IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Starmarket live @ Gamla Ugglan, Stockholm (video)

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:55:04 -0500

The past is alive! PS, I'd much rather see a Starmarket reunion than those other dudes from Ume�.

New album from Satan Takes a Holiday in March

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:24:29 -0500

Satan Takes a Holiday will be releasing a new album on March 9 called "Who do you voodoo?". Catch a quick teaser clip at their website: http://satantakesaholiday.com/

2012 Manifest Award winners

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:23:30 -0500

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

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

Miike Snow - Paddling out (video)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:16:56 -0500

A new video from director Andreas Nilsson is almost always worth checking out. Not nearly as dark as a lot of his other work, but far more crowd-pleasingly entertaining.

Nordic by Nature - 2 years of good taste

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:08:12 -0500

Berlin-based Scandinavian clubnight Nordic By Nature has posted a new mixtape for free download to celebrate their 2-year anniversary: http://soundcloud.com/nordicbynature/nordic-by-nature-2-years-of-1

The Goner - Sun on stone/Illumination

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:47:21 -0500

"Sun on stone" b/w "Illumination", a brand new two-track single from IAT faves The Goner. More of an anxious rock sound than their earlier folk/drone work, but very cool all the same.

Nightsatan - Outro

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:34:10 -0500

Finnish John Carpenter-worshipping synth-rockers Nightsatan finally did the inevitable and recorded a movie soundtrack. Listen to the theme from "Outro" here: http://soundcloud.com/solinarecords/nightsatan-outro

Elefantkvinnan - Contemporary worldly music

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:26:06 -0500

An audio retrospective of Elefantkvinnan, the 2005-2009 label curated by Viktor Sj�berg (V. Sj�berg New Jazz Ensemble, Jens Lekman) and Gustav Rosengren (Kalligrammofon).

Henric de la Cour - My machine (video)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:11:29 -0500

PSL Has the premiere of Henric de la Cour's new vogue-heavy video "My machine": http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2012/02/03/premiar-henric-de-la-cour-my-machine/

I Used To Be A Sparrow - Innocent vigilant ordinary (video)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:04:33 -0500

Watch I Used to be a Sparrow, the duo of Dick Pettersson (In These Woods) and Italian expat Andrea Caccese (Songs For The Sleepwalkers), cover an old tune by Appleseed Cast. Look for the band's debut album "Luke" to be released in April via Paper Wings Records.

HighasaKite - Son of a bitch

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:38:00 -0500

Solid female-fronted indierock from Norway, swapping out synths for guitars. The trio's new album "All that floats will rain" is out February 3 via Riot Factory.

Musik med Promise and the Monster

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:32:31 -0500

Live music at PSL with the excellent downer pop act Promise and the Monster: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2012/02/02/musik-med-promise-the-monster/

Kalligrammofon/Hands in the Dark to release Death and Vanilla

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:55:56 -0500

Kalligrammofon is teaming up with French label Hands in the Dark to release the self-titled debut full-length album from Death and Vanilla. 300 copies on yellow vinyl, 150 CDs; preview some older tunes at Bandcamp: http://deathandvanilla.bandcamp.com/

Firefox AK cancels tour

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:50:20 -0500

Firefox AK has sadly been forced to cancel her upcoming "A New Devotion" tour due to doctor's orders. Full statement: http://www.firefoxak.com/

Uppg�ng och Fall - Demo 2012

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:40:05 -0500

Demo 2012 by Uppg�ng och Fall

New rough & tumble punkrock outta Malm� with trade-off male/female vox. Good stuff!

