IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:47:16 -0400

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes og Askil Holm - Halleluja Live Vol. 2
02. Alexander Rybak - Fairytales
03. A-ha - Foot Of The Mountain
04. Postgirobygget - �yeblikk
05. Henning Kvitnes - Tid for latskap
06. D.D.E. - Ut av kontroll
07. Too Far Gone - Sola i ryggen
08. R�yksopp - Junior
09. Eriksen - De aller beste
10. Smurfene - Smurfeparty 2
11. Erik og Kriss - Tabu
12. V�mm�l Spellmannslag - V�mm�l'n 13. Reidar Larsen - Kom in te oss
14. Tone Damli Aaberge - I Know
15. BigBang - Edendale
16. Datarock - Red
17. CC Cowboys - Morgen & kveld
18. Aasmund Nordstoga - Ein visefugg
19. Eva & The Heartmaker - Let's Keep This Up Forever
20. Skambankt - Hardt regn

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:43:31 -0400

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Tomas Ledin - 500 dagar om �ret
02. Lasse Stefanz - Truck stop
03. Benny Andersson Band - Story of a heart
04. Rolandz - Efter regn kommer solsken
05. The Refreshments - A band's gotta do what a band's gotta do
06. Sten & Stanley - Alls�nger p� v�rt s�tt
07. The Poodles - Clash of the elements
08. Caroline Af Ugglas - S� g�r jag det igen
09. Dead By April - Dead By April
10. Style - Vill ha dej igen
11. Thorleifs - Sweet kissin' in the moonlight
12. Smurfarna - Smurfparty 2
13. Veronica Maggio - Och vinnaren �r...
14. Hans Edler with String Orchestra - Remember the sixties
15. Blackjack - Summertime blues
16. Cajsastina �kerstr�m - S�nger om dej och mej
17. E.M.D. - A state of mind - deluxe
18. Tingeling/Kapten Krok - Grotescos tingeling
19. Th�str�m - K�rlek �r f�r dom
20. Larz Kristerz - Hem till dig

The Silent Ballet reviews Alamaailman Vasarat

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:35:42 -0400

The Silent Ballet reviews the new Alamaailman Vasarat album "Huuro kolkko": http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/2494/Default.aspx

Lemurian Swedish summer mix

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:32:37 -0400

The Lemur Blog has assembled a summery Swedish music mixtape for free download: http://thelemurblog.com/2009/07/02/a-swedish-summer-day-with-you/

Wonderland signs Hearts of Black Science

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:17:23 -0400

Swedish goth/indie act Hearts of Black Science have been picked up by Wonderland Records, a very appropriate label for their sound. Expect a new single to be released very soon with a new album to follow in September, but for now, hear a couple new tracks at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/heartsofblackscience

Absolut Noise interviews Pascal

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:15:13 -0400

Absolut Noise talks to Swedish noisepop act Pascal about their upcoming third album: http://absolutnoise.blogspot.com/2009/07/interview-about-their-next-record.html

Children of Bodom covers album tracklist

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:17:08 -0400

Here's the tracklist for the upcoming Children of Bodom all-covers album "Skeletons in the closet", due out September 23:

01. Looking at my back door (CCR)
02. Hell is for children (Pat Benatar)
03. Somebody put something in my drink (Ramones)
04. Mass hypnosis (Sepultura)
05. Don't stop at the top (Scorpions)
06. Silent scream (Slayer)
07. She is beautiful (Andrew W.K.)
08. Just dropped in (Kenny Rogers)
09. Bed of nails (Alice Cooper)
10. Hellion (WASP)
11. Aces high (Iron Maiden)
12. Rebel yell (Billy Idol)
13. No commands (Stone)
14. Antisocial (Trust/Anthrax)
15. Talk dirty to me (Poison)
16. War inside my head (Suicidal Tendencies)
17. Ooops!....I did it again (Britney Spears)

I'm not crazy about this band, but that collection does look like a lot of fun.

Two new [ingenting] tracks now streaming

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:54:23 -0400

Two new [ingenting] tracks are now streaming at the band's website: http://www.nadazipp.se/
They've also posted a few details concerning their upcoming album "Tomhet, idel tomhet" for those of you who can read Swedish.

New Taken By Trees in September

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:15:51 -0400

The new Taken By Trees album "East of Eden" will be released on September 8 via Rough Trade.

MP3: Pekka Himanka - J�i Lappiin syd�mein

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:49:14 -0400

Here's a little something I picked up last weekend while vacationing in Astoria, OR, a seaside town with a strong Finnish heritage. I can't say I know much about Pekka Himanka, but I stumbled across his album "J�i Lappiin syd�mein" (Lappland remains in my heart? Online translators can only do so much for me here) in a local record store, previewed a few seconds for quality control at the listening station and figured, "why not?" Who couldn't use a bit of Finnish tango in their life? Besides being relevant to my interests (obviously), the chance of me stumbling across anything like this in the foreseeable future is nil. Old Suomi crooners don't just show up in bargain bins around here and it's not like I know enough to rate them, even if they did. One curious note to add: I don't remember if I've ever heard Pekka on an Aki Kaurism�ki soundtrack, but he does carry the tag on Last.fm. Perhaps someone with more free time (and perhaps, Finnish comprehension skills) can track down which movie(s) his music appears in? It would be good to know.

Hoob to release new album from New Tango Orchestra

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:11:03 -0400

Hoob Records (The Splendor) will be releasing the new album "Vesper" from Swedish jazz/folk act New Tango Orchestra on September 23. Expect Swedish and German tourdates to follow in the fall, in the meantime, head to their website to hear samples of old material: http://www.nto.nu/
Well worth checking out I'd say.

Dybdahl UK delay

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:42:32 -0400

Norwegian singer/songwriter Thomas Dybdahl's debut UK single "From grace" has been pushed back to August 31 with his album to follow on September 14.

Liechtenstein interview at ZME Music

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:39:03 -0400

ZME Music interviews Swedish indiepop act Liechtenstein: http://www.zmemusic.com/rock/interview-with-liechtenstein/

Enemy Alliance - Where night falls all day long

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:53:45 -0400

Swedish melodic hardcore act Enemy Alliance are wrapping up production of their new album and have posted the new track "Where night falls all day long" for streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/enemyalliance

Two new Markus Kruneg�rd albums this fall

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:41:19 -0400

Laakso frontman Markus Kruneg�rd will be releasing two brand new solo albums on October 14. The first is called "Prinsen av Peking" and is said to be "more majestic" while the other one, "Lev som en gris, d� som en hun" ("Live like a pig, die like a dog"), is probably more typical for Markus' style if we are to go by the title.

Cornelius Jakhelln on Ulver

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:14:42 -0400

Cornelius Jakhelln's (Solefald) intro talk from the recent Ulver live (re-)premiere is now published online for your perusal: http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/ulver.html (scroll down)

Terveet K�det to release new album in late July

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:29:25 -0400

The new album "Ihmisen poika, pedon poika" from legendary Finnish hardcore act Terveet K�det will be released on July 22 via Longplay Music. Apparently there's a UK tour in the works as well?

Monument will finally release the Final Exit DVD, also sign Forever Young

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:18 -0400

In addition to the long-awaited Final Exit discography LP + live DVD, Monument Records has confirmed the signing of Ume� sXe hardcore act Forever Young and will be releasing their new CD very soon. Samples at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/foreveryounghc

Kning Disk confirms new vinyl-only album from Erik Enocksson

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:28:24 -0400

Kning Disk has confirmed that they will be releasing Erik Enocksson's new album "Man t�nker sitt" on August 21. It will only available on limited (499 copies) gatefold vinyl, so act fast if you want one. Full details/samples: http://www.kningdisk.com/02_releases_kd070.asp?id=1070

Music is not a job

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:58:12 -0400

All Scandinavian on the various odd dayjobs held by Finnish musicians: http://allscandinavian.com/1185/music-is-not-all-glamour/

DiS interviews Fever Ray (again)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:34:54 -0400

Drowned in Sound talks to Karin Dreijer Andersson (Fever Ray, The Knife): http://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4137231-hey-fever-ray--dis-meets-karin-dreijer-anderssen

MP3: The Gentleman Losers - Ballad of Sparrow Young

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:31:45 -0400

Most guitar-based ambient artists seem intent on obscuring their sound source, not so with Finnish duo The Gentleman Losers. There's no mistaking the origin of these sounds, though they do indulge in heavy effects now and then. "Ballad of Sparrow Young" is typical of the group: circular guitar figures overlaid by a languid lead melody along with a few other subtle accompanyments. Yes, they do stray towards the new-age end of the musical spectrum, but in typical Scandinavian fashion, feelings of melancholy erase any indications of "mere" peacefulness. And yes, I know it's also not exactly the sort of thing that will make you sit up and pay close attention, but listening does have its rewards.

