From the get-go this new single from Swedish band Carnation Blue reminded us of a really great mix of peak Houndmouth, Hurray For The Riff Raff and Shovels and Rope in the way it revels in its sparse instrumentation and thrills with the character-filled lead vocal of Helene Åhström. There’s pop, country and folk in … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Sweden
NEW MUSIC: Wildie – Old Man
Wildie are a Swedish quartet who, from the sound of this track ‘Old Man’, excel at writing and performing country flavoured West Coast sounds with a classic pop streak. There’s Wilco, Ron Sexsmith, a dash of early Midlake and above all some lush, melodic 70’s style songwriting that sounds effortless. The song comes from their … Continue reading
NEW MUSIC: Nicky William – I Fell In Love With Her
Swedish songwriter Nicky William has released his new single ‘I Fell In Love With Her‘, a minimal swoon of a song that recalls deep-voiced favourites of ours such as Leonard Cohen and Bill Callahan. The gentle sway of the song is an intoxicating and rich sound, propelled by warm, melodic bass and towards the end … Continue reading
NEW MUSIC: Roscoe Parker Band – Hurt Me One More Time
Roscoe Parker Band were founded in 2018 by Rickard Beurling and his friend Joakim Paulsson. The two met as teenagers living in (in their words) the “shittiest city of Sweden” Mjölby. Rounding out the band are pedal steel player Roger Gustafsson, bass player Lars Söderberg and David Pärsson on keys. The single ‘Hurt Me One … Continue reading
NEW MUSIC: Tortilla Flats – Illegal
This song from Tortilla Flats jumps out of the gates on the back of a Dr Feelgood scratch and urgency and it doesn’t let up. Countrified and wired, it’s a blues boogie of sorts? Who knows! What it does do is kick like a mule. Great stuff from the Swedish group, who we haven’t actually … Continue reading
NEW MUSIC: Old Kerry McKee – House Of The Rising Sun
When a genuine old soul inhabits a voice it conveys genuine emotion and a lived-in rawness to the sound of a song. That was what struck us when we heard this version of ‘House Of The Rising Sun’ by Swedish gothic folk and blues musician Old Kerry McKee. McKee has a history in punk and … Continue reading
NEW MUSIC: Marlene Oak – How Can I Move On
We posted about Swedish songwriter Marlene Oak a few months ago when her song ‘Slip Away’ stopped us in our tracks. That song was an upbeat heart yet melancholic Americana track that was draped in gorgeous guitar and vocal hooks. ‘How Can I Move On’, from her new EP Silver Moon, changes the pace and details/laments … Continue reading
NEW MUSIC: Lina Horner & Divers – Where To Go?
Just before the end of last year I came across this track from Swedish songwriter Lina Horner and have been meaning to write about it and spread the word about her music. ‘Where To Go?’ is a smoky, soulful bluesy track that at times reminds us of Joan As Police Woman but also has filigrees … Continue reading
NEW MUSIC: Wildie – Lights Over Main Street
Here’s a beautifully melodic and melancholic song from Wildie (Sweden). It comes from their album Westbound and finds them dealing in sweet, piano-led Americana. Continue reading
NEW MUSIC: Marlene Oak – Slip Away
Last week we posted the wonderful new track from Tracy McNeil & The GoodLife and this great new single from Swedish singer/songwriter Marlene Oak falls into the same musical sphere. It’s a perfect example of warm and melodic, 70s country rock with a pop heart. You can hear the Fleetwood Mac influence in the … Continue reading
NEW MUSIC: The Don Darlings ~ If You Can’t Be Good
Here’s the new single from Gothenburg-based Swedish band The Don Darlings. ‘If You Can’t Be Good’ comes from their self-titled second album due out at the end of October via HepTown Records. These guys have a nice gothic Americana feel, dark and full-blooded. Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Basko Believes ~ Melancholic Melodies
by Chris Familton Swedish songwriter Johan Örjansson is the latest in a strong line of Scandinavians who manage to dial into authentic interpretations of folk and Americana. First Aid Kit, The Tallest Man on Earth and Kings of Convenience among others have nailed the melodic richness and vocal sensitivities of folk music and Örjansson is … Continue reading
WATCH: Basko Believes ~ If I Were To Love You
Basko Believes is the moniker of Swedish songwriter Johan Orjansson who is about to release his folk and alt-country album Melancholic Melodies at the start of August in Australia and New Zealand. We’ll have a review coming soon but in the meantime here is a taste of the wonderful writing and voice of Basko Believes … Continue reading