Loves Company, Alpha Safari) is working on a book about the history of the Ume� hardcore scene in the 1990s, which will fortunately not just be a book about Refused as he adamantly states: http://rogertsblogg.blogspot.com/2010/02/boksnack.html
Not sure yet if it will be Swedish-only or what, but I'll post an update as soon as Patrik gets back to me.

The Megaphonic Thrift confirm new album

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:19:57 -0500

Norwegian act The Megaphonic Thrift will release their new album "Decoy decoy" on March 1 via Hype City.

New Disco Ensemble single in late February

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:16:22 -0500

Finland's Disco Ensemble will release the new single "White flag for peace" on February 24, both on 7" vinyl and as a digital download. In addition to the a-side and a demo version of the same, the single will also include the track "Get some sleep".

Friendly Noise #3

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:12:11 -0500

Issue #3 of the always-gorgeous Friendly Noise webzine is now online: http://www.friendlynoise.se/fzn/3

Sambassadeur track review at Pitchfork

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:07:37 -0500

Sambassadeur's "Stranded" gets a mediocre track review at Pitchfork: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/11747-stranded/

Susanne Sundf�r - The brothel

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:03:56 -0500

Listen to Susanna Sundf�r's new single "The brothel" at Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/susannesundfor/the-brothel

N��k - Namnet ba N��kish (video)

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:09:30 -0500

Check out the video for "Namnet ba N��kish" from Swedish hip-hop artist N��k: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ru-chk21YI

The Silent Ballet reviews "Magic chairs"

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:58:24 -0500

The Silent Ballet reviews Efterklang's new album "Magic chairs", their first for big label 4AD: http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/3073/Default.aspx

J�nsi to tour North America

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:50:30 -0500

J�nsi has announced North American tourdates starting in April:

04/06 - Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC
04/07 - Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC
04/09 - The Showbox Sodo, Seattle, WA
04/10 - The Showbox Sodo, Seattle, WA
04/13 - Roseland Theatre, Portland, OR
04/15 - Zellerbach Auditorium, Berkeley, CA
04/16 - Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA
04/18 - Coachella, indio, CA
04/21 - Paramount Theatre, denver, CO
04/22 - Liberty Hall, Lawrence, KS
04/24 - Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
04/25 - Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
04/26 - The Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee, WI
04/27 - Vic Theatre, Chicago, IL
04/28 - Vic Theatre, Chicago, IL
04/30 - Sound Academy, Toronto, ON
05/01 - Sound Academy, Toronto, ON
05/02 - Metropolis, Montreal, QC
05/03 - Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
05/05 - House of Blues, Boston, MA
05/06 - House of Blues, Boston, MA
05/08 - Terminal 5, New York, NY
05/09 - Terminal 5, New York, NY

New Teddybears album in spring

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:34:40 -0500

There's a new Teddybears album called "Devils music" coming in late March/April and it will reportedly feature a collaboration with Atlanta-based rapper Cee Lo and The B52s on the same track, among other treats I'm sure.

Regulations - Baghdad beach party

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:26:48 -0500

Got the new Regulations LP "To be me" in the mail yesterday and it's pretty sweet, just like I expected. The bonus "Live radio EP" 7" that I picked up along with it is pretty damn good too, perhaps even a bit moreso than I anticipated. Regulations continue to deliver solid, tightly wound punk rock as always and once again they pull off the magic trick of sounding timeless. Classic sounds made fresh; it's a rare feat, especially when talking about a blueprint that was more or less codified and set in stone back in 80s. Whatever, here we are decades later and these dudes are nailing it. Witness "Baghdad beach party" with its ringing two-note melody and sardonic lyrics -- that's all you need.

Paper to release "Before that day" as a single

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:39:20 -0500

Paper will be putting out "Before that day" as a new single to coincide with the re-release of their album "An object" on vinyl via Imperial Recordings. The official release date is February 4 for radio, March 1 elsewhere. Not sure if there will be a 7" version or what, but I'll keep you posted.

Motorpsycho will play your favorite album at �ya

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:34:20 -0500

Motorpsycho is letting fans vote on which album they will play in its entirety at this year's �yafestivalen: http://oyafestivalen.com/pages/eng/547-motorpsycho_plays_your_favourite_album_at_oeya

SRVC Paris #1

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:10:30 -0500

Swedist act Boat Club will be heading to Paris with folks from their label Service for a showcase at Le Tigre on February 18. Details at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=271809671892

The Swede Beat #12

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:54:05 -0500

Issue #12 of email newsletter/mag The Swede Beat is now online: http://www.theswedebeat.com/magazine/nordic-night/
Featured artists include Stockholm Beat Connection, Dmitry Fyodorov and Jesper Waldersten.

Musik med Anna von Hausswolff

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:27:35 -0500

Live music at PSL with Kning Disk artist Anna von Hausswolff: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2010/02/01/musik-med-anna-von-hausswolff/

Statoil stipend shortlist

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:10:42 -0500

N� Music has the lowdown on this year's nominees for the Norwegian Statoil artist stipend: http://www.nomusicmedia.com/2010/01/30/nominees-for-statoil-funding-announced/
Also worth noting: a number of bands have refused to participate including hyped up-and-comers Kr�kes�lv, citing Statoil's offshore drilling near Lofoten as reason to protest.

