Rating: NNN
Everyone knows that Sweden is a hotbed of rock ‘n’ roll, but there’s more to this quaint Scandinavian country than amped-up guitar riffs. Loney, Dear (aka Emil Svanängen) dabbles in soft acoustics, rollicking drums and indie pop. His last album, Loney, Noir was one of the best releases of 2007.
His latest follows in the footsteps of his past efforts. It’s got the same quiet tones and delicate vocals, but he’s added a bevy of new sounds into the mix. Strings, keys and more than a few dark, haunting melodies show a different side of Svanängen, and for the most part it works well, though Under A Silent Sea’s electro ending is definitely a WTF? moment.
Despite a few hiccups, Loney, Dear is one of Sweden’s best exports.
Top track: Airport Surroundings