Atlas Losing Grip - Time to waste

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:18:43 -0400

Swedish melodic hardcore act Atlas Losing Grip have a new song called "Time to waste" streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/atlaslosinggrip

Copenhagen Records to sell 24-bit files

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:17:45 -0400

Gaffa reports that Copenhagen Records (Carpark North, Nephew) has seized the honor of being the first Danish label to offer lossless-quality music files for sale: http://gaffa.dk/nyhed/33351 (in Danish)

New Euro dates for Bj�rn Kleinhenz

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:15:35 -0400

Bj�rn Kleinhenz will be touring extensively this fall:

09/24 - Hasenschaukel "About Songs / Reeperbahnfestival", Hamburg (GER)
09/25 - tba, Hannover (GER)
09/26 - Amp, M�nster (GER)
09/27 - Kamp, Bielefeld (GER)
09/28 - Rotopol Gallery, Kassel (GER)
09/30 - tba, Cologne (GER)
10/01 - Cobra, Solingen (GER)
10/03 - tba, Frankfurt (GER)
10/04 - Cafe Video, Gent (BEL)
10/06 - Pop In, Paris (FRA)
10/08 - Mariaberg, Rorschach (CH)
10/09 - Kulturwerk 118, Sursee (CH)
10/10 - tba, Zurich (CH)
10/12 - Tikis Pub, Geneve (CH)
10/14 - La Salumeria del Rock, Reggio Emilia (ITA)
10/16 - Bar Sartea, Vicenza (ITA)
10/20 - Stille Post, G�rlitz (GER)
10/22 - Schokoladen, Berlin (GER)
10/24 - House Show, Erlangen (GER)
10/29 - tba, Copenhagen (DK)

Keep an eye out for his new record "Burma" -- it's excellent.

Sincerely Yours presents JJ full-length CD

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:04:21 -0400

Sincerely Yours' latest release is a new full-length album from JJ entitled "No. 2": http://www.sincerelyyours.se/yours0115.php

Viola - Shimmery summery (sha-la-la love)

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:16:26 -0400

Viola has a new summery pop track for free download as part of their monthly single series: http://www.violamusicclub.com/

MP3: The Skull Defekts - Knives, birds, stones & pyramids

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:54:27 -0400

There are two version of The Skull Defekts' new album "The temple". First we have the CD version, an continuation of the "rock" direction exhibited by the band on "Blood spirits & drums are singing". Drums, guitar, vocals and more drums playing riff-oriented jams -- they may not usually concede to typical pop idioms such as verses, chorus and so-on, but it most definitely rocks in solid head-nodding fashion. We also have the 2xLP version of "The temple" which takes all of the the same songs as the CD and augments them with extra interludes, as recently heard on the more electronic/experimental/drone oriented "The drone drug" album. Personally, I prefer the former for it's more concise execution; as much as can appreciate the band's droning tendencies in all guises and forms, it's the rhythm-and-drum heavy sound that gets me going. "Knives, birds, stones & pyramids" is the opening salutation of "The temple" and it lays out everything you need to know: this is pure cult ritual set to a pounding beat and illustrated with cryptic symbols and pagan imagery. Sex and violence, man and beast -- it all comes together. In lesser hands, such other-worldly tourism might come across as preposterous, but they never over-sell it. Even without the message intact, as on the album's instrumentals, it's still all quality head-jammers.

Raised First unveil new album details, free track download

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:28:36 -0400

Swedish hardcore act Raised Fist will release their new album "Veil of ignorance" on September 7 via Burning Heart Records. Go here to download a free track ("Friends & traitors") in exchange for an email address: http://www.burningheart.com/raisedfist/

G�teborg passes law to limit street musicians

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:15:13 -0400

A new ordinance goes into effect on July 1 in G�teborg prohibiting street musicians from performing without a permit: http://www.thelocal.se/20362/20090630/
Jerry Bowman of Musik enligt Jerry/The Tram Sessions/TV4 responds: http://musikenligtjerry.blogspot.com/2009/06/lat-inget-tysta-er.html (in Swedish)

The Pirate Bay sells out

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:55:12 -0400

Swedish company Global Gaming Factory X has announced that they will be purchasing The Pirate Bay for 60 million SEK, half up front and in cash. They plan on relaunching the site as a legal service. Read more: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/global-gaming-factory-x-acquisitions-of-the-pirate-bay-and-new-file-sharing-technology-p2p-20

Amir Chamdin unveils new project: Mean Streets

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:40:37 -0400

Amir Chamdin of Infinite Mass has a new solo project called Mean Streets which will be releasing his Nicke Andersson-produced (The Hellacopters, Death Breath, etc.) album on September 30 via Sheriff Records. Hear a track at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/amirchamdin

Grand Avenue confirm new album, single

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:36:07 -0400

Danish act Grand Avenue will release their fourth album "The outside" on September 28. Hear the first single "Almost gone" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/grdavenue

Indie Rock Reviews loves Kristofer �str�m

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:32:43 -0400

Kristofer �str�m is Indie Rock Reviews' band of the week: [click here]
Read their gushing review of his most recent album "Sinkadus" right here.

Pfork on the new Love Is All EP

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:01:58 -0400

Pitchfork reviews Love Is All's new "Last choice" EP: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13093-last-choice-ep/

Mr. Halberstad introduces the band

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:30:17 -0400

G�teborg-based artist Tomas Halberstad has got himself a new backing band: http://tomashalberstad.com/2009/06/28/proper-introductions/

Tingsek - Coming back to you

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:28:25 -0400

Tingsek has a new song called "Coming back to you" streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/tingsek
The new album of the same title comes out September 30.

Sondre Lerche - Heartbeat radio

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:21:37 -0400

Stereogum has the premiere of the new Sondre Lerche single "Heartbeat radio": http://stereogum.com/archives/new-sondre-lerche-heartbeat-radio-stereogum-premie_075022.html

Panda turns to Devotion

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:09:06 -0400

The folks from the Swedish webzine Panda are once reinventing themselves, this time as Devotion Magazine, coming in July: http://devotionmagazine.se/

New Mattias Alkberg single for free download

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:02:41 -0400

Ny V�g was supposed to be releasing a new 3-song 7" from Mattias Alkberg this summer, but he ended up recording a full LP instead so they're giving away the single for free: http://www.nyvag.com/
The new full-length "Nerverna" will also be released on CD by A West Side Fabrication.

Maia Hirasawa - The wrong way (video)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:03:23 -0400

Check out Maia Hirasawa's brand new video for "The wrong way": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7y4dXiyS48&fmt=18

Heroin and Your Veins - The trigger (video)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:01:44 -0400

Finnish gloom-rockers Heroin and Your Veins have a new video for the track "The trigger": http://www.heroinandyourveins.net/videos/thetrigger.html

N� Music interviews The New Wine

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:33:06 -0400

N� Music talks to The New Wine and tries to get them to bad-mouth as many other bands as possible: http://www.nomusicmedia.com/2009/06/28/the-new-wine-talking-shit-at-hove/

New album from The Black now streaming

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:07:41 -0400

The new album "Alongside Death" from Swedish black/death metal act The Black is currently streaming in its entirety at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/pulverisedrecords

Hebosagil posts new version of 'Ei ole'

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:18:01 -0400

Finnish crust-heavy act Hebosagil has posted a new live-in-the-studio version of the track "Ei ole" on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hebosagil
Said cut originally appears on the band's split with fellow bad-vibe Finns Viisikko.

Code666 signs Devar

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:31:36 -0400

Norwegian avant/dark rock/metal act Devar has signed with Code666 for the release of their debut album "Alternate endings", due out in September. Preview a couple tracks at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/devarno

Presenting Crystal Sky Butterfly

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:28:52 -0400

Crystal Sky Butterfly is the name of a new Danish supergroup of sorts featuring members from the Junior Senior backing band plus folks from Broken Beats and Superheroes. The band's debut single "When the saints" is out now and their debut album "Family silver" will be officially released on August 22 via Strange Ears as a digital download. Listen at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/crystalskybutterfly

El Perro Del Mar down under

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:28:00 -0400

El Perro Del Mar is heading to Australia in October:

10/02 - The Forum, Melbourne
10/03 - Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide
10/09 - The Enmore Theater, Sydney
10/10 - The Tivoli, Brisbane

New album from The Elephants

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:21:30 -0400

Danish indie act The Elephants will release their new album "Take it!" on August 28 via Tapete Records.