No Blood in Bones EP details

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:01:06 -0500

Morningside Records will release the self-titled debut EP from No Blood in Bones on March 15, both on vinyl and digital. Full tracklist, artwork and samples: http://morningsiderecords.dk/?p=291

2010 watchlist

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:46:36 -0500

One of the main reasons I created the site's new custom filter feature is to create lists, both for my own good but also for you, the reader's benefit. Instead of keeping my own private list of my most anticipated releases of 2010, along with tracking all the excellent albums I've already heard and rank highly, I've created a custom filter to do it for me: http://www.itsatrap.com/filter/2010-watchlist
Keep track of my favorites and follow what I say about them; create your own list and do the same!

Presenting: Nattmaran

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:18:28 -0500

Nattmaran is the name of a new noise/dark ambient label founded by the folks behind Harsh Head Ritual and �ttestupa. Their first releases: a self-titled 12" from G�teborg duo K�llarbarnen and the Kristian Olsson album "Att vara d�r jag var innan jag var jag". Full details and ordering info: http://www.nattmaran.se/

Dmitry Fyodorov - Shapeless, the mixtape

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:04:59 -0500

The new Dmitry Fyodorov album "Shapeless" is out now, both as a (paid) digital download and also as a free mixtape. Go to the Adrian Recordings site to grab the latter: http://www.adrianrecordings.com/default.asp?newsid=256

Metal Nightmare: Blood Mortized, Unanimated, Bone Gnawer

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:12:41 -0500

The Metal Nightmare zine interviews Blood Mortized, Unanimated and half-Swedish act Bone Gnawer as part of their final issue: http://www.metalnightmare.com/issue_twenty_seven/issuetwentyseven.html

Dusted reviews "Blackjazz"

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:54:10 -0500

Dusted reviews the new Shining record "Blackjazz": http://dustedmagazine.com/reviews/5502

Airbag - No escape

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:48:31 -0500

If you dig latter-day Anathema, ie. pretty much anything after they figured out that the progressive sounds of Pink Floyd better suited their melancholy doomscapes better than ye standard downtuned metal growl, you'll like Norwegian act Airbag. That is unless you're iffy on whether or not imitation is the sincerest form of flattery because Airbag sounds exactly like Anathema. Same tones, same vocal inflections, same everything. It's uncanny. Pick your side!

Oh No Ono mixtape at 'Sup

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:13:39 -0500

Danish indie act Oh No Ono made a mixtape for 'Sup Magazine: http://www.supmag.com/2010/mixtape-oh-no-ono/

Bengtsarvet to support Mono

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:01:24 -0500

Swedish instrumental/postrock act Bengtsarvet will be opening for Japanese genre legends Mono for a leg of their upcoming European tour. Dates and a sample tune at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bengtsarvet

Viola - Heart breaks into a song

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:52:27 -0500

A new month means a new song for free download from Viola and their latest is called "Heart breaks into a song": http://www.violamusicclub.com/

Galaxy Safari - Star of the masquerade (Granat Records)

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:22:48 -0500

The type of music that Sweden's Galaxy Safari play can often fall into the abyss of boredom that only a handful of bands have successfully managed to escape. Big players like Queens Of The Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Unida and, to a lesser extent, Liberty 37 and Galactic Cowboys are all referenced here in one way or another and show that Galaxy Safari are adept at mimicking their outer influences and stamping their own initials on the outcome. However, an essential aspect that's quite often lost on a great number of bands attempting to follow this path is the concept of tempo variation and this is also a problem on "Star of the masquerade". The vast majority of songs on here follow the mid-upbeat tempo characteristic of this genre and it unfortunately detracts from an otherwise pleasing album. It's not so much that the album isn't enjoyable, rather it loses its potential impact by failing to address the need for variation in this area. Sure, tracks like opener "Save me" and "Far too long" kick the speed up a tad, but that's not exactly what it's about. It's about more divergence within the songs and without it we have an album that is disappointingly generic in feel and quickly tiring. It also, however, shows a band with the potential to pull a great recording out of the bag if they knuckle down and take some time to be creative instead of going for the quick fix.
- John Norby
Rating: 6

Morbus Chron demo coming in February

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:07:55 -0500

Old-school Swedish death metal revivalists Morbus Chron report that they'll be releasing their much-anticipated demo tape via Dybbuck Records in February with their proper full-length debut following sometime later via Pulverised Records.

Lords of Metal interview Opium Warlords

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:01:33 -0500

The Lords of Metal webzine talks to Sami Albert Hynninnen of bizarro Finnish doom/black metal act Opium Warlords: http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=3091&lang=en
More new interviews here: http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/interviews.php?lang=en

New Kiki Pau album confirmed

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:58:11 -0500

Kiki Pau's new album "White mountain" is officially confirmed for release on March 3.

Nikola Sarcevic - Tro

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:56:25 -0500

Nikola Sarcevic is streaming the brand new song "Tro" at his website: http://nikolasarcevic.com/start/?p=300