IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Khoma - In it for fighting

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:27:08 -0400

Khoma's new single "In it for fighting" is now available on Spotify -- go here for the link and to read more: http://www.khoma.se/?p=694
Perhaps someday us Americans will have access to Spotify, but until then...

Jenny Wilson to France

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:25:30 -0400

Jenny Wilson is playing a few shows in France later this month:

03/25 - Les Femmes S'en M�lent/ La Laiterie, Strasbourg
03/26 - La Ciel, Grenoble
03/27 - Les Femmes S'en M�lent/La Maroquinere, Paris

New Munich sideproject: Kites and Komets

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:19:43 -0400

Mikael K�rsgaard of Danish act Munich has started a new solo project called Kites and Komets. Hear some demo tunes at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kitesandkomets

Jennie Abrahamson in the UK

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:01:18 -0400

Jennie Abrahamson is going to the UK in late April:

04/28 - Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, London
05/01 - The Primrose Chill @ Camden Crawl, London
05/02 - Notting Hill Arts Club, London

New label alert: Adversum

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:54:21 -0400

The always interesting and thorough Avant-garde Metal site talks to Norwegian musician/artist/graphic designer Kim S�lve about his new venture, the label Adversum: http://www.avantgarde-metal.com/content/stories2.php?id=158
The first two releases on the new imprint will be from the artists Yurei and Delirium Bound with lots more planned for the future.

New tunes from If Society

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:42:34 -0400

If Society has posted samples from the forthcoming Radiopuhelimet and Echo Is Your Love albums for preview:

Radiopuhelimet - Globaali anaali
Echo Is Your Love - Playlist song

For more info go here: http://www.ifsociety.com/news.php#n154

Per Egland - Merkurius brinner

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:26:38 -0400

9 out of 10 times I delete every remix track that hits my inbox before listening because they are almost always invariably: 1) worthless 2) boring 3) awful or 4) all of the above. I can't be bothered; I already spend way too much time listening to music I don't like and I honestly would rather listen to something that's obviously terrible than some mediocre retread of a song I didn't care about in the first place. At least then I have the good sense to turn it off 30 seconds in rather than wait fruitless in hopes it might get good. There are always exceptions though and this reworking of Per Egland's "Merkurius brinner" ("Mercury is burning") as done by Martin Senter (Seven Feet Four, EL-SD, Talking to Drake, etc.) works quite well because it completely reinvents the tune. Honestly, the original (listen at myspace) isn't all that; a fine, but ultimately unfulfilling upbeat dirge. Senter's take kicks the tempo way way up and turns it into something far closer to Gbg-style indiepop than I thought was possible. From bummer to summer, this is the way to do it.

Lazee + Neverstore - Hold on (video)

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:43:53 -0400

Check out the new Lazee video for his new single "Hold on" featuring a guest appearance from Swedish pop-punk act Neverstore: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9Un9PE560Q
Definitely not the direction I figured he'd go, but whatever -- it's fine as an early summer pop tune I suppose.

Members from Moi Caprice, I Got You On Tape and Maborosi form The Late Great Fitzcarraldos

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:37:49 -0400

Bassist Jakob Millung from Moi Caprice, guitarist Jacob Funch of I Got You on Tape and frontman Tobias Buch Andersen from the group Maborosi have formed a new indie supergroup of sorts under the name The Late Great Fitzcarraldos and will be releasing their self-titled debut EP on April 19. Hear samples at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thelategreatfitzcarraldos

New Kim Larsen album in May

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:54:19 -0400

Danish troubadour Kim Larsen will release the new album "Mine damer og herrer" on May 3. The first single "N� n� n�" is already out to radio.

Twins Twins - Catherine leave

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:46:01 -0400

Danish indie act Twins Twins are streaming the new song "Catherine leave" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/twinstwinsmusic

Lowe - Mirage

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:41:00 -0400

Swedish electronic pop act Lowe is giving away their new single "Mirage" as a free download: http://www.lowemusic.net/

Robyn talks to Pitchfork

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:30:26 -0400

Pitchfork talks to Robyn about her upcoming plans for 2010, which she says should hopefully include a new album in June: http://pitchfork.com/news/38179-robyn-talks-ambitious-2010-plans/

Masshysteri cancel US tour

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:40:52 -0400

Masshysteri have cancelled their upcoming US tour plans in May, but say they will be back later this year. Wait and see...

Okkultokrati album details

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:29:29 -0400

Okkultokrati have revealed the cover art and full tracklist for their forthcoming album "No light for mass", due out May 17: http://okkultokrati.blogspot.com/2010/03/no-light-for-mass-artwork-finished.html
The always-reliable Fysisk Format will handle the CD version while details are still being worked out for the LP.