Vanhelgd to get vinyl release via Nuclear War Now

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:16:17 -0400

US label Nuclear War Now will be releasing Vanhelgd's (remember?) album "Cult of Lazarus" on vinyl in the near future. More details to come.

Lene Marlin - You could have

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:49:46 -0400

Norwegian artist Lene Marlin is streaming her new single "You could have" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/lenemarlin

Baby Sweetcorn calls it quits, offers free downloads

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:38:21 -0400

Finnish act Baby Sweetcorn has officially given up the ghost and are now offering their first four sold-out recordings as free downloads: http://www.mediafire.com/babysweetcorn

Eric Ramsey - Board of dyslectics

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:54:07 -0400

Mysterious Swedish artist Eric Ramsey has a new track available for free download called "Board of dyslectics": http://www.ericramsey.se/sonicblastmachine.html
Apparently the plan is to release one song every month from now until eternity, or at least as long as he [Eric] is out." Anyhow, it sounds really good, so check it out!

This week's Last.fm chart

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:47:09 -0400

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

01. Hello Saferide
02. H�kan Hellstr�m
03. Tiger Lou
04. A Camp
05. The Legends
06. Jenny Wilson
07. Jens Lekman
08. Shout Out Louds
09. The Fine Arts Showcase
10. Fleet Foxes

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/

Sirius playlist week #26

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:44:16 -0400

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

01. Miss Li - Dancing the whole way home
02. TALK 1
03. Graveless - The covenants genocide
04. Abramis Brama - Kylan kommer inifran
05. NEI - City of gold
06. TALK 2
07. Love Potion - Nitefever
08. Pistol Disco - Beat of the tune
09. Black Sheep - We're gonna die
10. The End Will Be Kicks - Little pill
11. TALK 3
12. Tribulation - Crypt of Thanatophilia
13. Makabert Fynd - Folkfacist, halvnazist
14. Bruket - Polisen l�gger pussel
15. TALK 4
16. The Bear Quartet - I was a weapon
17. Mangrove - Pieces of our yesterday
18. Elmo - Shine down on us
19. TALK 5
20. Aqua - Back to the 80s

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.

Font�n confirms new album

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:36:19 -0400

Swedish electronic/experimental act Font�n will release their new full-length album "Winterhwila" in Sweden on August 19 via Information, the label run by Studio. A UK/international release will follow on August 24 and the album will be available on CD, LP and digital.

Constructdead prelisten

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:21:34 -0400

Pre-listen to the new Constructdead album "Endless echo": http://www.soundpollutiondistribution.se/construcdead/Construcdead_pre-listen.html

3-day weekend

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:42:29 -0400

It's a Trap! is heading to the coast for some much needed R&R. See you Monday! RIP MJ.

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:59:30 -0400

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes og Askil Holm - Halleluja Live Vol. 2
02. A-ha - Foot Of The Mountain
03. Alexander Rybak - Fairytales
04. Postgirobygget - �yeblikk
05. Henning Kvitnes - Tid for latskap
06. V�mm�l Spellmannslag - V�mm�l'n
07. Too Far - Sola i ryggen
08. Aasmund Nordstoga - Ein visefugg
09. Terje Tysland - Lidderli gla
10. Eriksen - De aller beste
11. Reidar Larsen - Kom in te oss
12. Erik og Kriss - Tabu
13. R�yksopp - Junior
14. Tone Damli Aaberge - I Know
15. Datarock - Red
16. Kaizers Orchestra - Maskineri
17. BigBang - Edendale
18. Tina Lie - Free Enough To Fall
19. Eva & The Heartmaker - Let's Keep This Up Forever
20. Anita Skorgan - Hele veien - 47 utvalgte sanger

Sofia Karlsson to sell new EP only at shows

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:25:31 -0400

Sofia Karlsson has a new EP called "Norr om Eden" that she will only be selling exclusively at live shows on her just kicked-off tour. The music is described as "the sad little sister" of recent album "S�der om k�rleken".

The Swede Beat #5

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:54:40 -0400

The latest issue of email newsletter The Swede Beat is out and it's a special feature on Norrland with bits on Hello Saferide, Addeboy vs. Cliff, artist Hugo Sundkvist and more: http://eepurl.com/b36s

Sahara Hotnights to play free Berlin show

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:25:22 -0400

Sahara Hotnights are doing a one-off free gig at Frannz in Berlin next Thursday on July 2. Full details: http://www.frannz.de/event.php?id=2296&special=&year=2009&month=7

Mew - Repeaterbeater

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:23:32 -0400

Spinner has a new track from Mew for download called "Repeaterbeater": http://www.spinner.com/2009/06/25/mew-repeaterbeater-free-mp3-download/

Indie signs Shining

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:46:14 -0400

Swedish suicide-metal act Shining has signed with Norwegian label Indie Recordings.

Another Compunctio review at The Silent Ballet

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:42:46 -0400

The Silent Ballet reviews the Ingebrigt H�ker Flaten/H�kon Kornstad collaboration "Elise": http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/2486/Default.aspx

The Pirate Bay appeal tossed: No judicial bias

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:41:26 -0400

The Pirate Bay's appeal to get a retrial due to apparent judicial bias has been thrown out: http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSSAT00634120090625

Absolut Noise interviews The Bear Quartet

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:33:38 -0400

Absolut Noise talks to Matti and Jari from The Bear Quartet about their new album "89": http://absolutnoise.blogspot.com/2009/06/back-to-89.html

MP3: Graveless - The covenants genocide

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:21:37 -0400

Releasing a demo cassette in 2009 pretty much guarantees you willful obscurity, but it's perfectly fitting for a kvlt death metal act like Graveless. Music like this is supposed to sound like it crawled its way out after being buried alive and no format suits that better than the brittle sound of 1/8" tape. Even better if you play it out of an old boombox, but I suppose a mediocre mp3 rip from said cassette kind of approximates that effect when you play it through your typical, tinny computer speakers. Audio clarity is the enemy, this is supposed to sound raw, muddled and near-inhuman. Trve evil does not reveal itself so easily! Obfuscate! Embrace the darkness! Revel in real underground Swedish death metal!

D�n� - Victim of the city (video)

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:58:28 -0400

Soundvenue has the premiere of the new D�n� video "Victim of the city": http://www.soundvenue.com/play/videoer/2009/06/24/premiere-dune

Factory45 - Love scent

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:57:26 -0400

Factory45 has uploaded their new single "Love scent" to myspace: http://www.myspace.com/factory45

Nitad tour antics land them in hot water

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:55:25 -0400

Apparently Nitad managed to get themselves arrested while on tour in the US. Good luck making that court date dudes!

Download the new Pistol Disco for free

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:50:06 -0400

Pistol Disco's excellent new album "Evergreen" is now available as a free download, just like they promised: http://www.pistoldisco.com/
In semi-related news, PD sideproject Volcanic Places has new music for free download as well that I've been neglected to tell you about: http://www.myspace.com/volcanicplaces

Jazkammer + Thorns = Tongues of Mount Meru

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:47:34 -0400

Important Records has just released the new LP "The ocean of milk" from Tongues of Mount Meru, the drone duo of Lasse Marhaug (Jazkammer) and Jon Wesseltoft (Thorns). Full details and a sample mp3: http://www.importantrecords.com/releases/imprec239_release_page.htm

New music from Grande Roses

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:32:17 -0400

Swedish hayseed punks Grande Roses have a couple new tracks at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/granderoses
Look for the band's new EP "The farm" in early July.

Love Is All does Daytrotter

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:20:46 -0400

Check out a new Daytrotter live session with Love Is All: http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/love-is-all-simple-annoyances-should-still-make-for-a-dance-concert/20030515-3737795.html

Nomethod confirms new album, single from Mixtapes & Cellmates, Aerial

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:58:01 -0400

Nomethod reports that Mixtapes & Cellmates' new album will be called "Rox" and will be released in all formats: CD/LP/DVD/MP3. Expect a late September release with a single/video to precede it. In other news, the label has confirmed that "All refrain" will be the first single off Aerial's forthcoming album "Put it this way in headlines". Expect both the single and album in early September.

MP3: Pistol Disco - Organ and drum

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:50:25 -0400

Organ and drum. Drum(s) and organ(s). Bathed in distortion and and baptized in flame; beamed directly to yr skvll, burning a hole through yr brain. This is the new Pistol Disco, same as the old and always improving. The new album "Evergreen" is out today and it's a mind-melter. Crank it!

