More than just a mixtape
When you think of Sweden, the first thought that probably enters your mind is Ikea, or maybe the reliable Volvo.
Music however, is unlikely to be at the forefront. The Scandanavian country does however, have a habit of throwing up talented bands. Going back to the 70's with Abba, more recently with garage rockers 'The Hives', and the melodic sound of Nina Pearson's 'The Cardigans'. One of the most successful artists of recent years 'Razorlight' have a Swedish influence also.
So it may come as little surprise then, that the country with an estimated population of only 9 million, produces another highly talented group of individuals in 'Mixtapes & Cellmates'.
The four piece, hail from the capital Stockholm, and the first track on their self titled debut album certainly draws the listener in. 'Hold' is a melodic piece of music, with a striking juxtaposition of vocals and synthesizer. The lyrics, which reminisce about the past "...like the summer back in your fathers house when I was still sober, and amazed how well you walked when drunk...", combine tightly with Robert Svensson's poignant vocals.
The second track 'The better Half of Cynical Boys' starts with a solitary synth which is again accompanied by Svensson's vocals. It has a much slower tempo with a soothing keyboard, and shows a real contrast from the frantic pace of parts of the first track. It is a simple, but enjoyable song.
'I Left' opens with a soft piano solo, which ends up almost jazz like, if it wasn't for the Moby-esq keyboards., which bring the sound back to its electronic roots.
'Like Something Worth Remembering' is another stand out track, with a male/female harmony, adding to a more poppy chorus, which works well with the acoustics in between. It starts with an 80's game show style synth, but this is instantly amended with a soft intertwining of lead guitar and synthesizer, before the vocals kick in.
'Statement' is the next offering, and provides a more laid back chill-out song with Svensson's calming vocals setting the tone, with a soft paced beat and mellow guitars to accompany. You can almost imagine letting the breeze drift away the problems that were once there, but are now forgotten
Mixtapes & Cellmates are no strangers to the UK, having toured with Bloc Party, and Dinosaur Jr, when promoting their previous two EP releases.
The first bonus track 'Distance, Blinding Lights', shows why the four piece were supporting Bloc Party, with fast paced guitars accompanied by drums and faint vocals in the background.
Another of the bonus tracks 'A Quiet Evening' begins with feedback and, with Johan Fagerberg's synth, wouldn't sound out of place on a New Order offering. But don't hold that against this interesting and refreshing bunch, who may just surprise you with their eagerly awaited debut album.