IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Children of Bodom covers album tracklist

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:17:08 -0400

Here's the tracklist for the upcoming Children of Bodom all-covers album "Skeletons in the closet", due out September 23:

01. Looking at my back door (CCR)
02. Hell is for children (Pat Benatar)
03. Somebody put something in my drink (Ramones)
04. Mass hypnosis (Sepultura)
05. Don't stop at the top (Scorpions)
06. Silent scream (Slayer)
07. She is beautiful (Andrew W.K.)
08. Just dropped in (Kenny Rogers)
09. Bed of nails (Alice Cooper)
10. Hellion (WASP)
11. Aces high (Iron Maiden)
12. Rebel yell (Billy Idol)
13. No commands (Stone)
14. Antisocial (Trust/Anthrax)
15. Talk dirty to me (Poison)
16. War inside my head (Suicidal Tendencies)
17. Ooops!....I did it again (Britney Spears)

I'm not crazy about this band, but that collection does look like a lot of fun.

Two new [ingenting] tracks now streaming

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:54:23 -0400

Two new [ingenting] tracks are now streaming at the band's website: http://www.nadazipp.se/
They've also posted a few details concerning their upcoming album "Tomhet, idel tomhet" for those of you who can read Swedish.

New Taken By Trees in September

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:15:51 -0400

The new Taken By Trees album "East of Eden" will be released on September 8 via Rough Trade.

MP3: Pekka Himanka - J�i Lappiin syd�mein

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:49:14 -0400

Here's a little something I picked up last weekend while vacationing in Astoria, OR, a seaside town with a strong Finnish heritage. I can't say I know much about Pekka Himanka, but I stumbled across his album "J�i Lappiin syd�mein" (Lappland remains in my heart? Online translators can only do so much for me here) in a local record store, previewed a few seconds for quality control at the listening station and figured, "why not?" Who couldn't use a bit of Finnish tango in their life? Besides being relevant to my interests (obviously), the chance of me stumbling across anything like this in the foreseeable future is nil. Old Suomi crooners don't just show up in bargain bins around here and it's not like I know enough to rate them, even if they did. One curious note to add: I don't remember if I've ever heard Pekka on an Aki Kaurism�ki soundtrack, but he does carry the tag on Last.fm. Perhaps someone with more free time (and perhaps, Finnish comprehension skills) can track down which movie(s) his music appears in? It would be good to know.

Hoob to release new album from New Tango Orchestra

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:11:03 -0400

Hoob Records (The Splendor) will be releasing the new album "Vesper" from Swedish jazz/folk act New Tango Orchestra on September 23. Expect Swedish and German tourdates to follow in the fall, in the meantime, head to their website to hear samples of old material: http://www.nto.nu/
Well worth checking out I'd say.

Dybdahl UK delay

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:42:32 -0400

Norwegian singer/songwriter Thomas Dybdahl's debut UK single "From grace" has been pushed back to August 31 with his album to follow on September 14.

Liechtenstein interview at ZME Music

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:39:03 -0400

ZME Music interviews Swedish indiepop act Liechtenstein: http://www.zmemusic.com/rock/interview-with-liechtenstein/

Enemy Alliance - Where night falls all day long

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:53:45 -0400

Swedish melodic hardcore act Enemy Alliance are wrapping up production of their new album and have posted the new track "Where night falls all day long" for streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/enemyalliance

Two new Markus Kruneg�rd albums this fall

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:41:19 -0400

Laakso frontman Markus Kruneg�rd will be releasing two brand new solo albums on October 14. The first is called "Prinsen av Peking" and is said to be "more majestic" while the other one, "Lev som en gris, d� som en hun" ("Live like a pig, die like a dog"), is probably more typical for Markus' style if we are to go by the title.

Cornelius Jakhelln on Ulver

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:14:42 -0400

Cornelius Jakhelln's (Solefald) intro talk from the recent Ulver live (re-)premiere is now published online for your perusal: http://www.jester-records.com/ulver/ulver.html (scroll down)

Terveet K�det to release new album in late July

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:29:25 -0400

The new album "Ihmisen poika, pedon poika" from legendary Finnish hardcore act Terveet K�det will be released on July 22 via Longplay Music. Apparently there's a UK tour in the works as well?

