A Fine Mess
Posts tagged Kent
Kent – “Töntarna”
Oct 21st
Swedish rock royals Kent are back with a video for the new single “Töntarna” from their upcoming album Röd. It’s rather dark but still accessible, like most of their music. Good too, of course. Only difference is perhaps that the electronic elements are heavier than usual, although they’ve expermiented with that on the previous album, Tillbaka Till Samtiden.
“Töntarna” is out now and Röd is slated for release later this year (i.e. in time for Christmas) but can be pre-ordered via iTunes and several Swedish online stores.
Kent Adrift
Dec 28th
Sweden’s super-yet-still-acceptable-by-hipsters-group, Kent have a new song available as a free download. “På Drift?” (“Adrift?”) is the band’s latest collaboration with anti-bullying organization Friends and will be used in an alternative version in one of their commercials. Although I uploaded the 320 kbit/s mp3 here the song is available in different qualities and formats at the official Kent website. It’s a good song for a good cause so you should definitely check it out.
~ “På Drift?” ~
eas/Svart Bröllop – “Kärlek Gjord Av Hat”
Nov 24th
Christmas came early for me this year in the form of eas/Svart Bröllop. Though Sweden’s been blessed with several great new bands who sing in their native tongue lately (Hästpojken, Pascal for instance) my heart beat a little faster when I first heard Kärlek Gjord Av Hat, the debut album of eas/Svart Bröllop. Could the reign of Kent, Sweden’s probably only contemporary super group be – perhaps not over – but at least challenged?
Comparing them to Kent isn’t completely fair though. Firstly, eas/Svart Bröllop are more adventurous in their sound, mixing pop, punk, rock, electro and even reggae. Secondly they remind me more of the great Swedish bands of the 80′s – Imperiet, Ebba Grön – along with more internationally known bands as Depeche Mode and The Clash thanks to the rhythmic guitars and dark synthesisers. So yes, their sound is very retro but not with going overboard.
The first single of the album, “Ung och Döende” was released earlier this year and had the highest rotation on several radio stations. Hopefully the second single “Två” will make an even bigger splash.
Needless to say, this album has nestled it’s way firmly into my heart. 2008 is nearing its end but I sincerely hope that 2009 will be the year for eas/Svart Bröllop as Kärlek Gjord Av Hat doesn’t have one single dud on it. “Stationer” and ”(Pasamos Por La) Diagonal” are my current highlights but the whole album is a gem. The only thing I can think to complain about are the female vocals featured on a few tracks. They’re too weak and anonymous and don’t reach the effect they would if sung by someone with a fuller voice. Other than that, this is pretty damn close to perfection.
Order your copy here!
~ “Ung och Döende” ~
Translations:
Svart Bröllop = Black Wedding
Kärlek Gjord Av Hat = Love Made From Hate
Ung och Döende = Young and Dying
Två = Two
Best of ’07
Dec 21st
Okay, first off – I hate ranking music. I just can’t, it’s impossible. I change my mind about albums and artists all the time. And I hate “best of” lists as well, regardless of the topic. But obviously I had no choice this time so I, uh, did my best to narrow it down. Which wasn’t easy considering what a great year in music 2007 turned out to be!
#1: Young Galaxy – Young Galaxy
If it hadn’t been for my curious streak, I might have actually missed out on Young Galaxy. I’d never heard of them, but thought “Searchlight” was a pretty name for a song and decided to check it out. And soon the rest of their self-titled debut album followed, filled with music that can be described as dream pop with a soundtrack quality to it – because this album sure has been a big part of the soundtrack to my 2007.
#2: Beirut – The Flying Cup Club
I missed the first train to Beirut, but luckily I caught the second one. To be honest, a few years ago this album wouldn’t have appealed to me whatsoever. It would probably have been a bit too “exotic” for my taste and wouldn’t gotten the attention it deserves. But after listening to similar artists like The Magnetic Fields and The Black Heart Procession I was ready this year.
#3: Kent – Tillbaka Till Samtiden
Ah, Kent – Sweden’s little golden boys. I didn’t have any real expectations for this album, as the first single, “Ingenting” didn’t appeal to me at first. It grew on me though, and once I heard the whole album I pretty much surrendered. Weird thing is though how the majority of critics hailed “Tillbaka Till Samtiden”, while the hardcore Kent fans weren’t that impressed. I wouldn’t say it’s their best ever, but it sure is good.
#4: The Twilight Sad – Fourteen Autumns & Thirteen Winters
That’s it – I’m moving to Scotland. That pretty much sums up my thoughts on this album. Fine, I’ll elaborate a bit more then: Scottish accent + angsty shoegaze = love. And no, I ‘m not a fourteen year old.
#5 Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
Like Beirut, I somehow missed Arcade Fire the first time around. But then came “Neon Bible” and I was hooked. However I still don’t see why so many think its predecessor “Funeral” is better. I mean it’s good, but not as captivating as this one. “Neon Bible” is dark and intricate yet have some of the catchiest songs I’ve heard all year.
Honorable mentions: M.I.A. – Kala, Apartment – The Dreamer Evasive, The National – Boxer, The Mary Onettes – The Mary Onettes, Great Lake Swimmers – Ongiara
~ Young Galaxy – “The Sun is Coming Up and My Plane is Going Down” ~
Kent – Ahead Of Their Own Time
Oct 15th
Sweden’s biggest rock band, Kent are releasing their 7th studio album, “Tillbaka Till Samtiden” (“Back to Our Own Time/Common Age”, roughly translated) on the 17th this month.
At least, that was the plan.
Because for some strange reason, the album has been out in the shops for over a week now and the band, as well as their management, claim to be oblivious as to the reason why. The illegal downloading could of course have something to do with the matter, but fans are wondering if it isn’t just a marketing ploy since the band still hasn’t made any official statementes about what’s going on.
Personally, I think that the shopkeepers simply got fed up with all the Kent-fans anxiously tip-toeing through the store everyday and decided to put them out of their misery.