Gerilja unveil new EP

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:21:31 -0400

Norwegian act Gerilja, the winners of the 2007 Zoom Ur�rt unsigned band competition, are back with a new 6-song EP called "Pink slush twilight" produced by John Fryer, the same dude who worked on Nine Inch Nail's debut "Pretty hate machine". Vinyl and digital only, samples and ordering info at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/gerilja

Silver Gleaming Sound Machine - All tomorrow's gardens (self-released)

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:35:37 -0400

I live in Micronesia, a land of pay-per-KB dial-up internet and no Myspace or Youtube. Imagine, then, I'm running down Silver Gleaming Sound Machine's impressive array of e-accolades, barely able to control my excitement as I wait for "All tomorrow's gardens" to arrive by media mail. SGSM it seems, could be the knighted future of Copenhagen, the heir to the last great Danes of pop (I'll admit it), Alphabeat. A Krautrock bent and 60s psychedelia, in my mind, could prove a darker, more rewarding palette than "This is Alphabeat"'s overtly sugary appeal.

In theory. Imagine when I get the album and it plays more as a spiritual sister to Asteroids Galaxy Tour (one more band and it's officially a movement), a faulty electro-Motown update that I can't even dignify with the term pastiche, as the internet connotation of that word is moving ever so slightly towards "encomium" in our nostalgia-driven society. The sprightly percussion and electro-punk lean of album opener "Hawk" -- maybe the only redeemable song on this mini-album -- can't save SGSM from an overall lack of catchy choruses or cohesive arrangements. Typical of a crop of rising pop outfits in Scandinavia, SGSM tries to look in too many directions at once. Here's a nod to Pink Floyd, here's Le Tigre, and let's steep that all in the tinny pulse of turn-of-the-80s Krautrock! Overly smitten critics use buzzwords like "ELO" and "Kraftwerk", and in the process they forgive them for a dearth of palatable songs.

I don't know. Maybe the iPod commercialistas who find these bands great in 15 second snippets will continue to force feed us downmarket ethereals like SGSM in order to heighten the pop-futuristic appeal of tablet-based products. Maybe it's what we deserve. Whatever the case, I'm not nearly satisfied with Denmark's recent pop output. The country of Roskilde and indie greats The Raveonettes, Efterklang and Under Byen, to me, is of late lagging behind its Northern cousins in the pop arena. Whatever. Maybe we'll get lucky and the new Alphabeat album will become the Danish pop savior of 2010. Hah.
- Nathan Keegan
Rating: 3

Magyar Posse to France in May

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:27:18 -0400

Finnish postrock act Magyar Posse will be supporting My Own Private Alaska on tour in France this coming May:

05/12 - Le Bikini, Toulouse (FRA)
05/13 - L'Eph�m�re, Vannes (FRA)
05/14 - La Grange � Musique, Creil (FRA)
05/15 - L'EMB, Sannois (FRA)
05/16 - Le Nouveau Casino, Paris (FRA)
05/17 - Le Ferrailleur, Nantes (FRA)
05/19 - Les Trinitaires, Metz (FRA)
05/20 - Le Clacson, Lyon (FRA)
05/21 - La Cartonnerie, Reims (FRA)
05/22 - L'A�ronef, Lille (FRA)

Disco Ensemble - What flag for peace

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:07:52 -0400

Direct link: http://vimeo.com/9760261

I've long considered Disco Ensemble to be a bit too mainstream/polished for my tastes as far as punkrock goes, but I do dig this new single, especially the stuff with the octave pedal hammer-ons. And the rhythm section sounds remarkably burly too, a trait I can always appreciate. So yeah, no disrespect intended, but consider me pleasantly surprised. Even better to see it paired with an interesting video as directed by Fonal Records boss Sami S�np�kkil�. Lots of great, awkward closeups and good movement. Not so sure I get the "plot" with the architect as played by Tero Jartti, but whatever -- it's still 1000x better than most of the schlock I see on a daily basis and it never overwhelms the performance shots. Also, if you want to know more, you can soak up the full technical details over at Sami's blog; yet another welcome attribute to said single/song/video.

The Silent Ballet reviews Bj�rn Svin

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:31:09 -0400

The Silent Ballet reviews Danish electronic artist Bj�rn Svin: http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/3189/Default.aspx

This week's Last.fm chart

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:11:05 -0400

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

01. Beach House
02. The Radio Dept.
03. Loney, Dear
04. Shout Out Louds
05. jj
06. Moto Boy
07. H�kan Hellstr�m
08. Yeasayer
09. David & the Citizens
10. Efterklang

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/

Svensk Punkgala details

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:58:00 -0400

Remember this? The Swedish old-school punk gala set for April 1-3? More details are now confirmed, including a schedule for who's playing what days: http://event.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.detail&eventID=525296.18196

New Murder album coming in October

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:51:59 -0400

Danish duo Murder have announced that their forthcoming album "Gospel of man", their third overall, will be out in October.