Monument will finally release the Final Exit DVD, also sign Forever Young

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:42:18 -0400

In addition to the long-awaited Final Exit discography LP + live DVD, Monument Records has confirmed the signing of Ume� sXe hardcore act Forever Young and will be releasing their new CD very soon. Samples at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/foreveryounghc

Kning Disk confirms new vinyl-only album from Erik Enocksson

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:28:24 -0400

Kning Disk has confirmed that they will be releasing Erik Enocksson's new album "Man t�nker sitt" on August 21. It will only available on limited (499 copies) gatefold vinyl, so act fast if you want one. Full details/samples: http://www.kningdisk.com/02_releases_kd070.asp?id=1070

Music is not a job

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:58:12 -0400

All Scandinavian on the various odd dayjobs held by Finnish musicians: http://allscandinavian.com/1185/music-is-not-all-glamour/

DiS interviews Fever Ray (again)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:34:54 -0400

Drowned in Sound talks to Karin Dreijer Andersson (Fever Ray, The Knife): http://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4137231-hey-fever-ray--dis-meets-karin-dreijer-anderssen

MP3: The Gentleman Losers - Ballad of Sparrow Young

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:31:45 -0400

Most guitar-based ambient artists seem intent on obscuring their sound source, not so with Finnish duo The Gentleman Losers. There's no mistaking the origin of these sounds, though they do indulge in heavy effects now and then. "Ballad of Sparrow Young" is typical of the group: circular guitar figures overlaid by a languid lead melody along with a few other subtle accompanyments. Yes, they do stray towards the new-age end of the musical spectrum, but in typical Scandinavian fashion, feelings of melancholy erase any indications of "mere" peacefulness. And yes, I know it's also not exactly the sort of thing that will make you sit up and pay close attention, but listening does have its rewards.

Atlas Losing Grip - Time to waste

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:18:43 -0400

Swedish melodic hardcore act Atlas Losing Grip have a new song called "Time to waste" streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/atlaslosinggrip

Copenhagen Records to sell 24-bit files

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:17:45 -0400

Gaffa reports that Copenhagen Records (Carpark North, Nephew) has seized the honor of being the first Danish label to offer lossless-quality music files for sale: http://gaffa.dk/nyhed/33351 (in Danish)

New Euro dates for Bj�rn Kleinhenz

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:15:35 -0400

Bj�rn Kleinhenz will be touring extensively this fall:

09/24 - Hasenschaukel "About Songs / Reeperbahnfestival", Hamburg (GER)
09/25 - tba, Hannover (GER)
09/26 - Amp, M�nster (GER)
09/27 - Kamp, Bielefeld (GER)
09/28 - Rotopol Gallery, Kassel (GER)
09/30 - tba, Cologne (GER)
10/01 - Cobra, Solingen (GER)
10/03 - tba, Frankfurt (GER)
10/04 - Cafe Video, Gent (BEL)
10/06 - Pop In, Paris (FRA)
10/08 - Mariaberg, Rorschach (CH)
10/09 - Kulturwerk 118, Sursee (CH)
10/10 - tba, Zurich (CH)
10/12 - Tikis Pub, Geneve (CH)
10/14 - La Salumeria del Rock, Reggio Emilia (ITA)
10/16 - Bar Sartea, Vicenza (ITA)
10/20 - Stille Post, G�rlitz (GER)
10/22 - Schokoladen, Berlin (GER)
10/24 - House Show, Erlangen (GER)
10/29 - tba, Copenhagen (DK)

Keep an eye out for his new record "Burma" -- it's excellent.

Sincerely Yours presents JJ full-length CD

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:04:21 -0400

Sincerely Yours' latest release is a new full-length album from JJ entitled "No. 2": http://www.sincerelyyours.se/yours0115.php

Viola - Shimmery summery (sha-la-la love)

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:16:26 -0400

Viola has a new summery pop track for free download as part of their monthly single series: http://www.violamusicclub.com/

MP3: The Skull Defekts - Knives, birds, stones & pyramids

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:54:27 -0400

There are two version of The Skull Defekts' new album "The temple". First we have the CD version, an continuation of the "rock" direction exhibited by the band on "Blood spirits & drums are singing". Drums, guitar, vocals and more drums playing riff-oriented jams -- they may not usually concede to typical pop idioms such as verses, chorus and so-on, but it most definitely rocks in solid head-nodding fashion. We also have the 2xLP version of "The temple" which takes all of the the same songs as the CD and augments them with extra interludes, as recently heard on the more electronic/experimental/drone oriented "The drone drug" album. Personally, I prefer the former for it's more concise execution; as much as can appreciate the band's droning tendencies in all guises and forms, it's the rhythm-and-drum heavy sound that gets me going. "Knives, birds, stones & pyramids" is the opening salutation of "The temple" and it lays out everything you need to know: this is pure cult ritual set to a pounding beat and illustrated with cryptic symbols and pagan imagery. Sex and violence, man and beast -- it all comes together. In lesser hands, such other-worldly tourism might come across as preposterous, but they never over-sell it. Even without the message intact, as on the album's instrumentals, it's still all quality head-jammers.

