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6
Distributed for (free) download on Swedish torrent site The Pirate Bay as well as the band's web site, "The golden daze" tries to be glam pop for the masses, crafted to capture the listener at first listen. Being Malmö based, the band emulates its more successful neighbors, namely The Ark and Melody Club. In this it is successful, but only as an emulation. Despite stabs at punk-laced electro and (oddly enough) swing on the title track, there's not enough originality here to distinguish the band from others. Forgettable as it may be, however, it can also be pretty fun. All tracks are very radio friendly, though None are likely to become radio hits. The production is the album's strongest suit. Aside from a great turn by The Ark's Ola Salo, who gives "Rather do it" (a minor hit in 2006) the kind of behemoth sound that we're used to from these sorts of bands, the rest of the album is produced by Oskar Humlebo (aka Moto Boy). He drenches the band in serpentine rhythms and new-wave synths, which helps to disguise the fact that you're not going to remember many of these songs in a few months. Still, for fans of the over-the-top Malmö based pop sound (like me), there's plenty to like here. Unfortunately, there's just not enough to love.
- Nick James
7
The recent hyper-popularity of bands like Justice and MGMT has proven that electronica is now a serious player in the music industry, not only with the indie crowd, but the major label industry as well. Firefox AK has been in the game a few years, garnering attention throughout Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Europe, obviously not to the extent of Swedish comrades such as The Knife, but making an impact Nonetheless. The follow up to "Madame, madame", "If I were a melody" again proves that Andrea Kellerman has a unique knack for electronic music: bridging the gap between the dancefloor bound compositions and the more contemplative creations by acts such as The Radio Dept. and Junior Boys (whose Matt Didemus mixed "If I were a melody"). "The river" is one of the finest tracks Firefox AK has ever produced, and first single "Winter rose", with husband and consistent collaborator Rasmus Kellerman (better known as Tiger Lou), demonstrates the range of this album, focusing the synth-driven craftsmanship into a more popular vein. An extremely consistent artist, you probably didn't need too much reassurance that Firefox AK's newest effort was worth a small investment - but, in case you did: "If I were a melody" is a fine album.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson
None of the various interviews I have in the works are anywhere near ready for posting, so our weekly Göteborg spotlight post won't contain the usual insightful content you've come to expect. Instead I bring you a track from the Black Sun Records 1994 comp "Metal Militia: A tribute to Metallica". Despite featuring a lot of big names from the 90s Gbg metal scene, In Flames, Dark Tranquility, Ceremonial Oath, etc., this collection sucks balls. The only halfway decent track: Snotrocket's cover of "Escape", originally found on my favorite Metallica album "Ride the lightning". The thing is, Snotrocket isn't a real band - it's a pseudonym. Now I know that's Tomas Lindberg (At the Gates, Skitsystem, Disfear, etc.) on vocals, but I have no idea who the rest of the band is. Is it At the Gates trying to avoid contractual obligations? Other Gbg all-stars? No clue. Either way, here's the track for you to enjoy.
Snotrocket - Escape
9
Lack is easily one of the more interesting indie rock acts out there right now. Going from clarity to clarity, I thought that "Be there pulse" (2005) was an excellent display of Fugazi-sounding hard-hitting rock, they now release a breathtaking album of furious and melodic punk-/indie rock. In fact, the Danes have found what I've been looking for in their previous albums; a delicate mix of hardcore and hooks. Not many bands accomplish that, At the Drive-In, Refused, Drive Like Jehu and Shellac did it, and here are the Danish heirs. Clocking in under an exemplary 30 minutes "Saturate every atom" offer its listeners a concise journey where Denmark's asylum policy, male domination, among others are matters of discussion and as an old hardcore dude, my eyes are filled with tears. It's been a long time since something this compassionate sounded this good. Produced by Per Cnöeldh (Menfolk), mixed by Lack in true DIY-style and mastered by None other than Bob Weston from Shellac, the simple, yet powerful sound gives the band justice. And speaking of justice, nothing would be more unfair if this doesn't lead to further recognition. It is that good. Try it, you'll like it!