CMI to release new IRM album in late March

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:49:44 -0400

Cold Meat Industry will release the new IRM album "Order4" on March 31. Says the label: "Comprised by four tracks, each exactly 15 minutes in length we are thrown into a vortex of feedback, cymbaldrones, heavy bass-strumming, nightmarish pianotinkles and irreproachable synthwork." Sample at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thesoulcleaner

Agent Side Grinder to tour in May

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:46:52 -0400

The excellent Swedish industrial act Agent Side Grinder will be playing a few European dates in May:

05/01 - OCCII, Amsterdam (NL)
05/03 - LiWi, Leipzig (GER)
05/06 - Pipeline Bar, London (UK)
05/07 - Le Klub, Paris (FRA)
05/08 - La Peniche, Lille (FRA)
05/18 - Debaser, Slussen (SWE)

More dates TBA.

Early Ane Brun albums to get American release, more

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:21:04 -0400

Ane Brun's albums "Spending time with Morgan", "Duets" and "Live in Scandinavia" will be released digitally in North America on April 27 via Amazon and elsewhere on May 4. She's also lined up a couple solo dates to promote them:

05/08 - Largo, Los Angeles, CA
05/10 - Bowery Ballroom, NYC, NY

He is the working class

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:18:37 -0400

Darkthrone, black metal and class war as discussed by 138 aka Christoffer Jonsson in Aftonbladet: http://www.aftonbladet.se/kultur/article6704030.ab (in Swedish)

Daytripping: Peter Bjorn and John

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:36:19 -0400

Check out Peter Bjorn and John performing for Pitchfork.tv's "Daytripping" program: http://pitchfork.com/tv/#/episode/1821-peter-bjorn-and-john/1

Casablanca - The juggler (live acoustic)

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:32:20 -0400

Watch Swedish rockers Casablanca perform an acoustic version of their song "The juggler": http://www.press2play.tv/rekommenderat/15/exklusivt-casablanca-live-the-juggler

The G�teborg String Theory/Jaw Lesson - Rats and rifles (video)

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:25:26 -0400

The G�teborg String Theory have posted a studio video of them performing the song "Rats and rifles" with Jaw Lesson (nee Hajen) taking lead vocals: http://www.tgst.org/

The Je Ne Sais Quoi - Bye bye pianotie (video)

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:23:49 -0400

Check out The Je Ne Sais Quoi's brand new video for "Bye bye pianotie": http://www.tjnsq.net/pianotie/

Behind "A voice from dead radio"

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:01:36 -0400

Jasper TX discusses the process behind putting together his new odds'n'ends + remix collection "A voice from a dead radio": http://www.underthespire.co.uk/2010/03/a-few-words-from-mr-dag-rosenqvist/

Eardrums to release new comp, offer preview

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:56:12 -0400

The Eardrums blog will be putting out a new comp in April called "Between two waves" featuring a collection of collaboration tracks, all exclusive to the release except for one. The tracklist has not been revealed yet, but the first sample is now online and it features Sweden's Cake On Cake mixing it up with Amercian Jacob Borshard. Read more and check it out: http://www.eardrumspop.com/2010/03/13/soon-friends-soon-and-a-little-preview/

Brothers of End - Beats for you (video)

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:34:59 -0400

Brothers of End have a new video for their latest single "Beats for you": http://vimeo.com/10108321
The band will be going into Tambourine Studios in Malm� later this week to begin work on their sophomore album.

BSTBA back in May

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:25:45 -0400

Danish indie label BSTBA is reinventing themselves as a pop label after a long break: http://www.bsbta.com/
New CDr releases are planned for Paper Sessions and The Original Beekeepers plus more in the future from artists such as The Dear Elaines, Shaw and more.

Cloudberry gives A Smile and A Ribbon 7" a release date

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:48:38 -0400

The upcoming A Smile and A Ribbon 7" on Cloudberry Records is officially confirmed for release on May 20. Featured tracks include "Den lille havfrue" b/w "Sommer".

Presenting: Winkler

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:44:22 -0400

Check out Winkler, a new project featuring Ola Hultgren of Loney Dear together with Erika Alexandersson (Thus:Owls), Jonas �stholm and Andreas Houdrakis: http://vimeo.com/10157681

New music from Rotten Sound

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:30:39 -0400

Finnish grind act Rotten Sound is streaming a couple new tracks at myspace off their new "Napalm" EP: http://www.myspace.com/rottensound

Cookies n Beans e-card

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:18:38 -0400

Check out an e-card for the upcoming album "Beg, borrow and steal" from Swedish roots trio Cookies n Beans: http://formton.se/cookiesnbeans/

When Skies Are Grey revamped

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:14:43 -0400

Thomas Ekelund aka Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words has revamped his discography website: http://www.whenskiesaregrey.se/

PopMatters likes Little Dragon

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:43:44 -0400

PopMatters reviews the recent Little Dragon album "Machine dreams": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/121962-little-dragon-machine-dreams/

The Floor is Made of Lava "Howl at the moon" now streaming

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:41:02 -0400

Soundvenue is streaming The Floor is Made of Lava's new album "Howl at the moon" in its entirety: http://www.soundvenue.com/artist/thefloorismadeoflava
Read more about it (in Danish) here: http://www.soundvenue.com/features/2010/03/10/stream-the-floor-is-made-of-lavas-nye-album

The Ark confirm new album, single

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:33:32 -0400

The Ark's new album "In Full Regalia" has been confirmed for release on April 26 with the lead single "Superstar" coming on March 29.