Crunchy Frog turns 15, Epo-555 says goodbye

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:10:35 -0400

Crunchy Frog's upcoming 15th anniversary concert will apparently be Epo-555's farewell performance. Full details: http://blog.crunchy.dk/post/15-YEARS-COME-AND-POP-OUR-CHERRY.aspx
UPDATE: didn't notice it before, but apparently Jenny Wilson will also be rejoining her old bandmates First Floor Power for this gig as well.

The Silent Ballet reviews David �hl�n

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:21:48 -0400

The Silent Ballet reviews the new David �hl�n album "We sprout in thy soil": http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/2475/Default.aspx

Lapko to record new album in NY

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:33:07 -0400

Finnish act Lapko will be heading to Clubhouse Studios in Woodstock, New York to record their next album together with producer D. James Goodwin (Thursday, Norah Jones, The Bravery). Expect an early 2010 release.

Haust on a boat

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:28:06 -0400

N� Music interviews the mighty Haust about their summer festival plans, among other things: http://www.nomusicmedia.com/2009/06/24/stranded-with-haust-at-hove/

MP3: Grace.Will.Fall - New song

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:13:24 -0400

I like Refused a lot, but let's be honest: "The shape of punk to come" has not aged well. It was an important document for its time, but it also effectively shut the door of an era of hardcore many folks would prefer to forget. Not everything that followed in its wake has been awful, but it is surely responsible for directly influencing a ton of crap. Grace.Will.Fall toe the line. They tone down the sass and nail the "deadly rhythm", but we've heard it all before. What sounded like the future in 1998 sounds like the past in 2009. I don't doubt that their motivations are pure-hearted, but it's time to move on. Newness is not the imperative, it's inspiration.

Sofia Talvik talks tech

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:32:54 -0400

New media blog The Purpose of All Media talks to Swedish artist Sofia Talvik about her Twitter single giveaway initiative: http://thepurposeofallmedia.blogspot.com/2009/06/sofia-talvik-on-diy-social-media.html

JJ - From Africa to M�laga

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:09:17 -0400

Sincerely Yours has a new single from JJ for free download/donation entitled "From Africa to M�laga": http://www.sincerelyyours.se/yours0113.php

Timbuktu - City lights (feat. Promoe, Tingsek)

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:28:30 -0400

Swedish rapper Timbuktu has a new track for free download called "City lights" featuring guestspots from Promoe and Tingsek: http://www.timbuk.nu/

New material from Thomas Denver Jonsson soon

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:20:09 -0400

Thomas Denver Jonsson has a few new comp appearances coming up -- first is "What's kickin' vol. 4" on Stovepony Records which features "Willing night plants", Thomas' first new track in close to two years. That comes out in July. Next is the Townes Van Zandt tribute "Via the great unknown" on Forthesakeofthesong which will feature Thomas' take of the track "To live is to fly". That should be out in October. As for Thomas' other plans, he says his new album "Arctic" is currently being prepped for release along with the sophomore release from sideproject A Perfect Friend.

Snutj�vel - Punksvin

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:12:22 -0400

Snutj�vel has recorded a new version of the oft-covered Teddybears Sthlm track "Punkrocker" as "Punksvin", together with many guests from bands such as Sator, Asta Kask and The Liptones as well as Teddybears Sthlm themselves. Listen at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/snutjavel

Some Place Else taking pause

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:49:09 -0400

Finnish industrial/darkwave label Some Place Else (Niko Skorpio, Ovro) is going on hiatus: http://www.someplaceelse.net/

Takida prep new album, single

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:19:23 -0400

Swedish mainstream rock act Takida will release their new album "The dark instinct" this coming fall. The first single "As you die" is out now.

Reykjav�k! to get European and American release for new album

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:18:46 -0400

Icelandic noisepoppers Reykjav�k! will see their most recent album "The blood" released in Europe on July 3 and North America on August 4 via Kimi Records.

New music from St. Hood now streaming

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:40:33 -0400

There are a couple new tracks from Finnish hardcore act St. Hood streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sthood
The band's new album "For the dead" will be released on August 12 via Combat Rock Industry.

Baby Woodrose reveal new album details

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:22:09 -0400

Danish rockers Baby Woodrose will release their new untitled/self-titled album, their sixth overall, on September 14. For more details and a short track breakdown, go here: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=23233607&blogId=494052225

MP3: Florence Valentin - S�ld �r s�ld

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:01:16 -0400

I'm not gonna try and bullshit you into believing that Florence Valentin are some inspiring new act, brimming with originality, but what they do, they do well and that's bring quality summer-pop vibes. Whether they're cribbing from The Clash or H�kan Hellstr�m, it all sounds good to me even when the subject matter is all guns, bombs and violence. I just hear a rocksteady beat and laidback horns, lean back and smile. Sometimes a language barrier does have its advantages!

Ruh's new album now streaming

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:54:31 -0400

Swedish pop/rock act Ruh are streaming their new album "Find the essence and multiply" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ruhmusic

Tiger begets Diger

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:13:23 -0400

Groove reports that Oslo-based indie record store Tiger (also, propietors of the excellent label Fysisk Format) have started their own distribution/marketing company and have named it Diger. Read more here (in Norwegian) or head to Diger's new website: http://diger.tigernet.no/

New dates for 22-Pistepirkko in July

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:58:54 -0400

New European tourdates for Finns 22-Pistepirkko:

07/22 - Kulturladen, Konstanz (GER)
07/23 - Club Cardinal, Schaffhausen (CH)
07/24 - Stonehill Festival, Alterswil (CH)
07/25 - Kino, Ebensee (AUS)
07/26 - tba, Insbruck (AUS)
07/27 - Motovun Film Festival, Motovun (CRO)
07/28 - Chelsea, Wien (AUS)

Rune Vigil + Ebbe Frej = Helsinki Poetry

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:33:04 -0400

The Late Parade's vocalist Rune Vigil has teamed up with Ebbe Frej (Epo-555), the producer of the band's recent record "In chase of red beads", for a new project called Helsinki Poetry. The duo plans to record an EP eventually, but for now they are regularly posting demos for free download at their website: http://www.helsinkipoetry.com/

Ison & Fille - Jag skrattar idag (video)

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:28:49 -0400

Ison & Fille now have a video for their great single "Jag skratter idag": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCQjx_JrG9k&fmt=18

Embee - Desire to be free (feat. Nina Ramsby) (video)

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:24:53 -0400

Check out the video for the new Embee single "Desire to be free" (feat. Nina Ramsby): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzItZF6D4ik&fmt=18

Valhall's 3rd album now released, 9 years later

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:07:53 -0400

It appears that Norwegian doom act Valhall (feat. Fenriz of Darkthrone) finally managed to put out their never-released 3rd album "Red planet" via Housecore Records, the label run by Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down, etc.). See here: http://www.thehousecorerecords.com/

Teddybears Sthlm - Get mama a house

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:00:40 -0400

Teddybears Sthlm are back with a new single called "Get mama a house", their first in many years. The track was actually originally written by member Klas �hlund as a jingle for Fastighetsbyr�n's (Real Estate Agency) ad "Sold" and they are partnering with Sony to offer the track as a free download: http://getmamaahouse.fastighetsbyran.se/

Pitchfork reviews the new Radio Dept. single

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:51:09 -0400

Pitchfork isn't so hot on The Radio Dept.'s new single "David": http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/11330-david/

REVIEW: Fanfarlo - Reservoir (self-released)

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:31:42 -0400

I'm more than a little late to the Fanfarlo party. Only last week did I first hear about them from the Sigur R�s mailing list, months after the release of "Reservoir" and the subsequent chorus of praise from the likes of Rough Trade, NME, and Brooklyn Vegan -- praise that is well deserved. Centered around Swedish musician Simon Balthazar, the London-based songsmiths temper their Arcade Fire-like sound with Scandinavian influences, at times bringing to mind Pelle Carlberg, Loney Dear, and Burning Hearts, though their inclination towards the atmospheric and epic flesh out these influences in pleasantly unexpected ways. The only issue I run into with Fanfarlo is that they are far better on tracks like "Comets", a track that wouldn't have felt amiss on Carlberg's "In a nutshell", than on the overtly Arcade Fire-esque "Drowning men". This is not to say that "Drowning men" is a bad song, it's not (in fact it's quite good), it just taps so strongly into the "Neighborhood #1 (tunnels)" vein, without filtering the idea through Fanfarlo's obvious talents, that it feels somewhat out of place on "Reservoir". That said, "Resevoir" is a fantastic album (especially as you can download it for $1 until July 4), pushing its frenetic pop structures to their limits, driving them down adventitious avenues and back alleyways, and constantly unveiling new layers upon repeated listening.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson
Rating: 8

The Psyke Project - Stockholm bloodbath

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:30:13 -0400

Neglected to mention it yesterday, but The Psyke Project have a new song streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thepsykeproject
The music kinda sounds like they're holding back, but the vocals are as fierce as always.