Raised First unveil new album details, free track download

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:28:36 -0400

Swedish hardcore act Raised Fist will release their new album "Veil of ignorance" on September 7 via Burning Heart Records. Go here to download a free track ("Friends & traitors") in exchange for an email address: http://www.burningheart.com/raisedfist/

G�teborg passes law to limit street musicians

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:15:13 -0400

A new ordinance goes into effect on July 1 in G�teborg prohibiting street musicians from performing without a permit: http://www.thelocal.se/20362/20090630/
Jerry Bowman of Musik enligt Jerry/The Tram Sessions/TV4 responds: http://musikenligtjerry.blogspot.com/2009/06/lat-inget-tysta-er.html (in Swedish)

The Pirate Bay sells out

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:55:12 -0400

Swedish company Global Gaming Factory X has announced that they will be purchasing The Pirate Bay for 60 million SEK, half up front and in cash. They plan on relaunching the site as a legal service. Read more: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/global-gaming-factory-x-acquisitions-of-the-pirate-bay-and-new-file-sharing-technology-p2p-20

Amir Chamdin unveils new project: Mean Streets

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:40:37 -0400

Amir Chamdin of Infinite Mass has a new solo project called Mean Streets which will be releasing his Nicke Andersson-produced (The Hellacopters, Death Breath, etc.) album on September 30 via Sheriff Records. Hear a track at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/amirchamdin

Grand Avenue confirm new album, single

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:36:07 -0400

Danish act Grand Avenue will release their fourth album "The outside" on September 28. Hear the first single "Almost gone" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/grdavenue

Indie Rock Reviews loves Kristofer �str�m

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:32:43 -0400

Kristofer �str�m is Indie Rock Reviews' band of the week: [click here]
Read their gushing review of his most recent album "Sinkadus" right here.

Pfork on the new Love Is All EP

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:01:58 -0400

Pitchfork reviews Love Is All's new "Last choice" EP: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13093-last-choice-ep/

Mr. Halberstad introduces the band

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:30:17 -0400

G�teborg-based artist Tomas Halberstad has got himself a new backing band: http://tomashalberstad.com/2009/06/28/proper-introductions/

Tingsek - Coming back to you

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:28:25 -0400

Tingsek has a new song called "Coming back to you" streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/tingsek
The new album of the same title comes out September 30.

Sondre Lerche - Heartbeat radio

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:21:37 -0400

Stereogum has the premiere of the new Sondre Lerche single "Heartbeat radio": http://stereogum.com/archives/new-sondre-lerche-heartbeat-radio-stereogum-premie_075022.html

Panda turns to Devotion

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:09:06 -0400

The folks from the Swedish webzine Panda are once reinventing themselves, this time as Devotion Magazine, coming in July: http://devotionmagazine.se/

New Mattias Alkberg single for free download

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:02:41 -0400

Ny V�g was supposed to be releasing a new 3-song 7" from Mattias Alkberg this summer, but he ended up recording a full LP instead so they're giving away the single for free: http://www.nyvag.com/
The new full-length "Nerverna" will also be released on CD by A West Side Fabrication.

Maia Hirasawa - The wrong way (video)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:03:23 -0400

Check out Maia Hirasawa's brand new video for "The wrong way": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7y4dXiyS48&fmt=18

Heroin and Your Veins - The trigger (video)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:01:44 -0400

Finnish gloom-rockers Heroin and Your Veins have a new video for the track "The trigger": http://www.heroinandyourveins.net/videos/thetrigger.html

N� Music interviews The New Wine

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:33:06 -0400

N� Music talks to The New Wine and tries to get them to bad-mouth as many other bands as possible: http://www.nomusicmedia.com/2009/06/28/the-new-wine-talking-shit-at-hove/

New album from The Black now streaming

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:07:41 -0400

The new album "Alongside Death" from Swedish black/death metal act The Black is currently streaming in its entirety at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/pulverisedrecords

Hebosagil posts new version of 'Ei ole'

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:18:01 -0400

Finnish crust-heavy act Hebosagil has posted a new live-in-the-studio version of the track "Ei ole" on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hebosagil
Said cut originally appears on the band's split with fellow bad-vibe Finns Viisikko.