Under Byen - Kapitel 1 (video)

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:09:02 -0400

Gaffa has the premiere of the new Under Byen video "Kapitel 1": http://gaffa.dk/tv/clip/156

The Raveonettes to release b-side collection

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:05:38 -0400

The Raveonettes are working on putting together a b-sides/rarities collection for release in the not-so-distant future. Preliminary tracklist here: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=4263957&blogId=531009062

Kvelertak to support Converge in Europe

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:04:07 -0400

Norwegian hardcore act Kvelertak will be supporting Converge on their upcoming European tour: http://www.convergecult.com/49/

Rasmus Kellerman - Five years from now

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:57:04 -0400

I came to the point a few years ago when I finally realized I was a bona fide adult. It was kind of a "holy shit" moment because it's not as if I had it planned it or had any big aspirations or anything, but I could no longer ignore the symptoms: career, mortgage, wife, kids (well, actually dogs, but same difference as far as I'm concerned), 401k, yadda yadda. Big "R" responsibilities and with that comes new gravity, new concerns. Do you ever think about what you want to be doing five years from now? What about 10 or even 20? I actually sat down with a financial planner the other day and faced up to those questions. Which is not to say that Rasmus Kellerman is facing similar circumstances, but I wouldn't doubt it. Recording under his own given name without the anchor of a backing band says something to me about newfound confidence and maturity. It's a scary feeling stepping off on your own like that, but also very exciting. Closing doors, opening new ones you couldn't fit through before.

If you've ever had the pleasure of seeing Rasmus perform solo, this won't sound unfamiliar. Tiger Lou was always essentially his project, as least in the studio, but there's no hiding it here. There's nothing to hide behind.

No and the Maybes live in London

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:08:37 -0400

Danish act No and the Maybes will be playing a few London shows this month:

03/27 - Proud Galleries
03/30 - Buffalo Bar
03/31 - The Camden Head

Elias & the Wizzkids - Crooked road (live video)

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:05:42 -0400

Check out a live video of Elias & the Wizzkids performing "Crooked roads" with an old church organ in Lule�: http://www.eliasandthewizzkids.se/wp/wp-content/uploads/crooked_lulte%C3%A52.mov

Surrounded at SXSW, more

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:50:31 -0400

Swedish act Surrounded will be playing a few shows at SXSW this week:

03/17 - Dominican Joes, Austin, TX
03/18 - Victorian Room @ The Driskill, Austin, TX
03/21 - The Ghost Room, Austin, TX

Preview a few tracks from their forthcoming album "Oppenheimer and Woodstock" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/surrounded
No release date yet, but it was mixed by Tony Doogan (Belle and Sebastian, Mogwai, Snow Patrol), Bill Racine (The Flaming Lips, Mates of State, Sparklehorse) and Paul Mahajan (TV on the Radio, The National, Liars) and will be put out by One Little Indian.

Anchorless signs with PonyRec

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:41:49 -0400

Anchorless, the new band from ex-Lack members Jakob Nielsen and Jacob Johansen, have been picked up not by PlayRec as I would assume, but by the similarly-named PonyRec. Look for their self-titled LP in April.

This Is Head - 0007

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:38:15 -0400

Adrian Recordings is giving away the new This Is Head single "0007" as a free download: http://www.adrianfiles.com/2.0007.mp3

Sirius playlist week #11

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:33:31 -0400

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

01. Laakso - Worst case scenario
02. TALK 1
03. Du Pacque - Walk straight
04. Pascal - Tutti frutti
05. Nirvana 2002 - The awakening of...
06. Lapko - I shot the sheriff
07. TALK 2
08. The Floor is Made of Lava - The bigger picture
09. No Balls - Guilt blocker
10. Obliteration - Styxerian path (into darkness)
11. Next Life - Anti matter
12. TALK 3
13. Ikons - Imperiet
14. The Skull Defekts - Habit
15. Familjen - N�r planeterna stannat
16. TALK 4
17. Meleeh - Sun and moon
18. Kite - I give you the morning
19. Ef - 401 Lwa
20. TALK 5

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

Karin Str�m - Fantomhalvan (Datadamen Records)

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:28:37 -0400

Like the patron saint of the 1980s, Karin Str�m brilliantly recasts generic synths into fairly intriguing electropop instrumentals. However, despite creating engaging a backing for her poppy crystalline vocals, the two never jell, making new album "Fantomhalvan" more an exercise in Eurovision Song Competition showmanship then cohesive music-making. Tracks such as "Hackney Downs" and "Tills fulheten stillar v�rt blod" momentarily spark a bit of playfulness, but overall the listener is left wonder how Str�m's misguided attempt at self-production actually happened.