Swingfly - Promise you

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:18:37 -0400

Swingfly's new single "Promise you" is streaming at YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPUaGixE7u4

New music from The First Miles now streaming

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:05:37 -0400

Danish roots-rockers The First Miles, as heard on "Reader's companion volume 2", have a couple new tracks up for streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thefirstmiles

Mange Schmidt - Vet att du f�rst�r" (video)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:08:16 -0400

Check out Mange Schmidt's new video for the song "Vet att du f�rst�r": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-P7V6YDMKM&fmt=18

The Psyke Project confirm new album

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:06:44 -0400

Danish metalcore act The Psyke Project will release their new album "The dead storm" on August 24.

Pelle Carlberg starts a band with his kids

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:05:49 -0400

Check out Pelle Carlberg playing childrens music with his kids p� Svenska: http://www.myspace.com/tvillingarnatrulsjag

Rigas - Simple

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:59:55 -0400

Flora & Fauna is giving away another Rigas track ("Simple") as a free download: http://rigas.blackside.org/EP/02_Rigas_Simple.mp3
Expect a proper new single in August with an album to follow plus a new skweee album as Rigas den Andre, due out September 11 via Flogsta Danshall.

Kulturradet Bidragsbeslut (Swedish cultural grants)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:48:29 -0400

If you're curious about what Swedish artists are receiving state funding this year, the latest recipients are now listed: http://www.kulturradet.se/sv/Bidrag/Beviljade-bidrag/2009/
Nice to see that Moonbabies are coming to NYC in October! And new music from Junip on the way?

Lystring to release new LP from Tom Karlsson

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:21:56 -0400

Lystring, the label/publisher that released the most recent Brainbombs album "Fucking mess", will be putting out a new LP from Tom Karlsson entitled "Pojknacke". Tom has previously collaborated with the groups Arbetaren, Galago and Det Grymma Sv�rdet, among others and this new work is said to be "more or less musical backgrounds to the texts that are quite serious in the foundation, but made with various silly voices. The roots are somewhere in the industrial music cassette subculture of the 80s." (according to Google Translate, kinda)

Petter Carlsen + Northern Delights

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:55:32 -0400

It's probably not available to international customers, but Norwegian artist Petter Carlsen is pairing copies of his new CD with fancy chocolate confections and hand-sewn packaging: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=90225795&blogId=496294846
Can't download chocolate!

Alibi Tom - Sometimes I'm afraid (video)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:47:38 -0400

The video for the new Alibi Tom single "Sometimes I'm afraid" is now online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G_mT1lr-_8&fmt=18

Mikael Lind offers free piano improvisations

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:01:08 -0400

Swedish-born/Icelandic-living artist Mikael Lind recently recorded a mini-album of piano improvisations and is offering the collection as a free download: http://mikaellind.blogspot.com/2009/06/piano-improvisations-free-mp3-album.html
I haven't had a chance to listen yet myself, but the songs he has streaming in the sidebar sound quite good (though a bit more fleshed-out).

Vindra now streaming debut album

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:48:58 -0400

Swedish melodic rockers Vindra are currently streaming their new album "Heroes of the unfinished symphony" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/vindra

Paper - Live in NYC (video)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:37:59 -0400

Postpunks Paper have rounded up a few decent-quality YouTube links with footage of their recent NYC performances: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=64764246&blogId=496287355

David Fridlund 1999-2009

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:13:31 -0400

David Fridlund (David & the Citizens) is celebrating 10 years as a musician by self-releasing a limited edition compilation of demo recordings. Go here for details: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=47112426&blogId=496264856

MP3: Tyrant - The rebirth... (reclaim the flame)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:08:33 -0400

Pretty much the only thing I really feel like listening to these days is old-school death metal. Well, that and Elmo, but we'll revisit them at another time. I'm not particularly angry or anything, I just like the way it sounds, especially when it's played in its rawest, more purest form. No blazing blastbeats, no overcooked technicality, just pure sickness -- that's what Tyrant is all about. Their debut LP (today's mp3 is the title track) is actually a couple years old now, but I only just recently got into 'em so it's new to me and perhaps maybe new to you too. Not that it sounds "new", but that's precisely the point! It's a perfect tribute to old masters such as Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, Autopsy, Venom and so on, infused with the classic tones that Sweden is known for. Fitting that the members of the band are all old heads too; so many youngsters seem to miss the point or refuse to take it seriously. These dudes have their hearts in it, that's for sure, and they know exactly what they're doing. "This is the rebirth, reclaim the flame! It's time to raise the dead!" Hell yeah.

Martin McFaul to release sophomore album in September

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:53:06 -0400

Imperial Recordings reports that the new Martin McFaul album "Sha la love" will be released on September 9. Hear the first single "Sha la la" (due out September 2) at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/martinmcfaul

Dusted reviews The Thing's latest

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:40:06 -0400

Dusted reviews Swedish/Norwegian freejazz combo The Thing's latest album "Bag it!": http://www.dustedmagazine.com/reviews/5075

Wildbirds & Peacedrums BBC session to air on June 25

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:34:23 -0400

Wildbirds & Peacedrums recently recorded an 4-song session for the BBC together with Micachu & the Shapes which will air on June 25 during Late Junction, sometime between 23:15-01:00. Besides being aired live, fans can also stream the archive of the show for a week from the program's website.

'Sunshine lover' gets American release date

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:02:52 -0400

Danish pop act Small has finally confirmed a July 7 date for the North American release of their excellent summer single "Sunshine lover".

Boy Omega and Lassus to tour Germany, Austria

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:59:57 -0400

G�teborg-based indie artists Boy Omega and Lassus will be heading out on tour together in October:

10/01 - Cafe Riptide, Braunschweig (GER)
10/02 - Moritzbastei, Leipzig (GER)
10/03 - Arge, Salzburg (GER)
10/04 - Cat, Ulm (GER)
10/05 - Asta Kneipe, Rosenheim (GER)
10/06 - Das Haus, Ludwigshaufen (GER)
10/07 - Bang Bang Club, Berlin (GER)
10/10 - Ostpol, Dresden (GER)
10/14 - Szene, Vienna (AUS)
10/16 - Spielboden, Dornbirn (AUS)
10/19 - Heimat, Regensburg (GER)

Tar...Feathers/�ttestupa European tour

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:51:02 -0400

Swedish acts Tar...Feathers and �ttestupa are heading out on tour later this month:

06/24 - LOKAL, Berlin (GER)
06/25 - tba, Kassel (GER)
06/26 - AZ Conni, Dresden (GER)
06/27 - 007 Strahov, Prague (CZ)
06/28 - UFA, Warsawa (POL)
06/29 - Kawiarnia Naukowa, Krakow (POL)
06/30 - Rhiz, Wien (AUS)
07/01 - Pekarna, Maribor (GER)
07/02 - tba
07/03 - IVI, Frankfurt (GER)
07/04 - Kohi, Karlsruhe (GER)
07/05 - Atari, Leipzig (GER)

New Jennie Abrahamson album has a title

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:20:29 -0400

Jennie Abrahamson's new album, confirmed for release on September 16, now has a title: "While the sun's still up and the sky is bright".

Cool Hunting interviews Moto Boy, The Swedish Model

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:16:39 -0400

Cool Hunting talks to Moto Boy: http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2009/06/moto_boy.php
Also interviewed: Jonas Edvinsson, North American Operations Manager for label cooperative/industry organization The Swedish Model: http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2009/06/the_swedish_mod.php

The Legends live in NY, Philly

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:38:38 -0400

The Legends are doing a few East Coast shows this week:

06/23 - Bell House, Brooklyn, NY
06/24 - Santos Party House, New York, NY
06/25 - The Bowery, New York, NY
06/26 - The Studio at Webster Hall, New York, NY
06/27 - Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This week's Last.fm chart

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:25:29 -0400

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

01. The Radio Dept.
02. Jens Lekman
03. H�kan Hellstr�m
04. El Perro del Mar
05. Phoenix
06. Deportees
07. The Concretes
08. Anna J�rvinen
09. Loney, Dear
10. Jonathan Johansson

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/

Sirius playlist week #25

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:25:09 -0400

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

01. Samuraj Cities - 2 close 2 yr hrt
02. TALK 1
03. Pirate Love - Laughing gas
04. Fare You Well - Overload
05. Kap Kap - Steel wheels
06. TALK 2
07. Elmo - Two becomes one
08. Johndoe - Hardt som faen
09. The Black - On the descent to hell
10. The Amazing - Dragon
11. TALK 3
12. The Bear Quartet - I was a weapon
13. Aerial - All refrain
14. M�gel - H�ll mig h�rt
15. TALK 4
16. Je Suis Animal - Painted in my face
17. Katatonia - Deadhouse
18. Pixie Carnation - Little sister
19. Bj�rn Kleinhenz - Show me love
20. TALK 5
21. New Decade - I guess you ran from something

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 Tingsek in September

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:48:51 -0400

Tingsek doesn't have a title for his new album yet, but he does have a release date: September 30.

