Writers Block

I'll start by saying I wish I could give this album a rating of 4.5 stars. I think all the songs are good an' strong with the expection of the end. I didn't enjoy the last track or the extra remixes I got in my cd. I don't like extra tracks tagged onto albums in the first place, so I may be biased.

Upon a first listen, you are immediatly drawn to track 3, "Young Folks". That is unless your local radio ruined it for you by playing it every 10 minutes (burn in hell fm 96). This track introduces you to the awsome vocal styling of Peter Bjorn & John along with their amazing backing music (in this tracks case, the sound of a cool set of what I think are bongo drums and whisling).

This pattern continues but is never repeated in sounds, voice and instruments used. My favorite track, "Up against the wall" combines simple keyboard and guitar tunes to create what I beleive is one of the best uncomplicated songs ever created. It still sends chills down my spine when I listen to it. Which works, because #9, "The Chills", I also one of my favorites on the album.

All in all, I extremly impressed with this album. Another reviewer mentioned the comparison to Sigur Ros. I would agree there. Although, obviously, their voices play a much larger roll and stand out more in comparsion to the electronicly driven music of Sigor Ros.

If you like, or are atleast will to give this type of music a try, you wont be dissapointed. If your looking for something that sounds like chingy, nickleback or metalica you won't like this.

Swedish pop group Peter Bjorn and John are apparently trying to confuse us, and for a brief time, it works.

Their third album "Writer's Block" has the misfortune to open on a rather saggy note, but fortunately hoists itself up for a blurry blend of indiepop and northern atmospheric synth. So straggle through the first two tracks, because the indiepop that follows is solid, multilayered and quite enjoyable.

It opens with a faint, atmospheric little track that sounds like Sigur Ros tuning up. Then suddenly it careens into nonstop guitar pop in "Object of My Affection," with drums pounding right over those steely riffs. "And you still can make sense/if you just show up and present an honest face/instead of that grin," Peter Morén sings happily.

Not only is it a lot simpler than the other songs, but I got a headache from those relentless drums and guitar. At that point I was groaning, anticipating a whole album of the same. But I was wrong.

Things start perking up with the shimmying, sunny indiepop of "Young Folks," which has some enchantingly feathery edges and constant whistling. The other songs have a similar mix of shimmery keyboard and solid indiepop -- thumpy little marches, swirling psychedelic hymns, gentle ballads blooming into driving guitarpop, folksy ballads, and the shimmering prettiness of "The Chills."

For your info, there is no Peter Bjorn -- it's actually "Peter, Bjorn and John," three Swedish guys who play the instruments and all provide vocals. And despite a couple of mediocre songs on "Writer's Block," these guys really know how to make great indiepop -- lots of northern wind and snow, and a delightfully sunny 1970s pop mentality.

There's plenty of ringing, peppy guitar and unstoppable bass from Morén and Björn Yttling, while John Eriksson provides some fast drumming as well. Yttling swaddles almost all the melodies in a hazy edge of soft, colourful synth, and turning some of them into bittersweet, chilly pop. Most of the songs are pretty upbeat, even with a bit of harmonica and whistling to remind us to be cheery.

Much of the album is about sort of ambiguous -- half of it seems to be about breaking up with a lover, and the other half is about how much you adore them. "Your tongue is sharp/but I miss the taste of it/You said time heals/there's not enough of it..." Moren sings in his slightly nasal voice. It's just a few songs after, "Hours seems to disappear/everyone is leaving -- I'm still with you."

"Writer's Block" has a couple tracks that don't quite fit in, but the overall album is a delicious blend of cheery pop melodies and blurry keyboard. Definitely a good listen.

I have to say that lately I've felt a bit disconnected and disenchanted with the new music coming out. Nothing seems original or inspired but that changed with this album.

'Writer's Block' is raw, riveting and contagious. It all started with seeing the amazing video for 'Young Folks' on a local music station, and after I bought the album I was hooked.

Anyone who likes the homemade sound would love this album, but it definitely takes a few listens to get what it's all about. The only way I can describe it is 'Air' meets 'Belle and Sebastian' in a local pub somewhere in Sweden. The lyrics are definitely not the drawing part of the album as I'm sure they were much more poetic before being translated into English but they definitely suit the mood of the tracks and are quite suitable to the instrumentals.

It's quickly become a favorite of mine and is worth checking out.

rAy