Admittedly, my inability to attach to Str�m's work could be due in part to my inability to speak Swedish. While she is kind enough to provide linguistically handicapped listeners with translations on her website, something -- quite literally -- is lost in translation. Content without form, we get an endless parade of jilted lovers, bitter memories, and nights spent alone. Reading, rather than hearing, the deluge of half-baked metaphors is not unlike taking an illicit peak into a friend's secret poetry notebook -- sure you feel for the girl, but ultimately, it's a bit too embarrassing to acknowledge.
- Laura Studarus
Rating: 5

Mailorder is back

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:33:43 -0500

I took a few months off to think about the future of my mailorder distro, but I'm back now and ready to do business again: http://www.itsatrap.com/store/
Expect many of the CD titles to be marked down in coming days as I'm still trying to clear out old stock, so if you see something you like, don't be scared by the price. Let's make a deal! Email mailorder@itsatrap.com for all inquiries.

Johnossi - What's the point (video)

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:49:08 -0500

Expressen is streaming the new Johnossi video "What's the point": http://tv.expressen.se/noje/1.1914422/johnossi-what-s-the-point

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:07:51 -0500

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Raga Rockers - Shit Happens
02. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix 2010
03. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
04. Navigators - The Straight And Narrow
05. Ingrid Olava - The Guest
06. Audrey Horne - Audrey Horne
07. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
08. Diverse artister - Dugnad For Haiti
09. Pelbo - Pelbo
10. The Pink Robots - The Pink Robots
11. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til � V�re Godt
12. Sivert H�yem - Moon Landing
13. Fr�ya - My American Dream
14. Bj�rn Hellfuck - Innforj�vlig
15. Burzum - Belus
16. Moddi - Floriography
17. Zeromancer - Death Of Romance
18. Casiokids - Topp Stemning P� Lokal Bar
19. Joddski (J�rg1) - Krig & Kj�rlighet
20. Bare Egil - I Fyr og Flamme

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:11 -0500

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. The Playtones - Rock'n roll dance party
02. Bj�rn Skifs - Da capo
03. Sophie Zelmani - I'm the rain
04. Amanda Jenssen - Happyland
05. Kent - R�d
06. Melissa Horn - S�g ingenting till mig
07. Rigmor Gustafsson & Radio String Quartet Vienna - Calling you
08. Torgny Melin - Dansbandsnatt
09. Erik Gr�nwall - Erik Gr�nwall
10. Tomas Andersson Wij - Sp�r
11. Moto Boy - Lost in the call 12. Zekes - En s�n natt
13. Shout Out Louds - Work
14. Dark Tranquillity - We are the void
15. Calle Kristiansson - Calle Kristiansson
16. Nordman - Korsv�g
17. Mando Diao - Give me fire!
18. Lars Winnerb�ck - T�nk om jag �ngrar mig och sen �ngrar mig igen
19. Nikola Sarcevic - Nikola & Fattiglapparna
20. Freda' - Ett mysterium

A Smile and a Ribbon coming to NYC Popfest, more

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:43:48 -0500

Swedish indiepop act A Smile and a Ribbon are coming to the US in May:

05/23 - Littlefield, NYC, NY (NYC Popfest w/The Embassy, etc.)
05/25 - Lizard Lounge, Boston, MA
05/29 - The Monkey House, Winooski/Burlington, VT
05/30 - Le Divan Orange, Quebec

Patrik Andersson & Vegar V�rdal - Gr�taren

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:31:46 -0500

"In the large deserted woods on both sides of the Swedish-Norwegian border, Finnish people settled down in the 15th- and 16th century. These areas are now called "Finnskogen", the Finnish woods. The settlers came from difficult times in Finland, and burned down forest to cultivate rye in the ashes. In these vast forests it was hard to tell if you were in Sweden or Norway. Culture does not know borders either, and the music is a common Swedish- Norwegian tradition.

So reads the intro text on "Finnskogen brinner", the collaboration between Swedish fiddle artist Patrik Andersson and his Norwegian counterpart Vegar V�rdal. I am by no means attuned to the many regional differences in Scandinavian folk tradition, so I can't begin to explain how the music of Finnskogen, but these gentlemen play beautifully together. Some of the more minimal folk records I've been listening to as part of my "Listen to Norway" exploration (this is #5) can get grating, especially with the uncertain harmonies of the Hardanger Fiddle, but this one never falters. Two players and their instruments, maybe a little foot-tapping; that's all you need. "Dette var sagt at n�r Halteguten, Ola Porkkala, spilte denne valsen kunne ikke folk la vaere � gr�te."

My apologies for not keeping up with weekly posts in this series, but my dayjob workload has been astounding. Rest assured, there will be lots more music (folk and otherwise) posted in weeks to come.