I Break Horses on tour worldwide

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:17:31 -0500

I Break Horses will be spending a lot of time on the road in coming months:

02/03 - Molotow, Hamburg (GER)
02/04 - Grammatikof, Duisburg (GER)
02/05 - Gleis 22, M�nster (GER)
02/06 - Comet (Karrera Klub), Berlin (GER)
02/10 - Paradiso, Amsterdam (NL)
02/11 - La Fl�che d'Or, Paris (FRA)
02/12 - Rotonde, Brussels (BEL)
2/16-18 - By:Larm Festival, Oslo (NOR)
04/22 - Fillmore, San Francisco, CA *
04/25 - Roseland, Portland, OR *
04/26 - Neptune, Seattle, WA *
04/27 - Vogue, Vancouver, BC *
04/29 - In the Venue, Salt Lake City, UT *
04/30 - Ogden, Denver, CO *
05/01 - Granada, Lawrence, KS *
05/02 - Pageant, St Louis, MO *
05/04 - Vic, Chicago, IL *
05/05 - Majestic, Detroit, MI *
05/06 - Sound Academy, Toronto, ON *
05/07 - Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY *
05/09 - House Of Blues, Boston, MA *
05/10 - Terminal 5, New York, NY *
05/11 - Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA *
05/12 - 9:30 Club, Washington, DC *
05/14 - Buckhead Theater, Atlanta, GA *
05/15 - Marathon Music Works, Nashville, TN *
05/17 - House of Blues, Houston, TX *
05/18 - Stubb's, Austin, TX *
05/19 - Granada, Dallas, TX *
05/21 - Crescent, Phoenix, AZ
05/22 - Casbah, San Diego CA
05/23 - Echo, Los Angeles, CA
05/25 - Sasquatch Festival, The Gorge, WA
05/29 - Lincoln Hall, Chicago, LA
05/30 - Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

* supporting M83.

Presenting: Fas 3

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:09:50 -0500

Gaffa is reporting that there's a new Swedish "supergroup" called Fas 3 put together by Michael Alonzo of KSMB/Stockholms Negrer featuring S�ren "Sulo" Karlsson (Diamond Dogs), Nicke Andersson (Imperial State Electric, The Hellacopters, etc.) and Inge Johansson (The (International) Noise Conspiracy, Totalt J�vla M�rker, etc.): http://gaffa.se/nyhet/57070
The new band's debut single "Dansa som en fj�ril" will be released on Inge's label Ny V�g very soon and the band will make their live debut in Stockholm in 2 weeks.

Linkoban - Like this (video)

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:01:03 -0500

"Like this" is the debut single from new Danish rapper/Lucy Love proteg� Linkoban. Expect an EP this spring and an album later in the fall.

Out of Vogue teaser

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:10:14 -0500

A quick promo clip for the upcoming Out of Vogue 12" "The welfare year", the first new release on Desperate Fight in over a decade.

Ef to Russia + vinyl reissue

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:06:04 -0500

Swedish postrockers Ef are heading to Russia for the first time at the end of the month:

02/23 - Avrora Zal, St Petersburg
02/24 - Plan B, Moscow

In other news, the band is having their 2008 album "I am responsible" reissued as a 2LP via German label Kapit�n Platte in a newly remixed and remastered version put together by Magnus Lindberg (Cult of Luna, etc.). Official release date is February 8.

DJ 99 best of 2011

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:03:18 -0500

DJ 99 of Listen to Norway's excellent "99 Minutes" podcast series has assembled a Spotify playlist of his favorite tracks from 2011: http://listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2012020212292683108262
Not everything is available to US listeners unfortunately, but it's still worth checking out.

Splashgirl - Pressure (Hubro)

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:01:09 -0500

Sometimes a band or song or album that you haven't listened to in aeons will pop into your head and spark you to give it a casual listen. Whatever the reason, be it a yearning for an adrenaline injection or a desire to experience a distant, heartfelt memory, the uniting factor that draws us to do this is a love -- or even a passing fondness -- for the music in question. Regardless of the genre, from the most minimalistic ambient music to the most complex extreme metal, the music must have that certain something that inspires us and compels us to listen every once in a while. The thing about this third album by the Norwegian "dronejazz" trio is that there's not much on it that would make the average Joe -- jazz-inclined or otherwise -- decide to give the thing a spin on a whim. It's often melancholic in the way that television soundtracks like to portray sadness or hurt and the occasions where the jazz elements come into play are reminiscent of the type of seedy lounge bar music that would usually play over a noir actor's closing monologue. We could go on forever about layers and textures and guest contributions on "Pressure" and, yes, there seems to have been a lot of thought put into creating it, but at the end of the day there's nothing on this almost average album that makes me want to come back and listen ever again.
- John Norby
Rating: 4

Samuraj Cities - The thing the kids call rock & roll

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:33:56 -0500

Remember that No Sleep song? Looks like Samuraj Cities have reclaimed it as their own. As long as those guys are still making music, it's all good by me. The name they release it under is the least of my concerns.