Code666 signs Devar

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:31:36 -0400

Norwegian avant/dark rock/metal act Devar has signed with Code666 for the release of their debut album "Alternate endings", due out in September. Preview a couple tracks at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/devarno

Presenting Crystal Sky Butterfly

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:28:52 -0400

Crystal Sky Butterfly is the name of a new Danish supergroup of sorts featuring members from the Junior Senior backing band plus folks from Broken Beats and Superheroes. The band's debut single "When the saints" is out now and their debut album "Family silver" will be officially released on August 22 via Strange Ears as a digital download. Listen at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/crystalskybutterfly

El Perro Del Mar down under

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:28:00 -0400

El Perro Del Mar is heading to Australia in October:

10/02 - The Forum, Melbourne
10/03 - Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide
10/09 - The Enmore Theater, Sydney
10/10 - The Tivoli, Brisbane

New album from The Elephants

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:21:30 -0400

Danish indie act The Elephants will release their new album "Take it!" on August 28 via Tapete Records.

Vanhelgd to get vinyl release via Nuclear War Now

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:16:17 -0400

US label Nuclear War Now will be releasing Vanhelgd's (remember?) album "Cult of Lazarus" on vinyl in the near future. More details to come.

Lene Marlin - You could have

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:49:46 -0400

Norwegian artist Lene Marlin is streaming her new single "You could have" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/lenemarlin

Baby Sweetcorn calls it quits, offers free downloads

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:38:21 -0400

Finnish act Baby Sweetcorn has officially given up the ghost and are now offering their first four sold-out recordings as free downloads: http://www.mediafire.com/babysweetcorn

Eric Ramsey - Board of dyslectics

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:54:07 -0400

Mysterious Swedish artist Eric Ramsey has a new track available for free download called "Board of dyslectics": http://www.ericramsey.se/sonicblastmachine.html
Apparently the plan is to release one song every month from now until eternity, or at least as long as he [Eric] is out." Anyhow, it sounds really good, so check it out!

This week's Last.fm chart

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:47:09 -0400

Here is the It's a Trap! listening group top 10 artists of the week, unique to our group:

01. Hello Saferide
02. H�kan Hellstr�m
03. Tiger Lou
04. A Camp
05. The Legends
06. Jenny Wilson
07. Jens Lekman
08. Shout Out Louds
09. The Fine Arts Showcase
10. Fleet Foxes

Do you listen to music on your computer or with an iPod? Please join us and make your playlist count! Go here to learn more: http://www.last.fm/help/

Sirius playlist week #26

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:44:16 -0400

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:

01. Miss Li - Dancing the whole way home
02. TALK 1
03. Graveless - The covenants genocide
04. Abramis Brama - Kylan kommer inifran
05. NEI - City of gold
06. TALK 2
07. Love Potion - Nitefever
08. Pistol Disco - Beat of the tune
09. Black Sheep - We're gonna die
10. The End Will Be Kicks - Little pill
11. TALK 3
12. Tribulation - Crypt of Thanatophilia
13. Makabert Fynd - Folkfacist, halvnazist
14. Bruket - Polisen l�gger pussel
15. TALK 4
16. The Bear Quartet - I was a weapon
17. Mangrove - Pieces of our yesterday
18. Elmo - Shine down on us
19. TALK 5
20. Aqua - Back to the 80s

Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.

Font�n confirms new album

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:36:19 -0400

Swedish electronic/experimental act Font�n will release their new full-length album "Winterhwila" in Sweden on August 19 via Information, the label run by Studio. A UK/international release will follow on August 24 and the album will be available on CD, LP and digital.

Constructdead prelisten

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:21:34 -0400

Pre-listen to the new Constructdead album "Endless echo": http://www.soundpollutiondistribution.se/construcdead/Construcdead_pre-listen.html

3-day weekend

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:42:29 -0400

It's a Trap! is heading to the coast for some much needed R&R. See you Monday! RIP MJ.

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:59:30 -0400

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes og Askil Holm - Halleluja Live Vol. 2
02. A-ha - Foot Of The Mountain
03. Alexander Rybak - Fairytales
04. Postgirobygget - �yeblikk
05. Henning Kvitnes - Tid for latskap
06. V�mm�l Spellmannslag - V�mm�l'n
07. Too Far - Sola i ryggen
08. Aasmund Nordstoga - Ein visefugg
09. Terje Tysland - Lidderli gla
10. Eriksen - De aller beste
11. Reidar Larsen - Kom in te oss
12. Erik og Kriss - Tabu
13. R�yksopp - Junior
14. Tone Damli Aaberge - I Know
15. Datarock - Red
16. Kaizers Orchestra - Maskineri
17. BigBang - Edendale
18. Tina Lie - Free Enough To Fall
19. Eva & The Heartmaker - Let's Keep This Up Forever
20. Anita Skorgan - Hele veien - 47 utvalgte sanger

Sofia Karlsson to sell new EP only at shows

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:25:31 -0400

Sofia Karlsson has a new EP called "Norr om Eden" that she will only be selling exclusively at live shows on her just kicked-off tour. The music is described as "the sad little sister" of recent album "S�der om k�rleken".