Lis Er Stille - The real children (video)

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:13:00 -0500

Lis Er Stille have a video for their new single "The real children": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXcH2jeBElw

Kleinhenz tour blog

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:03:23 -0500

Bj�rn Kleinhenz will be blogging his upcoming tour adventures at this location: http://kleinhenz-tour.blogspot.com/

New Hellbillies album in June

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:34:25 -0500

Norwegian act Hellbillies will release their new album on June 7. The first single "Leite etter lykka" will be released on March 15.

All About Jazz praises Elephant9

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:26:08 -0500

All About Jazz gives high marks to Elephant9's new album "Walk the Nile": http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=35810

Fredrik - Milo (video)

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:23:23 -0500

Fredrik have a new video for the track "Milo": http://vimeo.com/9786275

Ghost Society in the US

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:32:38 -0500

Danish act Ghost Society (feat. members from Blue Foundation, People Press Play, Choirs of Young Believers) will play a new shows in the US this month:

03/21 - Littlefield, Brooklyn, NY
03/23 - Union Pool, Brooklyn, NY
03/24 - LitLounge, Manhatttan, NY
03/25 - Sierra Grille Music, Northampton, MA
03/26 - Castle Rockmoore, Syracuse, NY

Presenting: Irrlicht

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:57:42 -0500

Irrlicht is a new label founded by H�kan Jonson and Erik Enocksson with a focus on putting out limited edition vinyl records and books. Their first release will be "Misantropi f�r nyb�rjare" ("Misanthropy for beginners") by Chicagojazzen (aka Erik Karlsson of Skellefte�, Sweden), an record they describe as "37 minutes worth of instrumental pop, neatly tucked into a bed of tape-hiss and crooked arrangements owing as much to Norwegian second wave black metal and American Eastcoast hiphop as to late '80s Brittish shoegaze." The official release date is April 30 and said LP will be available limited to 250 copies on 140g white vinyl. Release #2 will be "Den vita staden", a poem by Jessica Andersson with an expected release later this coming spring. More here: http://www.irrlicht.se/

Elias & the Wizzkids - Just do it! (Hybris)

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:45:35 -0500

After releasing two stellar singles in 2009, Elias & the Wizzkids have returned with their second album, "Just do it!". They have changed their sound immensely since the early days, and said singles alluded to the band's new, finely honed pop sound and clean production as opposed to the alt-country leanings of their first record. I must say thought, it's quite enjoyable hearing Elias �kesson's scratchy voice over the lush arrangements of this new set (see "Oh these nights" with it's anthemic chorus). However, the band doesn't fully forsake their old sound, they just consolidated it to the closing track "What would kill us". And it works so well, because each track recalls varying influences, and excels wholly on its own. The 80s-leaning opener "Waste of time", the 70s-pop-meets-Beatles aspect of "Crooked road" and the absolutely huge "Hit & run". But the underlying strength of each one makes this a much more cohesive set than this review may lead on -- the structure of the album is as impeccable as the songwriting and performance. It's hard not to gush (in the professional sense) over a great album, but when one hears it, it is the logical conclusion.
- Matt Giordano
Rating: 10

Ludwig Bell - Jag �r en idiot

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:38:13 -0500

Ludwig Bell (Dreamboy) is now streaming his debut solo single "Jag �r en idiot" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ludwigbell

PlayRec signs Obstacles

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:27:48 -0500

PlayRec has officially signed Danish instrumental/noiserock act Obstacles, a fact that shouldn't be too surprising if you read the label's "Top 10s for 2009" list. Look for them to release the band's debut full-length in August.

New old music from Insurgent Kid

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:20:57 -0500

Swedish hardcore act Insurgent Kid never managed to release the "Bad DNA" EP they recorded back in 2007, so they've posted the whole thing on myspace along with an unnamed and unreleased cover tune: http://www.myspace.com/insurgentkid

Metal Punk Bliss

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:16:29 -0500

Another mostly OT post, but again, totally worth checking out: Fenriz of Darkthrone has made another mix for Vice, this time featuring tracks from his vinyl collection for a mix he called "Metal Punk Bliss": http://www.viceland.com/music/2010/03/a-fist-in-the-face-of-god-fenriz-presents%E2%80%A6-trapped-under-vice-vol-iii/
Featured Scandinavian artists include Puke and Darkthrone ('natch!).

The Tarantula Waltz - Bacchus (live, feat. Nicke Andersson)

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:56:19 -0500

Check out a live video of The Tarantula Waltz playing their new single "Bacchus" with a guest appearance by Nicke Andersson (Hellacopters, Death Breath, Entombed, etc.): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jtkF6WbpEQ
Be sure to also peep the more/related for lots more clips from the record release show.