Most Valuable Players - A hint

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:44:27 -0500

A Hint by Most Valuable Players

"A hint" is the brand new single from Swedish indiepop act Most Valuable Players. Purchase a piece of the cover art painting at the band's website: http://mostvaluableplayers.se/

Ikons album in April

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:23:13 -0500

G�teborg act Ikons will release their debut album on April 25.

Bob Hund - L�ter som miljarder (video)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:43:03 -0500

"L�ter som miljarder" is the latest video from the always-dependable Bob Hund.

Choir of Young Believers - Nye nummer et

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:37:06 -0500

New music from Danes Choir of Young Believers off the band's upcoming record "Rhine gold", due out March 20 via Ghostly International. Full details: http://www.ghostly.com/releases/rhine-gold

Amanda Mair - Sense (video)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:24:09 -0500

The premiere video from up-and-coming Swedish hype Amanda Mair.

Azure Blue - Seasons (video)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:02:28 -0500

The Fader has the premiere of the new Azure Blue video "Seasons": http://www.thefader.com/2012/02/01/video-azure-blue-seasons/

Anja Bigrell - Brun dv�rg

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:48:16 -0500

New music from Anja Bigrell, one-half of defunct duo and long-time IAT favorite Montys Loco. Expect a solo album later this year?

Bad Sounds Magazine now open

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:46:58 -0500

New Norway-centric webzine Bad Sounds opened its virtual doors today: http://www.badsoundsmagazine.com/
Among the first batch of content is a by:Larm primer and an interview with David Daja of Pirate Love.

New stuff from First Love, Last Rites in March

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:41:40 -0500

Ume� indierockers First Love, Last Rites are currently mixing their new record and will be releasing the first single in March.

Hexis: blackened post-metal hardcore?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:39:58 -0500

XI by Hexis

Via The Living Doorway comes a heads-up on Danish act Hexis, a rare example of a band that's successfully able to combine elements of black metal and hardcore into something that's actually good! Seriously, give it a listen via Bandcamp and see what you think.

Susanne Sundf�r and the silicon veil

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:19:26 -0500

New stuff on the way from Susanne Sundf�r? See: http://www.thesiliconeveil.com/
I do believe that a new single called "White foxes" is on the way and will be officially released on February 24.

Anchorless - Awry aesthetics

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:04:27 -0500

"Awry aesthetics" is the opening track of the upcoming Anchorless ablum "Every nook and cranny" and once again, it sounds a lot more like REM than their debut EP did.

Tennis Bafra album preview

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:01:55 -0500

The new Tennis Bafra album "Abulia jubilee", now streaming in full via SoundCloud.

Musik med Mohammed Ali + Ison & Fille

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:45:19 -0500

Check out Swedish rappers Mohammed Ali and Ison & Fille performing the collaboration tune "Ghettobarn" live for PSL: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2012/01/31/musik-med-mohammed-ali-ison-fille-ghettobarn-del-2/

Viva Sweden via 6Music

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:37:57 -0500

Check out a special feature from BBC 6Music on the current Swedish music scene: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01bf2rb

New Joel Alme album in May

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:20:11 -0500

Razzia Records reports that Swedish artist Joel Alme is currently working on his third album "A tender trap" which is set for release on May 9. Expect details for the first single to be posted soon.

Mirel Wagner in the Pitchfork tracklist

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:10:20 -0500

Finnish artist Mirel Wagner got playlisted by Pitchfork: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/13079-no-death/
I haven't heard the entire album yet, but it's gotten rave reviews from abroad and all of the samples I've heard have been great.