The Swede Beat #5

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:54:40 -0400

The latest issue of email newsletter The Swede Beat is out and it's a special feature on Norrland with bits on Hello Saferide, Addeboy vs. Cliff, artist Hugo Sundkvist and more: http://eepurl.com/b36s

Sahara Hotnights to play free Berlin show

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:25:22 -0400

Sahara Hotnights are doing a one-off free gig at Frannz in Berlin next Thursday on July 2. Full details: http://www.frannz.de/event.php?id=2296&special=&year=2009&month=7

Mew - Repeaterbeater

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:23:32 -0400

Spinner has a new track from Mew for download called "Repeaterbeater": http://www.spinner.com/2009/06/25/mew-repeaterbeater-free-mp3-download/

Indie signs Shining

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:46:14 -0400

Swedish suicide-metal act Shining has signed with Norwegian label Indie Recordings.

Another Compunctio review at The Silent Ballet

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:42:46 -0400

The Silent Ballet reviews the Ingebrigt H�ker Flaten/H�kon Kornstad collaboration "Elise": http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/2486/Default.aspx

The Pirate Bay appeal tossed: No judicial bias

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:41:26 -0400

The Pirate Bay's appeal to get a retrial due to apparent judicial bias has been thrown out: http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSSAT00634120090625

Absolut Noise interviews The Bear Quartet

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:33:38 -0400

Absolut Noise talks to Matti and Jari from The Bear Quartet about their new album "89": http://absolutnoise.blogspot.com/2009/06/back-to-89.html

MP3: Graveless - The covenants genocide

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:21:37 -0400

Releasing a demo cassette in 2009 pretty much guarantees you willful obscurity, but it's perfectly fitting for a kvlt death metal act like Graveless. Music like this is supposed to sound like it crawled its way out after being buried alive and no format suits that better than the brittle sound of 1/8" tape. Even better if you play it out of an old boombox, but I suppose a mediocre mp3 rip from said cassette kind of approximates that effect when you play it through your typical, tinny computer speakers. Audio clarity is the enemy, this is supposed to sound raw, muddled and near-inhuman. Trve evil does not reveal itself so easily! Obfuscate! Embrace the darkness! Revel in real underground Swedish death metal!

D�n� - Victim of the city (video)

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:58:28 -0400

Soundvenue has the premiere of the new D�n� video "Victim of the city": http://www.soundvenue.com/play/videoer/2009/06/24/premiere-dune

Factory45 - Love scent

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:57:26 -0400

Factory45 has uploaded their new single "Love scent" to myspace: http://www.myspace.com/factory45

Nitad tour antics land them in hot water

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:55:25 -0400

Apparently Nitad managed to get themselves arrested while on tour in the US. Good luck making that court date dudes!

Download the new Pistol Disco for free

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:50:06 -0400

Pistol Disco's excellent new album "Evergreen" is now available as a free download, just like they promised: http://www.pistoldisco.com/
In semi-related news, PD sideproject Volcanic Places has new music for free download as well that I've been neglected to tell you about: http://www.myspace.com/volcanicplaces

Jazkammer + Thorns = Tongues of Mount Meru

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:47:34 -0400

Important Records has just released the new LP "The ocean of milk" from Tongues of Mount Meru, the drone duo of Lasse Marhaug (Jazkammer) and Jon Wesseltoft (Thorns). Full details and a sample mp3: http://www.importantrecords.com/releases/imprec239_release_page.htm

New music from Grande Roses

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:32:17 -0400

Swedish hayseed punks Grande Roses have a couple new tracks at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/granderoses
Look for the band's new EP "The farm" in early July.

Love Is All does Daytrotter

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:20:46 -0400

Check out a new Daytrotter live session with Love Is All: http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/love-is-all-simple-annoyances-should-still-make-for-a-dance-concert/20030515-3737795.html

Nomethod confirms new album, single from Mixtapes & Cellmates, Aerial

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:58:01 -0400

Nomethod reports that Mixtapes & Cellmates' new album will be called "Rox" and will be released in all formats: CD/LP/DVD/MP3. Expect a late September release with a single/video to precede it. In other news, the label has confirmed that "All refrain" will be the first single off Aerial's forthcoming album "Put it this way in headlines". Expect both the single and album in early September.

MP3: Pistol Disco - Organ and drum

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:50:25 -0400

Organ and drum. Drum(s) and organ(s). Bathed in distortion and and baptized in flame; beamed directly to yr skvll, burning a hole through yr brain. This is the new Pistol Disco, same as the old and always improving. The new album "Evergreen" is out today and it's a mind-melter. Crank it!