"Abyss in B minor" now streaming

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:47:58 -0500

4AD is streaming Serena-Maneesh's entire new album "S-M 2: Abyss in B minor" at their website: http://4ad.com/news/stream-entire-re/

Kite - I give you the morning

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:38:47 -0500

Here is Kite covering "I give you morning", one of my all-time favorite ballads. Like a lot of people who read this site, I suspect we all first heard the song when Weeping Willows covered it, though of course it's been a longtime Swedish evergreen from way back when Fred �kerstr�m first did it p� Svenska ("Jag ger dig min morgon") in 1972 on the album "Tv� tungor". And of course H�kan Hellstr�m did it as well on his "visor" EP "Luften bor i mina steg". There's probably more versions out there, but let us not forget the original by Tom Paxton which I believe originally appeared on 1969's "The things I notice now" (and was rerecorded for 1982's "Even a gray day", an LP I have in my collection). Now, as far as ranking them goes, I consider the OG and WW versions to be my favorite, but this new one by Kite is pretty darn good, but even better: it's different. Reverence is for the weak; let's give it up for Kite's pulsating synth version!

Telephone

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:56:54 -0500

Mostly OT, but still worth checking out: the new Jonas �kerlund-directed Lady Gaga video is a mindblower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ95z6ywcBY

The Radio Dept. tour Europe

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:27:24 -0500

Are The Radio Dept. still a terrible live band? Find out on their upcoming tour:

05/08 - V-dala Nation @ Velvet, Uppsala (SWE)
05/13 - Herrg�r'n, Link�ping (SWE)
05/14 - KB, Malm� (SWE)
05/15 - Vega, Copenhagen (DK)
05/20 - Bush Hall, London (UK)
05/21 - The Legion @ Stag And Dagger Festival, London (UK)
05/22 - Debaser Medis, Stockholm (SWE)
05/27 - Siesta!, H�ssleholm (SWE)
06/03 - Hana Bi, Ravenna (ITA)
06/04 - Circolo Degli Artisti, Rome (ITA)
06/05 - Spazio 211, Turin (ITA)

Phil Freeman interviews Hammerfall

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:09:24 -0500

Reprinted from Cleveland Scene, an interview with Hammerfall: http://runningthevoodoodown.blogspot.com/2010/03/this-week-in-cleveland_11.html

The Crypt to reissue Gehenna (NOR)

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:57:09 -0500

The Crypt, the reissue arm of Dark Symphonies, has announced that they'll be reissuing Gehenna's "Seen through the veils of darkness" (The second spell) as a 2LP and "Malice" (the third spell, my favorite record of theirs) on 3LP.

Lis Er Stille - The real children

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:50:30 -0500

Download a brand new track from Danish postrock act Lis er Stille: http://www.liserstille.dk/home/?p=358
This is the first sample of the band's forthcoming album "The collibro".

Le Sport - The house of primates (video)

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:40:04 -0500

There's a new Le Sport video up on Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/9960303

Headspin Recordings confirms two new releases

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:06:54 -0500

Headspin Recordings will releasing new albums from Ass and Jobalites this spring, with the former's record "Salt marsh" due first in April. Also look out for a new Goran Kajfes album this coming fall.

Dolores to release Kiss Kiss Kiss, Salem al Fakir on vinyl

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:03:22 -0500

Dolores Recordings will be releasing the vinyl edition of Danish act Kiss Kiss Kiss' debut album "Release the birds". They'll also be putting out a limited edition (300, hand-numbered) vinyl treatment of the new Salem al Fakir record "Ignore this". No official release date on either, but they say they should be ready in about three weeks.

Rasmus Kellerman album gets release date

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:35:01 -0500

Rasmus Kellerman's debut album "The 24th" has been officially confirmed for release on May 21. Keep an eye out for tourdates to be announced soon.

PopMatters reviews "jj n� 3"

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:03:27 -0500

PopMatters reviews the new jj album "jj n� 3": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/120924-jj-jj-n-3/

PSL interviews Britta Persson, previews new material

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:59:15 -0500

PSL talks to Britta Persson: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2010/03/11/prat-med-britta-persson/
Worth noting even for those of you who don't understand Swedish because they preview a few songs from Britta's forthcoming album.

Nom de Guerre - Everybody knows

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:42:34 -0500

Tapete Records is giving away the new Nom de Guerre track "Everybody knows" as a free download: http://www.tapeterecords.de/index.php?id=706

Ikons - The hawk

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:41:02 -0500

After banging my head against CSS coding problems for five or so hours yesterday, I need to hear something that adequately reflects the state of my brain. Something noisy and repetitive. Bonus that it fills the gap between this week's other postings of Monument and Du Pacque. That something: Ikons. Monotonik beats meet loud guitars under a black shroud of destructive noise. "The hawk" is way more Kraut than goth, but they have those tendencies, let me assure you. Keep on droning, let me forget my problems, clear my mind; melt away the cobwebs, the fuzz. Block/black out the world around me.

Looptroop Rockers West Coast tourdates

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:35:45 -0500

Looptroop Rockers are hitting up the West Coast this month after SXSW:

03/23 - Mount Tabor Theatre, Portland, OR
03/24 - Roxy's Vets Club, Mt Shasta, CA
03/25 - Club 6ix, San Francisco, CA
03/26 - Viper Room, Los Angeles, CA
03/27 - Boomer's Bar, Las Vegas, NV
03/28 - Garage Theatre, Long Beach, CA

I believe that Chords, Timbuktu and Adam Tensta are on this tour as well.