Poison Mask - Graveyard world

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:01:57 -0500

Graveyard World 7" by Poison Mask

New Finnish metal/punk, out now via the newly resurrected Putrid Filth.

Skin Area - Rothko field (preview)

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:10:19 -0500

Just released via Malignant Records, the new album "Rothko field" from Swedish dark ambient/visual art duo Skin Area. More samples at SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/malignantrecords

Luxury to release new single from Alpaca Sports

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:04:40 -0500

Speaking of Luxury, the label has announced that they will also be releasing a new 7" single called "Just for fun" from Alpaca Sports on March 22 in association with Dufflecoat Records. Limited to 300 copies and already available for preorder.

New Skansros gets title, release date

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:01:27 -0500

Swedish indierock act Skansros have confirmed that their new album "Rekviem till en dr�m" will be released on March 21 via Luxury. The lead single "Felix" came out in December.

The Megaphonic Thrift on tour

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:52:54 -0500

Norwegian indierockers The Megaphonic Thrift will be spending a lot of time on the road over the next few months:

01/31 - Lexington, London (UK)
02/01 - Old Blue Last, London (UK)
02/03 - Logen, Bergen (NOR)
02/04 - Flytten, Haugesund (NOR)
02/09 - Trashpop, Kristiansand (NOR)
02/10 - Glassmagasinet, Horten (NOR)
02/11 - John Dee, Oslo (NOR)
02/18 - Klubben, Trondheim (NOR)
02/22 - Bingon, Lillehammer (NOR)
02/24 - Parkbiografen, Skien (NOR)
02/25 - Kroa (Viko), B� (NOR)
03/06 - Gless 22, Munster (GER)
03/07 - Gebaude 9, K�ln (GER)
03/08 - Botanique, Brussel (BEL)
03/09 - Prince Albert, Brighton (UK)
03/11 - Ruby Lounge, Manchester (UK)
03/12 - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (UK)
03/13 - Rainbow, Birmingham (UK)
03/16 - Le Divan Du Monde, Paris, Frankrike 03/17 - Manufaktur, Schorndorf (GER)
03/20 - Atomic Cafe, Munchen (GER)
03/21 - B72, Wien (AUS)
03/22 - Eldorado, Zurich (CH)
03/24 - Mattatio Culture Club, Carpi (ITA)
03/26 - Beatpol, Dresden (GER)
03/27 - Privat Club, Berlin (GER)
03/28 - Molotow, Hamburg (GER)
03/29 - Loppen, K�benhavn (DK)

Tight Silk - Like a feather

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:40:21 -0500

Tight Silk is the brand new electro/pop solo project of Josefine Fagerstr�m from The Je Ne Sais Quoi/Jenny Wilson and "Like a feather" is her debut single. No word on any sort of physical release yet, but expect more tracks to come down the line in the not-so-distant future.

Stora Landsv�gen goes Gottsunda

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:48:51 -0500

Daniel Westerlund of the excellent avant-folk act The Goner and ex-bandmate Johan Knudsen are composing the music for a new production of the play "Stora Landsv�gen", originally by August Strindberg and rewritten for this occasion by poet/playwright Annika Boholm and directed by Ulf Friberg. The play opens on February 15, more info here: http://www.gottsundateater.com/

Opeth, Ghost to support Mastodon in North America

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:40:16 -0500

I was informed last night that dates wouldn't be confirmed until Thursday, but it appears that the cat is out of the bag: Mastodon will be bringing both Opeth and Ghost on tour with them across North America in April. Dates:

04/04 - State Theater, Portland, ME
04/05 - Orpheum Theater, Boston, MA
04/06 - Metropolis, Montreal, Quebec
04/07 - Sony Centre, Toronto, Ontario
04/09 - Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
04/10 - The Dome, Wallingford, CT
04/11 - Roseland Ballroom, New York, NY
04/13 - Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL
04/14 - The Intersection, Grand Rapids, MI
04/15 - Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
04/16 - TN Theater, Knoxville, TN
04/18 - Diamond Ballroom, Oklahoma City, OK
04/19 - Palladium Ballroom, Dallas, TX
04/20 - Back Stage Live, San Antonio, TX
04/21 - Concrete Street, Corpus Christi, TX
04/23 - Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO
04/25 - House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV
04/26 - Gibson Amphitheatre, Los Angeles, CA
04/27 - Fox Theatre, Oakland, CA
04/28 - Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV
04/30 - The Paramount, Seattle, WA
05/01 - Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, British Columbia
05/03 - Edmonton Events Center, Edmonton, Alberta
05/04 - MacEwan Hall, Calgary, Alberta
05/05 - The Odeon, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
05/06 - Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, Manitoba
05/09 - The Fillmore, Washington, D.C.
05/10 - The Fillmore, Charlotte, NC
05/11 - House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, SC
05/12 - Masquerade Music Park, Atlanta, GA

RIP Anders Askildsen Eik�s (Honningbarna)

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:28:44 -0500

Tragic news: drummer Anders Askildsen Eik�s of rising Norwegian punk/rock act Honningbarna was killed in a car accident last night. He was 20 years old.

Far & Son - Bronsfeber (video)

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:48:33 -0500

PSL has the premiere of Far & Son's less-than-serious new video "Bronsfeber": http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2012/01/30/premiar-far-son-bronsfeber/

Simen Tangen - Born in

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:44:48 -0500

A new tune from Norwegian artist Simen Tangen off his upcoming record "Fall/1998". There's a release party at Bl� in Oslo on Friday, February 3.

Off the Record: Sahara Hotnights

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:41:48 -0500

Watch Sahara Hotnights do an acoustic session for Finnish live music video site Off the Record: http://offtherecord.fi/sahara-hotnights/

Tormented, Victims to tour with Black Breath

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:47:29 -0500

Local (to me) metal/punk act Black Breath will be taking Swedes Tormented and Victims on tour in Europe:

03/29 - Baroeg, Rotterdam (NL)
03/30 - Trix Bar, Antwerp (BEL)
03/31 - De Kreun, Kortrijk (BEL)
04/02 - The Underworld, London (UK)
04/03 - Islington Mill, Manchester (UK)
04/04 - Club For Ibach, Cardiff (UK)
04/08 - Caracol, Madrid (ESP)
04/10 - La Dynamo, Toulouse (FRA)
04/11 - Tap-Tap, Schaffhausen (CH)
04/12 - Juha West, Stuttgart (GER)
04/14 - AJZ, Bielefeld (GER)
04/15 - Hafenklang, Hamburg (GER)
04/17 - Debaser, Stockholm (SWE)
04/19 - Truckstop Alaska, G�teborg (SWE)
04/20 - Templet, Lyngby (DK)

Southern Lord signs Martyrd�d

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:29:21 -0500

Southern Lord has added Swedish crustpunks Martyrd�d to their roster and will be releasing their upcoming Studio Fredman-recorded album "Paranoia" this coming spring/summer.

Jean-Louis Huhta begets Huhta Home Studio

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:23:07 -0500

Jean-Louis Huhta (The Skull Defekts, Dungeon Acid, etc.) is starting a new label: http://thehuhblog.tumblr.com/post/16642660084/huhta-home-studio-first-release-will-be-brommage
The first release will be from Brommage Dub, his duo with fellow Swedish producer Jesper Dahlb�ck.

99 Minutes #20: Ivar Peersen (Enslaved)

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:10:56 -0500

Listen to Norway's first new episode of 2012 of their excellent podcast series "99 Minutes" is now online and features an interview with Ivar Peersen of Enslaved, as well as the usual diverse array of Norwegian music: http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2012013011222443117418

Aversionline on Throat

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:41:20 -0500

Aversionline covers the latest 7" from Finnish noiserockers Throat: http://www.aversionline.com/blahg/2012/01/30/throat-pee-7/

Crusher signs Dean Allen Foyd

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:23:07 -0500

Crusher Records has signed Swedish psych/rock trio Dean Allen Foyd and will be releasing their debut album in March. More details/samples to come.