Crunchy Frog turns 15, Epo-555 says goodbye

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:10:35 -0400

Crunchy Frog's upcoming 15th anniversary concert will apparently be Epo-555's farewell performance. Full details: http://blog.crunchy.dk/post/15-YEARS-COME-AND-POP-OUR-CHERRY.aspx
UPDATE: didn't notice it before, but apparently Jenny Wilson will also be rejoining her old bandmates First Floor Power for this gig as well.

The Silent Ballet reviews David �hl�n

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:21:48 -0400

The Silent Ballet reviews the new David �hl�n album "We sprout in thy soil": http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/2475/Default.aspx

Lapko to record new album in NY

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:33:07 -0400

Finnish act Lapko will be heading to Clubhouse Studios in Woodstock, New York to record their next album together with producer D. James Goodwin (Thursday, Norah Jones, The Bravery). Expect an early 2010 release.

Haust on a boat

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:28:06 -0400

N� Music interviews the mighty Haust about their summer festival plans, among other things: http://www.nomusicmedia.com/2009/06/24/stranded-with-haust-at-hove/

MP3: Grace.Will.Fall - New song

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:13:24 -0400

I like Refused a lot, but let's be honest: "The shape of punk to come" has not aged well. It was an important document for its time, but it also effectively shut the door of an era of hardcore many folks would prefer to forget. Not everything that followed in its wake has been awful, but it is surely responsible for directly influencing a ton of crap. Grace.Will.Fall toe the line. They tone down the sass and nail the "deadly rhythm", but we've heard it all before. What sounded like the future in 1998 sounds like the past in 2009. I don't doubt that their motivations are pure-hearted, but it's time to move on. Newness is not the imperative, it's inspiration.

Sofia Talvik talks tech

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:32:54 -0400

New media blog The Purpose of All Media talks to Swedish artist Sofia Talvik about her Twitter single giveaway initiative: http://thepurposeofallmedia.blogspot.com/2009/06/sofia-talvik-on-diy-social-media.html

JJ - From Africa to M�laga

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:09:17 -0400

Sincerely Yours has a new single from JJ for free download/donation entitled "From Africa to M�laga": http://www.sincerelyyours.se/yours0113.php

Timbuktu - City lights (feat. Promoe, Tingsek)

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:28:30 -0400

Swedish rapper Timbuktu has a new track for free download called "City lights" featuring guestspots from Promoe and Tingsek: http://www.timbuk.nu/

New material from Thomas Denver Jonsson soon

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:20:09 -0400

Thomas Denver Jonsson has a few new comp appearances coming up -- first is "What's kickin' vol. 4" on Stovepony Records which features "Willing night plants", Thomas' first new track in close to two years. That comes out in July. Next is the Townes Van Zandt tribute "Via the great unknown" on Forthesakeofthesong which will feature Thomas' take of the track "To live is to fly". That should be out in October. As for Thomas' other plans, he says his new album "Arctic" is currently being prepped for release along with the sophomore release from sideproject A Perfect Friend.

Snutj�vel - Punksvin

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:12:22 -0400

Snutj�vel has recorded a new version of the oft-covered Teddybears Sthlm track "Punkrocker" as "Punksvin", together with many guests from bands such as Sator, Asta Kask and The Liptones as well as Teddybears Sthlm themselves. Listen at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/snutjavel

Some Place Else taking pause

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:49:09 -0400

Finnish industrial/darkwave label Some Place Else (Niko Skorpio, Ovro) is going on hiatus: http://www.someplaceelse.net/

Takida prep new album, single

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:19:23 -0400

Swedish mainstream rock act Takida will release their new album "The dark instinct" this coming fall. The first single "As you die" is out now.

Reykjav�k! to get European and American release for new album

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:18:46 -0400

Icelandic noisepoppers Reykjav�k! will see their most recent album "The blood" released in Europe on July 3 and North America on August 4 via Kimi Records.

New music from St. Hood now streaming

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:40:33 -0400

There are a couple new tracks from Finnish hardcore act St. Hood streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sthood
The band's new album "For the dead" will be released on August 12 via Combat Rock Industry.

Baby Woodrose reveal new album details

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:22:09 -0400

Danish rockers Baby Woodrose will release their new untitled/self-titled album, their sixth overall, on September 14. For more details and a short track breakdown, go here: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=23233607&blogId=494052225

MP3: Florence Valentin - S�ld �r s�ld

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:01:16 -0400

I'm not gonna try and bullshit you into believing that Florence Valentin are some inspiring new act, brimming with originality, but what they do, they do well and that's bring quality summer-pop vibes. Whether they're cribbing from The Clash or H�kan Hellstr�m, it all sounds good to me even when the subject matter is all guns, bombs and violence. I just hear a rocksteady beat and laidback horns, lean back and smile. Sometimes a language barrier does have its advantages!