MP3: Pixie Carnation - When did the lights go out

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:41:53 -0400

Repost! This song deserves top placement again, not just because I just received copies of their CDEP for resale, but simply because it needs to be heard. I think these dudes are one of the biggest potential breakthrough acts of this year, so listen up! Oh yeah, and glad midsommar!

Kashmir in the studio (video)

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:15:20 -0400

Check out a short video of Kashmir in the studio, recording their next album: http://www.kashmir.dk/movies/index.php?m=22

Air France - GBG belongs to us

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:09:46 -0400

Via Pitchfork comes word that Air France have created a musical love-letter (and travel guide) to their home city of G�teborg: http://www.gbgbelongstous.se/

Twitter links added

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:03:56 -0400

Twitter share links are now added in the post footers, something I probably should have done days/weeks/months ago. If you notice any weirdness or have other suggestions for added functionality, let me know!

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:23:59 -0400

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes og Askil Holm - Hallelujah - Live
02. Alexander Rybak - Fairytales
03. Henning Kvitnes - Tid for latskap
04. Too Far Gone - Sola i ryggen
05. V�mm�l Spellmannslag - V�mm�l'n
06. Eriksen - De aller beste
07. Datarock - Red
08. Erik og Kriss - Tabu
09. Terje Tysland - Lidderli gla
10. Reidar Larsen - Kom in te oss
11. Tone Damli Aaberge - I Know
12. R�yksopp - Junior
13. Kaizers Orchestra - Maskineri
14. Aasmund Nordstoga - Ein visefugg
15. Eva & The Heartmaker - Let's Keep This Up Forever
16. BigBang - Edendale
17. Anita Skorgan - Hele veien - 47 utvalgte sanger
18. CC Cowboys - Morgen & kveld
19. Jorn - Spirit Black
20. Terje Formoe - Kaptein Sabeltann og den forheksede �ya

Indie MP3 interviews Juni J�rvi

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:11:12 -0400

Indie MP3 interviews Swedish indiepop artist Juni J�rvi: http://indiemp3couk.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/juni-jarvi/

Marduk finally to play the US again?

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:58 -0400

Marduk says they have finally figured out their visa issues and will (finally) be making it over to the US for some shows:

8/12 - Sonar, Baltimore, MD
8/13 - Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA
8/15 - Gramercy Threatre, New York, NY

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:50:38 -0400

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Tomas Ledin - 500 dagar om �ret
02. Lasse Stefanz - Truck stop
03. The Refreshments - A band's gotta do what a band's gotta do
04. Dead By April - Dead By April
05. Imperiet - Silver, guld och mis�r
06. Veronica Maggio - Och vinnaren �r...
07. The Poodles - Clash of the elements
08. Hardcore Superstar - Beg for it
09. Jannez - Guenerina
10. Hans Edler with String Orchestra - Remember the sixties
11. Style - Vill ha dej igen
12. Johan Palm - My antidote
13. Larz Kristerz - Hem till dig
14. Tingeling/Kapten Krok - Grotescos tingeling
15. Caroline Af Ugglas - S� g�r jag det igen
16. Thorleifs - Sweet kissin' in the moonlight
17. Calaisa - Grafton Street
18. The Sounds - Crossing the rubicon
19. Lillasyster - Det h�r �r inte musik, det h�r �r k�rlek
20. E.M.D. - A state of mind - deluxe

Crunchy Frog signs Lars & The Hands Of Light

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:13:08 -0400

Crunchy Frog has announced the signing of Lars & The Hands Of Light, the solo act of Lars Vognstrup (ex-Money Your Love, Wolfkin, etc.). Hear a song at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/larsandthehandsoflight

Moneybrother - We only die once (video)

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:26:48 -0400

Aftonbladet has the new Moneybrother video for "We only die once": http://www.aftonbladet.se/webbtv/noje/musikvideor/article5402087.ab

MP3: Le Corbeau - Evening chill / Montr�al of the mind

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:20:20 -0400

Looks like we're heading into a rainy midsummer weekend, at least in the places it matters. I don't mind though, my garden needs the water and I'm happy for some of the mugginess to get cleared away. Of course that necessitates a soundtrack and I think Le Corbeau might just fit the bill -- unlike most Fysisk Format releases, this isn't very aggressive at all. At least it doesn't start out that way; it does escalate into screaming white noise towards the end on this one track. Mostly though, Le Corbeau does atmospheric instrumentals with a touch of French pop melodicism. The title track of his debut "Evening chill / Montr�al of the mind" definitely recalls the former half of the title and maybe even the latter as well, though I wouldn't know as I've never been there. That 2nd part of the piece is definitely evocative though, all screaming scree and chiming overtones, like hard sheets of rain ricocheting off varying surfaces. For a grey day, it'll do just fine.

New Legends album now streaming

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:53:44 -0400

The Legends' new album "Over and over" is currently streaming at Spinner: http://www.spinner.com/new-releases#/14

TV Off - Music machine (video)

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:52:55 -0400

Finnish indie duo TV Off have a new video for the song "Music machine": http://vimeo.com/5206993

Shout Out Louds recording a new album in August

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:41:12 -0400

Shout Out Louds will be going back into the studio in August to record their next album.

New website for the Finnish Music Information Centre

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:52:43 -0400

The Finnish Music Information Centre has given their website a nice revamp: http://www.fimic.fi/

The Silent Ballet reviews Kebnekajse

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:04:46 -0400

The Silent Ballet reviews the new self-titled album from Swedish folk-rock act Kebnekajse: http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/2470/Default.aspx

DOA reviews Jeniferever

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:45:29 -0400

Delusions of Adequacy review Swedish postrock act Jeniferever and their new album "Spring tides": http://www.adequacy.net/2009/06/jeniferever-%E2%80%93-spring-tides/

Fever Ray - Triangle walks (video)

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:59:51 -0400

The video for the new Fever Ray single "Triangle walks" is now online: http://vimeo.com/5215214

New [ingenting] album coming on September 9

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:40:29 -0400

The new [ingenting] album "Tomhet, idel tomhet", their third overall, will be released on September 9 via Labrador Records. The Bear Quartet's Jari Haapalainen produced and the first single "Halleluja!" is already out to radio. Full tracklist and details at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/nadazipp

Siena Root confirm new album, US label signing

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:21:37 -0400

Swedish hard-rockers Siena Root will release their fourth album "Different realities" on August 29 via Transubstans Records. Get a preview at YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqsyMuqEs9g
In other news, US label Rockadrome has licensed the band's debut "A new day dawning" for release on June 30 and will be following up with "Different realities" this fall. Upcoming tourdates:

07/08 - MUZ, N�rnberg (GER)
07/09 - Wild at Heart, Berlin (GER)
07/10 - Spatz, Waltershausen (GER)
07/11 - Stoned from the Underground, Erfurt (GER)
08/07 - Sauzipf Rocks Festival, D�briach (AUS)
08/08 - Yellowstock Summer Festival (BEL)

Death By Kite minus one

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:49:58 -0400

Bassist Sidsel Marie Hermansen has parted ways with Danish noisepop act Death By Kite citing the desire to focus on other projects. No replacement has been announced just yet.

Peter Bjorn and John live @ Spin

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:47:32 -0400

Check out Peter Bjorn and John doing a 5-song live set for Spin at their office: http://www.spinmagazine.com/articles/watch-peter-bjorn-and-john-rock-spins-offices

TSOOL to offer new free single download

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:41:33 -0400

The Soundtrack of Our Lives will be posting their new single "Babel on" as a free download this Sunday, June 21 via myspace: http://www.myspace.com/officialtsool
The b-side "Swim like a bird" will be available on June 24.