Die X Legend - Haters gonna hate (video)

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:18:40 -0500

New Converge-esque hardcore outta Troms� from a band called Die X Legend. The band's debut LP "VS. Goliath" will get a proper vinyl release on February 3.

New Maskinen in late March

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:11:55 -0500

The new Maskinen album "Framg�ng & efterfr�gan" will be released on March 27.

Jonas Lundqvist announces 2nd solo album

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:06:18 -0500

Jonas Lundqvist nee Jonas Game (ex-Bad Cash Quartet) will be releasing his sophomore solo album "S� e de me de" under his own proper name on March 21.

Tennis Bafra - Halal haircut (video)

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:16:19 -0500

PSL has the premiere of the new video "Halal haircut" from authentic 90s Swedish indierock relics Tennis Bafra: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2012/01/30/premiar-tennis-bafra-halal-haircut/

Ghost - Prime mover

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:54:48 -0500

I fully admit it now: my first impression of Ghost was way off and totally wrong. I went in with false expectations due to whatever hype and backlash was going around at the time and totally missed the fact that they are simply a great heavy rock band with tons of solid hooks. I'm sure a lot of folks are bummed by the occult vibe and costumes, but that stuff doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I am unreservedly excited about seeing them play in Seattle tonight and look forward to seeing an actual show. See you there?

V�rttin� - Tuuterin tytt�ret

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:04:46 -0500

New music from Finnish folk act V�rttin� off the group's new album "Utu", due out February 1.

Serenades now We Are Serenades

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:23:11 -0500

Serenades are henceforth to be known as We Are Serenades. The duo's debut album "Criminal heaven" will be out in mid-April.

High hats to get vinyl release

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:19:54 -0500

Alleycat Records will be doing a vinyl edition of The High Hats' excellent 2007 album "Too much is never enough" later this spring with a brand new full-length to follow later in the fall. Seeing as how I'll definitely be tracking down a personal copy, I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Rising on the road

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:03:15 -0500

Rising will be hitting the road across Europe in March:

03/08 - Paletten, Viborg (DK) w/The Kandidate
03/09 - Beta, Copenhagen (DK) w/The Kandidate
03/10 - Kansas City, Odense (DK) w/The Kandidate
03/16 - Red Rooster, Berlin (GER)
03/17 - Rockstation, Halle (GER)
03/18 - tba, Dresden (GER)
03/19 - Cafe na pul cesty, Prague (CZ)
03/20 - Galerie u Mloka, Olomouc (CZ)
03/21 - Stwst, Linz (AUS)
03/22 - tba (ITA)
03/23 - Swamp Club, Massa Carrara (ITA)
03/24 - tba (ITA)
03/25 - Ponyhof, Frankfurt (GER)
03/27 - Dachstock, Bern (CH)
03/28 - Rocas Cafe, Luxembourg (LUX)
03/29 - Bastard, Osnabr�ck (GER)
03/30 - Cafe Nova, Essen (GER)
03/31 - Glocksee, Hannover (GER)
04/01 - Molotow, Hamburg (GER)
04/02 - MAU Club, Rostock (GER)
04/05 - L' Orient, Link�ping (SWE)
04/26 - Fritz's Corner @ Strand, Stockholm (SWE)
04/27 - Sticky Fingers, Gothenburg (SWE)
04/28 - Loppen, Copenhagen (DK)

Noonie Bao - About to tell (video)

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:58:43 -0500

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

Wolfbrigade on the road

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:50:39 -0500

Wolfbrigade will be doing a couple long-weekend jaunts later this year:

05/17 - BlackFleck, Potsdam (GER)
05/18 - Jokus, Giessen (GER)
05/19 - Juz Dampfm�hle, Verden (GER)
07/12 - Obscene Extreme (CZ)
07/13 - tba, Leipzig (GER)
07/14 - DIY Fest (POL)

