Global Infantilists were a short-lived Swedish rock band in the early 80’s with Olle Schedin and Mare Kandre (1962-2005) as the main members. Together they made two albums: the self-titled debut in 1982 and A Sense Of Belonging the following year.

While their debut had its roots in the punk scene, the second record sounded much more as the standard pop at the time with synthesizers and happier melodies at the center. Personally I think this made A Sense Of Belonging – with the exception of the pretty ballad “Still Water” – much less compelling than the debut with its rich personality of darkness and rebellion.

Despite plans of launching the band in England (their debut received a glowing review in The Sound), Global Infantilists went their separate ways in 1984 as Mare decided to concentrate on her writing instead, releasing her first book I ett annat land (In A Different Country) 1985. Even before the book was published the hype around Mare as an author was enormous and critics hailed her as a literary genius at the mere age of 22.

Throughout her career, Mare’s writing had a very dark side to it (including her lyrics) and the public impression of her as a person was that Mare herself was very dark and complicated. Her books never sold much but she was always (and still is) regarded as one of Sweden’s best authors. Mare died in 2005, only 43 years old. Though it has never been officially confirmed, many believe that it was a suicide.

~ “This Music”, “Still Waters” ~