Ruh's new album now streaming

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:54:31 -0400

Swedish pop/rock act Ruh are streaming their new album "Find the essence and multiply" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ruhmusic

Tiger begets Diger

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:13:23 -0400

Groove reports that Oslo-based indie record store Tiger (also, propietors of the excellent label Fysisk Format) have started their own distribution/marketing company and have named it Diger. Read more here (in Norwegian) or head to Diger's new website: http://diger.tigernet.no/

New dates for 22-Pistepirkko in July

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:58:54 -0400

New European tourdates for Finns 22-Pistepirkko:

07/22 - Kulturladen, Konstanz (GER)
07/23 - Club Cardinal, Schaffhausen (CH)
07/24 - Stonehill Festival, Alterswil (CH)
07/25 - Kino, Ebensee (AUS)
07/26 - tba, Insbruck (AUS)
07/27 - Motovun Film Festival, Motovun (CRO)
07/28 - Chelsea, Wien (AUS)

Rune Vigil + Ebbe Frej = Helsinki Poetry

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:33:04 -0400

The Late Parade's vocalist Rune Vigil has teamed up with Ebbe Frej (Epo-555), the producer of the band's recent record "In chase of red beads", for a new project called Helsinki Poetry. The duo plans to record an EP eventually, but for now they are regularly posting demos for free download at their website: http://www.helsinkipoetry.com/

Ison & Fille - Jag skrattar idag (video)

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:28:49 -0400

Ison & Fille now have a video for their great single "Jag skratter idag": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCQjx_JrG9k&fmt=18

Embee - Desire to be free (feat. Nina Ramsby) (video)

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:24:53 -0400

Check out the video for the new Embee single "Desire to be free" (feat. Nina Ramsby): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzItZF6D4ik&fmt=18

Valhall's 3rd album now released, 9 years later

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:07:53 -0400

It appears that Norwegian doom act Valhall (feat. Fenriz of Darkthrone) finally managed to put out their never-released 3rd album "Red planet" via Housecore Records, the label run by Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down, etc.). See here: http://www.thehousecorerecords.com/

Teddybears Sthlm - Get mama a house

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:00:40 -0400

Teddybears Sthlm are back with a new single called "Get mama a house", their first in many years. The track was actually originally written by member Klas �hlund as a jingle for Fastighetsbyr�n's (Real Estate Agency) ad "Sold" and they are partnering with Sony to offer the track as a free download: http://getmamaahouse.fastighetsbyran.se/

Pitchfork reviews the new Radio Dept. single

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:51:09 -0400

Pitchfork isn't so hot on The Radio Dept.'s new single "David": http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/11330-david/

REVIEW: Fanfarlo - Reservoir (self-released)

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:31:42 -0400

I'm more than a little late to the Fanfarlo party. Only last week did I first hear about them from the Sigur R�s mailing list, months after the release of "Reservoir" and the subsequent chorus of praise from the likes of Rough Trade, NME, and Brooklyn Vegan -- praise that is well deserved. Centered around Swedish musician Simon Balthazar, the London-based songsmiths temper their Arcade Fire-like sound with Scandinavian influences, at times bringing to mind Pelle Carlberg, Loney Dear, and Burning Hearts, though their inclination towards the atmospheric and epic flesh out these influences in pleasantly unexpected ways. The only issue I run into with Fanfarlo is that they are far better on tracks like "Comets", a track that wouldn't have felt amiss on Carlberg's "In a nutshell", than on the overtly Arcade Fire-esque "Drowning men". This is not to say that "Drowning men" is a bad song, it's not (in fact it's quite good), it just taps so strongly into the "Neighborhood #1 (tunnels)" vein, without filtering the idea through Fanfarlo's obvious talents, that it feels somewhat out of place on "Reservoir". That said, "Resevoir" is a fantastic album (especially as you can download it for $1 until July 4), pushing its frenetic pop structures to their limits, driving them down adventitious avenues and back alleyways, and constantly unveiling new layers upon repeated listening.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson
Rating: 8

The Psyke Project - Stockholm bloodbath

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:30:13 -0400

Neglected to mention it yesterday, but The Psyke Project have a new song streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thepsykeproject
The music kinda sounds like they're holding back, but the vocals are as fierce as always.