Heptown signs The Troubled Three

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:47:06 -0500

Heptown Records has signed Swedish rockabilly trio The Troubled Three and will be releasing the band's new album "Moving on" on February 17. Samples and tourdates at the band's website: http://www.thetroubledthree.com/

Playground launches dance music label

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:20:49 -0500

Playground Music has started a new dance-music imprint called Uniform Beat to be spearheaded by A&R/manager Patrik Larsson. As far as releases go, the label will focus on digital EPs and singles as well as a new compilation series called "March to a Uniform Beat". Read the full press release: http://www.uniformbeat.com/playground-music-launches-a-new-dance-label

New stuff from Liechtenstein

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:14:52 -0500

Swedish indiepop act Liechtenstein have a brand new album called "Fast forward" out now via Fraction Discs and the label is giving away the tune "Ambitions" as enticement: http://www.fractiondiscs.se/

Norway/UK concert series Conexions

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:37:55 -0500

Presenting "Conexions", a new Norway/UK concert series spearheaded by Fiona Talkington of the BBC3 program "Late Junction": http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2012012614283734992904
The series kicks off on February 4 and will include John Paul Jones and Nils Petter Molv�r with future events to feature Norwegians such as Christian Wallumr�d, In the Country, Food, Jaga Jazzist and more.

Barnet - L�xan (video)

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:34:07 -0500

New music from the northern reaches of Sweden.

Oh My! - Fifteen minutes (video)

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:51:40 -0500

Here's a video for that new Oh My! song from that upcoming A West Side Fabrication comp.

PopMatters reviews Shining

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:07:48 -0500

PopMatters likes the new Shining DVD "Live-Blackjazz": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/153030-shining-live-blackjazz/

Aversionline on Wits End split

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:05:22 -0500

Aversionline reviews the Wits End/Perfect Future split 7": http://www.aversionline.com/blahg/2012/01/27/wits-end-perfect-future-split-7/

Apparatjik in 24-bit

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:03:46 -0500

Want a FLAC audiophile version of Apparatjik's "Square peg in a round hole"? Get thee to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apparatjik?sk=app_122139254463179

Pitchfork reviews Rising

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:50:45 -0500

Pitchfork wisely approves of Rising's new album "To solemn ash": http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16214-to-solemn-ash/
As you know, I'm a long-time supporter of the band and am stoked to see them getting some well-deserved international attention. Buy the LP -- I just got my own copy this week and it's a stellar package at a totally decent price.

Tennis Bafra - Halal haircut

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:14:49 -0500

A new track from Swedish indierockers Tennis Bafra, the 2nd single off their upcoming album "Abulia jubilee".

Baby Woodrose album done, first single in late February

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:50:30 -0500

The new Baby Woodrose album "Third eye surgery" is now completely finished and has been sent off for mastering. Look for the first single "Nothing is real" to be released on February 20.

Invasionen - Demonerna (video)

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:17:32 -0500

Gaffa has the premiere of the new Invasionen video "Demonerna": http://gaffa.se/tv/clip/1023

RIP Stig Vig

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:05:11 -0500

Stig Vig aka Per Odeltorp, best known as the frontman/bassist for long-running Swedish "transkontinental rockreggae" act Dag Vag, has passed away at the age of 63.

WhoMadeWho - Inside world (video)

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:57:01 -0500

"Inside world" is latest single from Danish dance/rock act WhoMadeWho and here now is the creepy only vaguely SFW video.

Gimme Indie turning 2

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:50:08 -0500

I don't talk up Gimme Indie on a regular basis since our tastes don't intersect all that often, but kudos to them for getting a big writeup in Dagens Nyheter on the eve of their two year anniversary.