A West Side Fabrication says new Mattias Alkberg single soon

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:30:52 -0400

A West Side Fabrication confirms that the new Mattias Alkberg solo single will be out soon and is called "Jag bara t�nkte, liksom, att", with the album "Nerverna" to follow later (this fall?). As for the sound, the label describes it as "music for backslickers in leather jackets with blue jeans on." Has Mattias gone raggare? Wait and see...

Metal Nightmare interviews Vanhelgd, Tribulation

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:53:05 -0400

Recently spotlighted Swedish metal act Vanhelgd and the also-excellent up-and-coming youngsters Tribulation (their new album "The horror" is 100% killer) are both interviews in the latest issue of online fanzine Metal Nightmare: http://www.metalnightmare.com/issue_twenty_six/issuetwentysix.html

Bloodlights - Perfect but the opposite

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:48:34 -0400

Norway's Bloodlights have posted a new song called "Perfect but the opposite" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bloodlights
Apparently the band is currently working on getting a new label to release their next album.

Nitad giveaway reminder

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:45:30 -0400

Reposting just in case you missed it: I still have a small stack of Nitad's excellent CD "Ibland kan man inte hindran sig sj�lv" to give away and all you gotta do to get one is email nitad-contest@itsatrap.com. Give your address, get a CD, you dig? It's a killer disc too- besides the album, it also has all of the band's previous EP tracks tacked on as a bonus. Can't go wrong! Also, don't forget to check out the band at No Way Fest in Richmond, VA this weekend! Tons of great bands, don't blow it.

UPDATE: ~~still have one more left, so enter now!~~ Thanks to everyone who entered! All discs are now spoken for.

REVIEW: Thieves Like Us - Play music (Shelflife Records)

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:36:21 -0400

There are few genres that evoke such a strong connection with urban settings as post-punk -- from decaying factories and warehouses of Manchester to New York City streets littered with cigarette butts and shadows cast by streetlights and neon signs. While post-punk's claim of the metropolitan landscape has slipped in recent years with the rising popularity of remixes and the increasing prevalence of electronic music, Thieves Like Us have crafted a dark, creeping record that contains very few organic elements, evoking a strange marriage of Wire's "154" and the minimalist production existent throughout the Junior Boys' catalogue. In the near-absence of guitars, Thieves Like Us employ synthesizers and pads to create the atmosphere of "Play music" -- a menacingly ethereal tone on tracks like "An easy tonight" and "Program of the first part"; a dancehall-ready minimalism on "Drugs in my body" and "Miss you"; and a driving, mutedly violent desperation on "Your heart feels", the stand-out track on the album. Where Cut City's brand of post-punk oscillates between the atmospheric and the all-too-present, Thieves Like Us deconstruct pop songs, warping them into skulking, introspective shadows existing somewhere between the likes of Cut Copy and Gang of Four. The seductiveness of an album like "Play music" is in the strength of its skeletal nature, in the unvarnished and austere compositions, and in the breadth of emotion explored within this unembellished format -- all of which Thieves Like Us succeed and excel at.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson
Rating: 8

The Moritz von Oswald Trio, feat. Vladislav Delay

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:35:25 -0400

Sasu Ripatti aka (Luomo, Vladislav Delay) plays drums and percussion on The Moritz von Oswald Trio's upcoming album "Vertical ascent", due out June 22 via Honest Jon's Records. Hit up the label site for samples: http://www.honestjons.com/label.php?pid=34157&LabelID=14815

The End Will Be Kicks - Little pill

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:29:16 -0400

Swedish noiserockers The End Will Be Kicks have another brand new song available for free download called "Little pill": http://theendwillbekicks.com/download
Sounds great, as always.

Under Byen in Belgium

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:15:28 -0400

Danish act Under Byen will be doing a number of Belgian dates in October:

10/07 - Botanique, Brussels
10/08 - Cultuurcentrum De Spil, Roeselare
10/09 - de Warande, Turnhout
10/10 - Cultuurcentrum, Mechelen
10/11 - Cultuurcentrum, Hasselt

Existensminimum Tram Session

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:09:56 -0400

Live music with Existensminimum at The Tram Sessions: http://thetramsession.blogspot.com/2009/06/existensminimum.html

Updated Dungen tourdates

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:35:04 -0400

Updated North American tourdates for Dungen:

08/03 - Metropolis Theatre, Montreal, Quebec
08/04 - Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario
08/05 - Royal Oak Theatre, Royal Oak, MI
08/07 - Lollapalooza, Chicago, IL
08/09 - First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
08/10 - Picador, Iowa City, IA
08/12 - tbd, Columbus OH
08/13 - Big Orbits Soundlab, Buffalo, NY
08/14 - Bell House, Brooklyn, NY
08/15 - Johnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, PA
08/17 - Otto Bar, Baltimore, MD
08/18 - Grey Eagle, Asheville, NC
08/19 - The Earl, Atlanta, GA
08/21 - Mohawk, Austin, TX
08/22 - The Loft, Dallas, TX
08/24 - Rhythm Room, Tempe, AZ
08/26 - Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
08/28 - Street Scene, San Diego, CA
08/29 - Kemado/Mexican Summer/Folk Yeah, Big Sur, CA
08/30 - Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco, CA
09/01 - tbd, Portland, OR
09/02 - Richards on Richards, Vancouver, BC
09/03 - Neumo's, Seattle, WA

REVIEW: Je Suis Animal - Painted in my face b/w Photograph 7" (Cloudberry Records)

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:57:20 -0400

This is what well-executed tweepop should sound like: sweet and delicate with a soft, fuzzy coating. I've generally considered Norway's Je Suis Animal to be one of the finer current bands in this style currently going and this recent 7" of theirs does not disappoint. The a-side "Painted in my face" is an upbeat number full of clever melodic twists that give it a bittersweet edge. It's also as good, if not better than anything from their debut full-length "Self-taught magic from a book", promising proof that the band is moving forward onto bigger and better things. On the flip we're treated to "Photograph", a slightly slower, more extended track that trades guitar leads for the kind of vocal harmonies the also-rans are too scared to even try. While the first couple of Cloudberry vinyl releases more or less left me cold, this one is assured of repeated listens. Nicely done!
- Avi Roig
Rating: 0

Hardcore Superstar world tourdates updated

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:26:42 -0400

Hardcore Superstar have updated their international tour itinerary, taking 'em out towards the end of the year: http://www.hardcoresuperstar.com/tour.shtml

The Foreign Resort to get US release

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:08:49 -0400

Danish act The Foreign Resort has been picked up by US label Three Ring Records who will be releasing the band's debut album "Offshore" over here in October. They'll also be bringing them over for some shows, including a record release party on October 29 in San Francisco. Hit up myspace for more dates and samples: http://www.myspace.com/theforeignresort

Little Dragon confirms new album

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:02:10 -0400

The new album "Machine dreams" from G�teborg-based artist Little Dragon (aka Yukimi Nagano) has been confirmed for release on August 19. Samples at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/yourlittledragon

Sista Sekunden back to North America in October

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:57:12 -0400

Swedish posi-hardcore act Sista Sekunden will be coming back to North America in October for an extensive tour covering the East. Preliminary details here: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=54025215&blogId=495359265

MP3: Nitad - R�dslan

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:44:05 -0400

I'm a bit disappointed that Nitad didn't make it out west on their current US tour, but what can you do? Hopefully things went well enough for them that they'll make it back for another go and will play the one coast that actually matters. The rest of you out East better get yourselves in gear though 'cuz they've only got a few more dates left before they head back home to Sweden. And while you're at it, pick up me a t-shirt! Size M, please (seriously!). You will reimbursed in full. But let's get back to the music, shall we? Nitad are one my favorite current hardcore acts, besides maybe Fucked Up, a band who they get unfairly compared to all too often. I say: Whatever! Both are great, though punkrock purists and internet soapboxers love to complain. As it was, it always shall be. Anyhow, Nitad has just the right edge of anger and melody, backed with a relentlessly driving energy level that can't be denied. "R�dslan" kicks off their debut full-length "Ibland kan man inte hindran sig sj�lv" with a fierce four-on-the-floor beat, played at what I guess would be the band's midtempo velocity. So yeah, pretty raging one might say. You dig? I have CDs to give away -- all you gotta do is email nitad-contest@itsatrap.com with your details and I'll have Kranium Records send out discs to the first 10 respondents. Do it!

WaPo Express interviews Arve Henriksen

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:14:18 -0400

Seeing as how Nordic Jazz Week is in full swing this week (no pun intended), here's a new interview with Norwegian artist Arve Henriksen from the Washington Post Express: http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2009/06/arve_henriksen.php

Petter Carlsen - You go bird

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:04:24 -0400

Norwegian artist Petter Carlsen will release his new album "You go bird" on August 24 and you can now hear the title track at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/pettercarlsen

Southside Stalkers - Bones

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:24 -0400

Southside Stalkers are streaming a new single called "Bones" at myspace, along with two other new tracks: http://www.myspace.com/southsidestalkers
Expect a new album later this year.