- Jonas Appelqvist
The new Montys Loco album is a stunner, especially lead single/title track "Farewell Mr Happy". The duo's mix of loops + samples has gotten more complex, but they also retain an elegant minimalism not too far off from Björn Yttling's best work. Guitars? Bah, who needs 'em. There's a weird industrial vibe too, something that reminds me a bit of Chris Connelly's early solo material. At least that's the only comparison that comes to mind because, as far as contemporaries go, there are None. It's pop in essence, to be sure, but it also has those pounding drums and a raw, almost sinister air. The longer the song goes on, the more is revealed, the angrier it gets. Definitely not love, no way. Also: definitely one of the year's best releases so far.
Montys Loco - Farwell Mr Happy
I love the guitar tone on this song. It sounds like they ran an acoustic-electric through two different amps, but really, the technical considerations are unimportant. What matters is how big and nasty it sounds and I absolutely mean that in the best possible way. It's a good counterpoint to Birds On Holiday's tweeness, as it provides the necessary bite and drive the song needs to truly rock. Toss in a few handclaps and some farfisa and you're golden. It's a shame no other songs on the album manage to sound this fun, but hey- one great track is better than None.
Birds on Holiday - I had a plan
Hybris on the scam of CMJ and Sonicbids: https://hybrism.blogspot.com/2007/09/sonicbids-and-cmj-cashes-in.html
Check the Ghost Media link for more dirt. Nothing that should surprise most folks, but worth reading Nonetheless.
9
Hands down, "Against the dying of the light" is one of the best albums of 2007. Stig Nielsen, oft referred to as 'Country Stig', does indeed emulate the late Johnny Cash, even using the familiar allusions to trains in numerous songs, but he does it so damned well that it feels like a fitting tribute to the Man in Black, an homage appropriate to the history, catalog, and accomplishments that made Cash who he was. Nielsen's lyrics are cultivated and adept, existing so effortlessly alongside his masterly crafted songs. "Bottle for the road" has numerous displays of his lyrical abilities: "Today I feel a chill of autumn coming 'round, leaves like angels are falling; today your memory cannot hold me in this town...", and the wonderful fragment, "I had too many cups of water that you never turned into wine..." from "Happy" shows the care that Nielsen put into every song. The standard that this record holds itself to is exceptionally high and None of the songs miss this demanding mark. Many artists have claimed Johnny Cash as one of their influences, but few have ever come so close to continuing the legacy he blazed across America in the 1960s and burned into the consciousness of the world. CS Nielsen still retains much of his individuality as a songwriter and an artist even while treading these familiar paths, and this facet of the music only augments his undertakings and illuminates "Against the dying of the light" even further. Absolutely brilliant.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson
If you still haven't filled out my reader survey, please do so! I'll only be running it until the end of the week. And remember, it's 100% anonymous and None of the questions are required so only answer the questions you want. Also, when you're done, don't forget to enter my contest to win a copy of the entire IAT discography. Your participation is appreciated!
Still haven't filled out my reader survey yet? What are you waiting for? And remember, it's 100% anonymous and None of the questions are required so only answer the questions you want. And then, when you're done, enter to win a copy of the entire IAT discography. Your participation is appreciated!
Still haven't filled out my reader survey yet? What are you waiting for? And remember, it's 100% anonymous and None of the questions are required so only answer the questions you want. And then, when you're done, enter to win a copy of the entire IAT discography. Your participation is appreciated!
As mentioned numerous times recently, September is the fifth anniversary of It's a Trap! and I am running my first-ever reader's poll on account of this grand occasion. Go fill it out! And remember, it's 100% anonymous and None of the questions are required so only answer the questions you want. And then, when you're done, enter to win a copy of the entire IAT discography. Your participation is appreciated!
Lamont
Firefox AK
Lack
CS Nielsen