The Radio Dept. - All about our love

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:06:49 -0500

Apparently The Radio Dept. cover Sade's "All about our love" as the b-side on their new "Heaven's on fire" single and you can check it out right here: http://www.lagasta.com/the-radio-dept-cover-sade/

PopMatters reviews Midaircondo

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:40:59 -0500

PopMatters reviews the latest Midaircondo album "Curtain call": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/120981-midaircondo-curtain-call/

Teddybears - Rocket calculator

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:38:47 -0500

Discobelle is counting down to the release of the new Teddybears album "Devil's music" with a bunch of mash-ups and remixes: http://www.discobelle.net/2010/03/10/teddybears-rocket-calculator/

Aversionline on Yersinia

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:55:37 -0500

Aversionline on Swedish metalcore act Yersinia: http://www.aversionline.com/blahg/2010/03/10/yersinia-lejonhjarta-cd/
Definitely not my thing, but like Scarred By Beauty I can't deny that they're good at what they do.

Jens Lekman and Kings of Convenience in Indonesia, The Philippines

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:41:54 -0500

Jens Lekman will be heading to Indonesia and the Philippines for a few shows with Kings of Convenience:

03/27 - Sabuga, Bandung (IDN)
03/28 - Ritz Carlton Ballroom, Jakarta (IDN)
03/30 - Saguijo (Jens only), Manila (PHL)
03/31 - NBC Tent, Manila (PHL)

New album from EP's Trailer Park in April

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:38:20 -0500

EP's Trailer Park will release the new full-length album "Scissors & knives" on April 12 via Brus & Knaster.

The Je Sais Quoi unveil new album

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:34:37 -0500

Swedish indie/punk/funk act The Je Sais Quoi will release their new album "Transparent for you all" on April 5 via the band's own label Family Affair and will only be available either as a digital download or vinyl. This will be the band's first recordings with new drummer Pontus Levahn (Tiger Lou, Torpedo, etc.) and you can hear a few sample tunes (and read more about it) at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thejenesaisquoi

Joensuu 1685 to support Wolf Parade (really this time)

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:28:21 -0500

I posted it before back in late January, but now it appears to be confirmed: Finnish act Joensuu 1685 will support Wolf Parade on tour in Europe:

05/17 - Concorde 2, Brighton (UK)
05/18 - The Forum, London (UK)
05/19 - Glee Club, Birmingham (UK)
05/20 - Vicar Street, Dublin (IE)
05/21 - Club Academy, Manchester (UK)
05/22 - Tivoli De Helling, Utrecht (NL)
05/25 - Teatar Itd, Zagreb (HUN)
05/26 - Menza Pri Koritu, Lublijana (SLO)
05/27 - Salumeria della Musica, Milano (ITA)
05/31 - Noveau Casino, Paris (FRA)

Vanhelgd to record new album this month

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:47:20 -0500

Vanhelgd will be going into the studio on March 19 to record 10 songs for their sophomore album. Says the band, "Hopfully we will get a crappier sound than on our hifi nu-metal album Cult of Lazarus."

Nikola Sarcevic - Nikola & Fattiglapparna (Stalemate Music)

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:45:10 -0500

Millencolin have written some very catchy skate punk songs during the 16 years they've been around, but unlike some of their contemporaries (e.g. NOFX) you can't give them any credit for much lyrical flare. Back in the day when CDs were all the rage it happened to me more than once that I bought a new Millencolin CD and reading the lyrics in the booklet on my way home totally killed all the excitement I'd built up in shop when buying the album. Usually I tried to ignore the lyrics when listening to the CD and most of the time it still sounded alright, but I couldn't completely ignore their crassness. This problem has only increased with the years and it really came to show when in 2004 Nikola Sarcevic released his first solo album "Lock-sport-krock" (with English lyrics, it very much sounded like an acoustic version of Millencolin). I liked a couple of songs on it, but the cheesy lyrics make it quite a hard listen. "Roll roll and flee" that was released two years later and was an improvement, so I'm a bit disappointed that Sarcevic now has decided to sing in Swedish on this, his third solo album ("Nikola & Fattiglapparna"). By having Swedish lyrics Sarcevic really puts them in the spotlight (if you're Swedish that is; if you're not, it probably has the opposite effect). Even though there are one or two good moments to be had on the album, most of it sounds like a poor man's Kristofer �str�m with kindergarten-like lyrics and some terrible rhymes. I heard in an interview that Sarcevic wrote the lyrics first in English then translated them to Swedish which, to be honest, doesn't sound like such a great idea. It's a bit of a shame that the album is so dire, since Sarcevic's got a bit of knack for a melody and I kind of like his voice.
- Stefan Nilsson
Rating: 2

Musik med Holy Madre

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:11:03 -0500

Live music at PSL with an acoustic performance from Johan Borgert & Holy Madre: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2010/03/08/musik-med-johan-borgert-holy-madre/