Search: Labrador
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Note: The last few Fridays of the year are dedicated to revisiting great tracks I passed on when they were fresh.
I ignored "Subtle changes" when Labrador first posted it for free download because a) I'm not a Sambassadeur fan and b) every blogger and their mother was already talking about it. If I was to cover it and hate it, I'm just being a contrarian dick, but if it goes the other way, my voice is apt to get lost in the hub-bub. So, I decided to let some distance grow between us and goddamn it if this song one of the year's best singles. I still wouldn't consider myself a full-on Sambassadeur fan as the rest of the album holds no interest for me, but this track is amazing. I love that galloping beat, anchored by the constant strum of acoustic guitars and the hi-hat heavy drumbeat, free from unnecessary or excessive fills. And the way the strings keep pushing higher and higher, elevating the melody to soaring altitude. Even with understated, whispery vocals, "Subtle changes" is undeniably majestic. There's a lot going on in the arrangement too - besides the careful counterpoint accents, if you listen carefully and you'll hear bits of pizzicato strings amidst the subtle, but necessary percussion. Every ingredient is perfectly placed so that it never becomes overwhelming or cluttered. All in all, a pop triumph.
Sambassadeur - Subtle changes
7
This, the four song debut EP of Suburban Kid Johan Hedberg [the Labrador licensed rerelease adds an extra track, hence the "5 spårs EP" -ed], I actually find more a logical step from the band's earlier EPs Nos. 1 & 2. The Caribbean beach style beats, horns, and mariachi leaning guitar strumming are all highly present, along with Hedberg's sad croon. The two major differences are that the vocals are in Swedish and that there is much better production. The latter actually makes this more enjoyable for repeat listens, especially on tracks like "Grammisgalan" and "Har du själ?". At four songs it's obviously a bit short, but with some acts, formats such as this prove to be a wise decision.
- Matt Giordano
Pitchfork does the Forkcast think with Johan Hedburg (Suburban Kids With Biblical Names): http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/forkcast/47087-johan-hedberg-var-dig-sjlv-mp3stream
As mentioned before, Johan's self-titled solo debut EP on Cosy Den will be reissued on 10" vinyl via Labrador Records.
Labrador Records will be reissuing Johan Hedberg's (Suburban Kids with Biblical Names) self-titled solo debut EP on Cosy Den as a 10" vinyl EP with the song "Hurra för fredag fest och öl" tacked on as a bonus track.
9
It's usually the first record you hear by a band that remains your favorite, but Club 8 have reached new heights with their sixth outing. At it's worst, it's as good as anything they've done before. At it's best, it's more complex, personal, and compelling. The band have extraordinary credentials in a certain genre of laid back Swedish indie. Their singer Karolina Komstedt was in the band Poprace, as was their songwriter/instrumentalist Johan Angergård, who is also busy in his other bands The Legends, The Acid House Kings, and behind the scenes at Labrador Records. Club 8 is distinguished by the contrasts among Komstedt's ethereal voice, which is astoundingly pretty without ever being cloying or affected, their melancholy lyrics, and a sound that is simultaneously gentle, dark and uplifting. On this record they all shine. While the lyrics grapple with relationships that don't work, fear of mortality, questioning God, inappropriate drug use and rural desolation, the music is relaxed and airy. Her singing has never been better and the production has never made the instruments sound this good. The total effect is akin to aloe vera for the soul; it soaks in, soothes, and somehow sets things right. It's chill without the snores, twee without the cute, and sweet without the toothache.
- Nancy Baym
It's Club 8 day here at IAT and not only do we have a review of their fantastic new album, we've also got an mp3 post for you. As with said review, I'll step aside and let contributor Nancy Baym tell you all about it:
This piano and violin based song from Club 8's new record "The boy who couldn't stop dreaming" (Labrador) epitomizes all that is best about them. The lyrics confront the emptiness of Northern Sweden ("we keep our eyes on the distance/cuz desolation greets us wherever we go") and the interpersonal distances that result ("we see trees/but never anyone who talks"). Yet, even as Karolina Komstedt is singing about cold isolation forcing her to leave home forever while the violins swell ominously, it sounds so warm and welcoming one wants to curl up in the song and stay forever. It's a perfect juxtaposition that makes for a perfect song.
For those of you in or around Malmö, don't forget that Club 8 is playing the It's a Trap! Clubnight this Saturday October 13 along with fellow IAT-faves Samuraj Cities. I'm sure it's gonna be an amazing show, the only pity is that I can't be there myself.
Club 8 - Leave the north
Morningside Records and Labrador are collaborating on a new venture entitled 'Label Me Lucky' which will be releasing the new Sambassadeur album "Migration" in Denmark on November 5. See the label website for more details, though it doesn't offer any info on future plans: http://www.labelmelucky.net/
The new Sambassadeur album "Migration" is officially confirmed for release on October 24 via Labrador Records.
Stream Club 8's new album "The boy who couldn't stop dreaming": http://www.Labrador.se/index_lab108.php3
The new Club 8 track "Heaven" is now available as a free download: http://www.Labrador.se/mp3/club8-heaven.mp3
The new Sambassadeur single "Subtle changes" is now officially available as a free download from the label Labrador: http://www.Labrador.se/news.php3?lab=070828.102847
Irene's new album "Long gone since last summer" is finished and confirmed for release on September 12 via Labrador Records. Look for the first single "By your side" to be made available as a download very soon.
Johan Hedberg
Club 8