Swingfly - Promise you

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:18:37 -0400

Swingfly's new single "Promise you" is streaming at YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPUaGixE7u4

New music from The First Miles now streaming

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:05:37 -0400

Danish roots-rockers The First Miles, as heard on "Reader's companion volume 2", have a couple new tracks up for streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thefirstmiles

Mange Schmidt - Vet att du f�rst�r" (video)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:08:16 -0400

Check out Mange Schmidt's new video for the song "Vet att du f�rst�r": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-P7V6YDMKM&fmt=18

The Psyke Project confirm new album

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:06:44 -0400

Danish metalcore act The Psyke Project will release their new album "The dead storm" on August 24.

Pelle Carlberg starts a band with his kids

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:05:49 -0400

Check out Pelle Carlberg playing childrens music with his kids p� Svenska: http://www.myspace.com/tvillingarnatrulsjag

Rigas - Simple

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:59:55 -0400

Flora & Fauna is giving away another Rigas track ("Simple") as a free download: http://rigas.blackside.org/EP/02_Rigas_Simple.mp3
Expect a proper new single in August with an album to follow plus a new skweee album as Rigas den Andre, due out September 11 via Flogsta Danshall.

Kulturradet Bidragsbeslut (Swedish cultural grants)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:48:29 -0400

If you're curious about what Swedish artists are receiving state funding this year, the latest recipients are now listed: http://www.kulturradet.se/sv/Bidrag/Beviljade-bidrag/2009/
Nice to see that Moonbabies are coming to NYC in October! And new music from Junip on the way?

Lystring to release new LP from Tom Karlsson

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:21:56 -0400

Lystring, the label/publisher that released the most recent Brainbombs album "Fucking mess", will be putting out a new LP from Tom Karlsson entitled "Pojknacke". Tom has previously collaborated with the groups Arbetaren, Galago and Det Grymma Sv�rdet, among others and this new work is said to be "more or less musical backgrounds to the texts that are quite serious in the foundation, but made with various silly voices. The roots are somewhere in the industrial music cassette subculture of the 80s." (according to Google Translate, kinda)

Petter Carlsen + Northern Delights

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:55:32 -0400

It's probably not available to international customers, but Norwegian artist Petter Carlsen is pairing copies of his new CD with fancy chocolate confections and hand-sewn packaging: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=90225795&blogId=496294846
Can't download chocolate!

Alibi Tom - Sometimes I'm afraid (video)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:47:38 -0400

The video for the new Alibi Tom single "Sometimes I'm afraid" is now online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G_mT1lr-_8&fmt=18

Mikael Lind offers free piano improvisations

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:01:08 -0400

Swedish-born/Icelandic-living artist Mikael Lind recently recorded a mini-album of piano improvisations and is offering the collection as a free download: http://mikaellind.blogspot.com/2009/06/piano-improvisations-free-mp3-album.html
I haven't had a chance to listen yet myself, but the songs he has streaming in the sidebar sound quite good (though a bit more fleshed-out).

Vindra now streaming debut album

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:48:58 -0400

Swedish melodic rockers Vindra are currently streaming their new album "Heroes of the unfinished symphony" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/vindra

Paper - Live in NYC (video)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:37:59 -0400

Postpunks Paper have rounded up a few decent-quality YouTube links with footage of their recent NYC performances: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=64764246&blogId=496287355

David Fridlund 1999-2009

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:13:31 -0400

David Fridlund (David & the Citizens) is celebrating 10 years as a musician by self-releasing a limited edition compilation of demo recordings. Go here for details: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=47112426&blogId=496264856

MP3: Tyrant - The rebirth... (reclaim the flame)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:08:33 -0400

Pretty much the only thing I really feel like listening to these days is old-school death metal. Well, that and Elmo, but we'll revisit them at another time. I'm not particularly angry or anything, I just like the way it sounds, especially when it's played in its rawest, more purest form. No blazing blastbeats, no overcooked technicality, just pure sickness -- that's what Tyrant is all about. Their debut LP (today's mp3 is the title track) is actually a couple years old now, but I only just recently got into 'em so it's new to me and perhaps maybe new to you too. Not that it sounds "new", but that's precisely the point! It's a perfect tribute to old masters such as Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, Autopsy, Venom and so on, infused with the classic tones that Sweden is known for. Fitting that the members of the band are all old heads too; so many youngsters seem to miss the point or refuse to take it seriously. These dudes have their hearts in it, that's for sure, and they know exactly what they're doing. "This is the rebirth, reclaim the flame! It's time to raise the dead!" Hell yeah.

Martin McFaul to release sophomore album in September

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:53:06 -0400

Imperial Recordings reports that the new Martin McFaul album "Sha la love" will be released on September 9. Hear the first single "Sha la la" (due out September 2) at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/martinmcfaul

Dusted reviews The Thing's latest

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:40:06 -0400

Dusted reviews Swedish/Norwegian freejazz combo The Thing's latest album "Bag it!": http://www.dustedmagazine.com/reviews/5075