Dear Euphoria - Coming down (video)

Essential viewing from Dear Euphoria, off of one of 2010's absolute best releases. Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZg8aw_oRYY

Ghost
Opus eponymous
Rise Above

First off, with a cover like this, who could not want to check this band out? A less-than-subtle wink toward the "Salem's Lot" movie poster that works wonderfully in the context of the band, it's this initial reference point that finds me eager to hear what Ghost sound like. As far as the music goes -- what an unexpected (and welcome) style! Ghost sound more like 1970s New York than 2010s Stockholm. Describing this in terms of labels is probably best done by calling it classic black or black prog, as Ghost offer a sound that's synonymous with that of classic rock genres from days gone by. They've often been compared to Blue Öyster Cult and they do, indeed, convey that style throughout "Opus eponymous". But there's more of an edge to Ghost's sound, a heavier output that's more in tune with Sabbath or Led Zep. Where the black fits into all this is in the subject matter, with a distinctly satanic outlook prevailing throughout the recording. Production-wise, this could have benefitted from a bit more punch, as the recording is a tad flat, particularly on the guitars. But the highs most certainly outweigh the lows on here, and Ghost have undoubtedly released one of the most original albums within the realm of metal in a long time.
- John Norby

Billie the Vision best-of in the works

Swedish indiepoppers Billie the Vision & the Dancers are putting together a best-of compilation featuring cuts from all five of their albums for release this spring which will also include a bonus disc of various friends and role models covering their songs.

Best of Imperial Recordings

Imperial Recordings will celebrate 9 years as a label on March 1 with the release of a new digital-only 41-track greatest hits collection, simply titled "best of". Featured artists include José González, Promise and the Monster, Zeigeist, Martin McFaul, Melpo Mene, Eskju Divine and Samuraj Cities.

TLOBF sessions: Treefight for Sunlight

Check out Danish act Treefight for Sunglight doing a live studio session for The Line of best Fit: http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/2011/02/tlobf-sessions-treefight-for-sunlight-what-became-of-you-and-i/

MP3: Barbe-Q-Barbies - All over you

They've got a bummer name and a bit too much of a try-hard corny look for my tastes, but unlike contributor John Norby, I actually really like it when Barbe-Q-Barbies channel AC/DC. In fact, I'd say they're at their best when they lean closer to classic 70s rock/powerpop (think Cheap Trick) than 80s glam/hair metal. Give them a heavier sound and they'd probably end up generic also-rans, but give me big hooks and raw power and I'm sold.

Barbe-Q-Barbies - All over you

Fredrik
Flora
The Kora Records

Blossoming past the confines of traditional songwriting, Fredrik's newest album "Flora" is a melancholy outing carpeted with of horns, bells, and guitars. Sure, it's what we've come to expect from the Swedish experimental trio (two members who also perform as the criminally underrated band, The LK) -- but it's also more than most fringe-folk acts could hope deliver.

A lo-key, densely arranged cacophony, theirs is a brand of hypnotic chanting and melodic repetition that could easily grow stale or downright grating in lesser, or less restrained hands. Instead, we're offered remarkable variance, from the clattering urgency of "Vattenfront" to the haunting, never-quite-peaking crescendo of "Inventress of ill (and everything)". Though perhaps it's the driving, narrative-heavy track "The shape and colour of things gone blind" (a reference to member Ola Lindefelt's reported synesthesia) that offers the best context in which to discuss/dissect the album. Armed with a world-view turned some 180-degrees from current trends, Fredrik doesn't just make music to hear, but to get lost in.
- Laura Studarus

TLOBF talks to Turboweekend

The Line of best Fit interviews Danish dance/rock act Turboweekend: http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/2011/02/tlobf-interview-turboweekend/
Looks like the group will be coming over to the UK for a few shows in April.

TLOBF sessions: Those Dancing Days

Check out an acoustic live session The Dancing Days did for The Line of best Fit: http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/2011/02/tlobf-sessions-those-dancing-days-ill-be-yours/

Travel report: P3 Guld 2011

Manifest 2011 winners

Here are the winners of this year's Manifest Awards, Sweden's alternative/indie Grammy:

Pop: Anna von Hausswolff - Singing from the grave
Dance: Cloud - Hökarängen Space Program
Synth: Code 64 - Trialogue
Hardrock: Ghost - Opus eponymous
Danceband: Shake - Request vol 1
Rythym: Million Stylez - Everyday
Jazz: Lekverk - Everyday
Punk: Antipati - Frågor som rör det allmänna
Hip-Hop: Zacke - Visst är det vackert
best live: Robyn
Unsigned: Katakomb
Rock: The Bear Quartet - Monty Python
Folk/Visa: OK Star Orchestra - Sound classique
Experimental: New Tango Orquesta - Vesper
Singer/Songwriter: The Tallest Man On Earth - Wild hunt
best lyricist: Johan T Karlsson (Familjen)
best composer: Britta Persson

More here: http://www.manifestgalan.se/

MP3: Håll Det Äkta - Dom kan inte höra musiken

Just in case the one thing missing in your life was a modern hardcore-style cover of Masshysteri's "Dom kan inte höra musiken", one of 2010's best tracks. Download the rest of the band's latest EP "De få & de stolta" for free via myspace: http://www.myspace.com/halldetakta

Håll Det Äkta - Dom kan inte höra musiken

The Guardian vs the Black Hole Crew

The Guardian reports the new scene of necromantic noise coming out of Norway: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2011/feb/02/necromantic-rock-metal-norway
Of course, regular readers should already be well aware that they are talking about Haust, Okkultokrati and Årabrot, three of Norway's best. No idea what those commenters are thinking praising Turbonegro over these dudes as if the last 15 years didn't happen, but whatever. Remain ignorant and enjoy Doctor Midnight & The Mercy Cult.

The Sounds - Better off dead

The Sounds are streaming their new single "Better off dead" at SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/the-sounds-official/better-off-dead
They also apparently posted the sheet music awhile back for fans to cover and will be including the best version as the official b-side: http://the-sounds.com/better-off-dead/

Barbe-Q-Barbies
All over you
Hyeena Trax/Sound of Finland

This Finnish all-girl rock crew have it nailed -- almost -- when it comes to belting out a killer collection of punk-tinged hard rock that is so close to perfection, it's frustrating. The only thing really lacking here is a supercharged guitar sound. It's not that the guitars sound bad, rather they would completely transform this album if they rang out with the power of the likes of Skid Row or Mötley Crüe instead of the predominant AC/DC-like tone they currently have. Listening to the likes of "Rockstar" or "Escort" might be an enjoyable affair now, but it's hard not to think of how immense they would sound with a Dave Sabo-esque six-stringed savagery behind them. It would change "All over you" from a head-nodding, foot-tapping rock 'n' roll album into a fist-pounding, frenzy-inducing hard rock behemoth. I'm not talking about changing the riffs -- the songwriting is exceptional -- but rather giving the guitar that sound that forces gritted teeth, clenched fists and a cry of "Fuck yeah!" at the slightest hint of a chord being hit. The vocals are right up there with the best of rock's female screamers, the production borders on the perfect and, all-in-all, this is a stormer of a debut album that would get full marks if not for what I've just mentioned above. Just... please... floor us with that guitar next time!
- John Norby