Firefox AK Euro tour update

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:42:48 -0500

Updated tourdates for Firefox AK:

02/10 - Debaser, Stockholm (SWE)
02/11 - Debaser, Malm� (SWE)
02/12 - Prinzenbar, Hamburg (GER)
02/13 - Stereo, N�rnberg (GER)
02/14 - Schlafthof, Wiesbaden (GER)
02/15 - Studio 672, K�ln (GER)
02/16 - Gleis 22, M�nster (GER)
02/17 - Karlstorbahnhof, Heidelberg (GER)
02/18 - Beatpol, Dresden (GER)
02/19 - Heimat, Regensburg (GER)
02/20 - Schocken, Stuttgart (GER)
02/21 - Moritzbastei, Leipzig (GER)
02/22 - KFZ, Marburg (GER)
02/23 - SUD, Basel (CH)
02/24 - Papiersaal, Z�rich (CH)
02/25 - Posthof, Linz (AUS)
02/26 - Arena, Wien (AUS)
02/27 - Feierwerk, M�nchen (GER)
02/28 - Comet, Berlin (GER)
02/29 - Fabrika, Poznan (POL)
03/01 � Powiekszenie, Warsaw (POL)

Kristoffer & The Harbour Heads EPK (video)

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:24:44 -0500

Coming March 15 via Kning Disk, the new album "Little goes a long way" from Kristoffer & The Harbour Heads. This is the video EPK.

Oslo Jazzed Out preview feat. H�kon Kornstad (live video)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:41:46 -0500

Check out a sample clip from the upcoming film "Oslo Jazzed Out" featuring saxophonist H�kon Kornstad performing "Symphonies in my head". Other performers to be featured in the production include Bugge Wesseltoft, Nils Peter Molvaer and Tord Gustavsen, among others.

New E.S.T. album coming in March

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:37:01 -0500

Jazzwise reports that there will be a posthumous E.S.T. (Esbj�rn Svensson Trio) studio album called "301" released this coming March: http://t.co/NIsnbhzZ
Apparently the band recorded a full 9 hours of material during the sessions for their final album "Leucocyte" and had originally intended to release it as a double-album or two consecutive ones.

Firefox AK - Boom boom boom (live acoustic)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:31:04 -0500

Check out Firefox AK playing a very cool acoustic version of "Boom boom boom" in the back of a tourbus in Germany.

Siinai - Finish line (video)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:20:52 -0500

A new clip from Finnish act Siinai.

Gamla Pengar - D�dansardag (video)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:06:00 -0500

New stuff from Gamla Pengar and definitely recommended.

PopMatters reviews First Aid Kit

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:25:08 -0500

PopMatters has posted their review of the new First Aid Kit album "The lion's roar": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/152415-first-aid-kit-the-lions-roar/

Aversionline on Morito Ergo Sum

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:13:47 -0500

Aversionline recommends the new EP from Swedish doom act Morito Ergo Sum: http://www.aversionline.com/blahg/2012/01/25/morito-ergo-sum-moonchild-cd/

CCTV EP preview

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:07:39 -0500

Preview the new EP "Electric summers" from Norwegian act CCTV, featuring Pow Pow as their backing band.

The Bombhappies announce new album

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:53:37 -0500

Swedish indierock act The Bombhappies have announced that their new album, tentatively titled "A good fire", is done and ready for release on March 9. They will be playing a release show that night in Stockholm at K�gelbanan/S�dra Teatern, details here.

1000LAX - Jag pratar svenska (video)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:14:40 -0500

Sick tribal, bro.

Lucas Nord - Let us stay young (video)

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:09:51 -0500

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

Pop war pressing stats

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:48:05 -0500

For the collector scum, here's the pressing stats on the new Imperial State Electric LP "Pop war": clear vinyl presale limited to 300 out on February 24, red vinyl limited to 600 on March 2 and then the CD on March 9, either the standard version or in a limited 10" sleeve with an iron on. There's also a standard black vinyl pressing that will be available on March 9 as well, but it's not limited/special.

Lukinzine Mixtape #1

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:19:54 -0500

Mixtape #1 by Various Artists

Swedish punk/hardcore webmag Lukinzine put together a cassette comp of Swedish punk to send to the 64 Indonesian punks that were arrested for being themselves and are now streaming the whole damn thing via Bandcamp. Not officially sanctioned or anything, but if you want a quick sampling of many of the scene's best bands right now, you should check it out.