Amanda Mair is the latest discovery by Swedish label Labrador Records. If you’re like us, you dig pretty much anything that comes from Labrador, and this should be no exception. “House” is part folk-pop, part Euro-dance track. Mair hails from an island outside Stockholm. And get this — she’s only 16! Read More »Amanda Mair: House [mp3]
36.1 minutes. That is the length of the new Fredrik album, Flora. Not bad, especially since the band has put together a video that spans that amount of time and covers the album in its entirety. Brilliant, I say! Flora continues what Fredrik has created on their past two releases – eerie experimental pop music that is other-worldly. Read More »Fredrik: Flora [Video]
I have absolutely no clue what Det Vackra Livet means, but I do know that they create some pretty amazing and dark pop music influenced by the early 80s. This is the new project from the folks behind The Mary Onettes, and it’s pretty obvious. The sounds are vastly similar, with exception to the lyrics. Det Vackra Livet comes to us in the band’s native tongue whereas The Mary Onettes dole out their songs in English. Either way, it’s really, really good. Read More »Det Vackra Livet: Viljan [Video]
I’m not much one for putting together a news item. I prefer writing features and reviews than pushing out the latest bit of news, but with a few new signings from Sub Pop, I figured I’d do a one-part introductory list, one-part news bit. Yes, in the last week or so, Sub Pop has signed a few new bands. They are as follows: Niki And The Dove, Still Corners, and Memoryhouse. All three write hauntingly beautiful songs, some of which you can hear/see below. Read More »Sub Pop Signs Three New Artists
I still find it astonishing that the 90s were more than a decade ago. That would also mean that Pillow, this little-known Swedish group, met its demise in the early days of the Internet. Unfortunately, that means there is very little about this band available, and with a name simple and commonplace in terminology — well that makes it even more difficult. What one can gather is that this band existed in the 90s, staring in 1995. They recorded a bit, but most never received an actual release. Until now. Read More »Pillow [Feature]
Acid House Kings is back next month with a new album, their first in about six years. As the previous, Sing Along With The Acid House Kings, has been a favorite of mine since its release, their new one is easily my most anticipated album of 2011. Last weekend, I pre-ordered Music Sounds Better With You on vinyl; the anticipation continues. Thankfully, Acid House Kings have given us another song to bide the time. The song is “Would You Say Stop?” and it will be released as the band’s first single off Music Sounds Better With You on March 3.
Read More »Acid House Kings: Would You Say Stop? [mp3] 
Death And Vanilla came to my attention early last year after they put out a digital single on Beko Records. What was once a free EP now has a solid release under the newly formed Hands In The Dark Records. Dreamy and psychedelic at its core, Death And Vanilla’s pop also borders on electronic. Read More »Death And Vanilla: Death And Vanilla [Album Review]
Not too long ago, I posted a list of great videos and on that list was one for “Shyness” by Thieves Like Us. This is notable not only because Summer Camp‘s “Round The Moon” fits nicely beside that band’s critically acclaimed tune, but also because they sampled the same video footage in the creation of these videos. Summer Camp released their Young EP a few months back on Moshi Moshi and it hints of moody European music from the early 80s with plenty of synth and electronics and depressed vocals. Read More »Summer Camp: Round The Moon [Video]
When Museum of Bellas Artes covered “Who Do You Love” by Sapphires earlier in the year, the song quickly became a favorite. The band is back with some original tunes, all fitting a relaxed, laid-back electronic sound. It reminds me, at times, of Saint Etienne — but only at times. The band’s new EP is called Days Ahead and it features four excellent tunes, one of which can be seen in video form below. Read More »Museum of Bellas Artes: Days Ahead [Video]
Buried deep in my inbox was this video for “I’m So Happy” by The Mare. It’s a super upbeat, wildly fun indie pop song from, yes, another great Swedish band. The video features plenty of dancing, a stuffed giraffe, and great colors. The song’s title is perfect; not only does the band continuously repeat the words I’m so happy, it’s also super infectious. Complacency or foul mood? This song is your antidote. Read More »The Mare: I’m So Happy [Video]