Liechtenstein has a new website

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:55:01 -0400

Swedish indiepoppers Liechtenstein have a nice and simple new website: http://www.fractiondiscs.se/liechtenstein

Pitchfork reviews I Was A King

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:02:59 -0400

Pitchfork reviews Norwegian act I Was A King: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13229-i-was-a-king/

Ping confirm new album

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:29:33 -0400

Swedish act Ping will release the new album "Discotheque of darkness" on August 1 via Luftwaffel Records in both gatefold vinyl and CD format. Full details here: http://www.thepingpage.com/2009/06/discotheque-of-darkness-to-be-released-august-1st/
Says the band: "The music may be described as manure for your spiritual growth."

GeneralKnas to release new album + free download

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:25:36 -0400

Swedish reggae artist GeneralKnas (Svenska Akadamien) will release the new album "Charm�rerna presenterar GeneralKnas med v�nner" on June 24 and you can download the first track "Delelelelelelelikat" (feat. Kapten R�d) right here: http://www.betraktaren.com/svenska_akademien/default.asp?sida=nyheter&undersida=1

Release the Bats! to release Utmarken comp

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:00:45 -0400

Release the Bats! is working on a 10" compilation of Utmarken-related/G�teborg-based underground acts which should be available in July. Artists featured include �ttestupa, White, K�llarbarnen and Street Drinkers.

Darkthrone album reviews

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:46:27 -0400

Word on the street has it that Darkthrone's next album this fall will be called "Black mountain totem".

Loney Dear to tour US with Asobi Seksu

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:39:40 -0400

Loney Dear is coming back to North America to tour with Asobi Seksu in late September:

09/30 - Casbah, San Diego, CA
10/01 - Troubador, Los Angeles, CA
10/02 - Slims, San Francisco, CA
10/03 - Doug Fir Lounge, Portland, OR
10/04 - Chop Suey, Seattle, WA
10/06 - Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, BC
10/09 - 7th Street Entry, Minneapolis, MN
10/10 - Bottom Lounge, Chicago, IL
10/11 - Grog Shop, Cleveland, OH
10/12 - Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto, ON
10/13 - Il Motore, Montreal, Quebec
10/14 - Great Scott, Boston, MA
10/15 - Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY
10/16 - Maxwells, Hoboken, NJ
10/17 - Johnny Brendas, Philadelphia, PA

El�kel�iset goes punk

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:25:43 -0400

Why didn't I know that El�kel�iset released an EP of them doing humppa versions of various Finnish punk classics? See here: http://www.humppa.com/jokisenvalinta/cddvde.html
Sheesh, if only Finnish wasn't such an impenetrable language. Anyhow: I want it!

Infinite Mass - Area turns red 09

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:17:12 -0400

Swedish dance act Infinite Mass have released a brand new version of their single "Area turns red", now with guestspots from Adam Tensta and Eboi -- get it via DJ Silence: http://djsilenceblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/infinite-mass-feat-adam-tensta-eboi_4697.html

Disco Ensemble - Back on the MF street (video)

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:10:54 -0400

Check out the new Disco Ensemble video for "Back on the MF street": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVk_Uwg9J_U&fmt=18

The Legends - You won

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:34:07 -0400

Labrador is giving away yet another song from The Legends as a free download: http://www.labrador.se/YouWon/TheLegends-You_won.mp3

Television Keeps Us Apart touring France

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:30:29 -0400

Swedish indiepop duo Television Keeps Us Apart are touring France later this month:

06/23 - Le Cri de la Mouette, Toulouse
06/24 - Le Truskel, Paris
06/25 - Pop In, Paris
06/26 - Rigoletto, Paris

The band's album "A slight change of light" will be released on June 30 via Series Two.

MP3: Kap Kap - Saigon

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:50:40 -0400

The a-side of Kap Kap's self-titled debut EP is actually the weakest link; "Fullmooner" (along with the better/expanded Bangkok Impact remix of the same) offers up a proggy funk instrumental that devolves into a disco jam, something that I imagine is about a thousand times more fun to play than it is to listen to. It's not entirely without its charms as much as it is forgettable, but holy moly, the three cuts on the flip more than make up for it. The meandering psychrock gets shelved in favor of a side-long Krautrock workout full of endlessly building riffs and the kind of sweet repetition repetition repetition that very few bands can successfully pull off. "Saigon" takes things nice and slow, starting with the bass. It's a full sound, with a deep tone and a rough edge. The rest of the band comes on slowly doing call-and-response, while the rhythm section pushes onward. A mid-section build-up gives way to strings and surprises and again, the rhythm section keeps slogging forward. It's the flipside to Paper's high-anxiety postpunk; the same circular style, but stretched out and worn down. The other two b-side cuts are similarly great, but this one is definitely the high-water mark.

PopMatters recommends Opsvik & Jennings

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:20:29 -0400

PopMatters reviews half-Norwegian duo Opsvik & Jennings and their new album "A dream I used to remember": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/94619-opsvik-jennings-a-dream-i-used-to-remember/

New Andreas Bertilsson album this fall?

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:18:15 -0400

Swedish avant/experimental label Komplott says that the new Andreas Bertilsson album "Sj�lens �" is currently in production and is scheduled to wrap up around mid-summer.

Universal signs Million Stylez

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:48:05 -0400

MI reports that Universal Music has signed Swedish dancehall artist Million Stylez: http://www.musikindustrin.se/artikel/900/Universal_Music_kontrakterar_Million_Stylez.html
Look for the new single "Love we deal with" on June 26.

New Marvel Hill single on the way

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:16:19 -0400

Danish act Marvel Hill has confirmed that they will release the new single "Kiss/Bite" on June 22. The band's still as-yet-untitled forthcoming album will be out in fall.

Ane Brun lines up French release, concert

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:11:31 -0400

Ane Brun's album "Changing of the seasons" will be officially released in France on October 12 and will include the French-language bonus track "Koop island blues" which she recorded with Koop for 2007 album "Koop islands". In addition, Ane will be playing at Caf� de la Danse in Paris on November 17.

New album from The Aches now streaming

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:11:24 -0400

Swedish pop-punk act The Aches are currently streaming their new self-titled album at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/aches1
I don't think these guys have a label right now which is kind of a shame since they're actually pretty good. RIYL Still Little Fingers, The Jam, The Buzzcocks.

BWO put a donk on it?

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:46:31 -0400

PopJustice reports on BWO's latest effort to crack the UK market, which includes guest vocals from fellow Swedish popstar Velvet and last year's chav sensation, the donk: http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3759&Itemid=9

Speed of Sound signs four new acts

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:39:43 -0400

Danish label Speed of Sound has announced the signing of four new bands: Stoffer og Maskinen, Sleep Party People, Sterling and Leth og Remar, a collaboration between Morten Remar (Back to Back) and Kristian Leth (The William Blakes). Follow the links for more.

Dylan Mondegreen confirms new album

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:24:51 -0400

Norwegian singer/songwriter Dylan Mondegreen confirms that his new album "The world spins on" is done and will be released on August 31. It will also be released in Japan on September 2 along with his debut "White I walk you home". Listen at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/dylanmondegreen

Presenting: Hunt

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:18:55 -0400

Susanna Brandin from the excellent act Winter Took His Life has started a new band called Hunt. Check out three demo tunes at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/huntgbg

Bob Hund +1

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:04:14 -0400

Bob Hund has officially enlisted Christian Gabel (1900, etc.) as their 7th member.

Millencolin to release football anthem

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:51:19 -0400

Millencolin is teaming up with their local �rebro football team �SK Fotbol for a new single/fightsong, their first new track p� Svenska since "E20 Norr" in 2002. The title is simply "�rebro" and the official release date is July 5 to coincide with the �SK-AIK match. Listen at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/millencolin

This week's Last.fm chart

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:19:18 -0400

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

01. Loney, Dear
02. The Radio Dept.
03. The Bear Quartet
04. Kleerup
05. Camera Obscura
06. Fever Ray
07. Phoenix
08. Kristofer �str�m
09. Hello Saferide
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/

The Goner: new members, new music

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:11:06 -0400

The Goner has evolved from what was essentially the solo project of one to a full-blown 4-piece band. Hear 4 new tracks from the group's forthcoming record "Behold a new traveler" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/gonergonergoner