I get a whole bunch of nostalgic vibes when I listen to Fox Machine. There’s a lot from the glam rock of the seventies and a lot also from the late sixties with groups like Lovin Spoonful, the Kinks and even more from Rolling Stones like they sounded then and in the beginning of the seventies. I think the songs definitely come up to standard in this context; great melodies, they feel unique and there is a good drive.

A spontaneous feeling I get is that this should be a great live band. And according to an experienced concertgoer like Jerry, it’s exactly what Fox Machine is. Read also about Helena Björk’s meeting with these nostalgic live feelings. (in Swedish)
I will definitely take the chance to see them live if I have the opportunity.

Enjoy a couple of songs by Fox Machine:

Comin’ Down In Shoreditch, Anyone?
The One I Used to Know

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Edit 2/12 2011
The song “The One I Used to Know” has been recorded in a new version and will be released on an upcoming EP. Find more info on Fox Machine’s site.

Streets of Mars formed nine years ago and stands today on solid ground as a band on the way to success. It’s not a question if they will succeed, but when. And I really wish them nothing less but a quick break. I have seen them live twice, and sincerely hope there will be more occasions.

Among their most obvious influences are Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2 and Smashing Pumpkins. And I’m sure you’ll hear that when you listen (with the strongest vibes from the first band mentioned, if you ask me). Mix in a little of Moneybrother and Mando Diao, a real dose of energy, drive and feeling…well, then you are getting close.

You can visit their their Myspace page to listen, and you can download som tracks here, from the band that was appointed “Best International Band” at New York International Music Festival.

Bleeder
Taste
Breathe In Breathe Out

Edit 1/10 2010 – New versions of the songs. Listen on the band’s Myspace page.

There’s no doubt that Golden Hills have their roots in the early sixties music. Roy Orbison and Phil Spector are present in the background in several of the songs. With a few dashes of country and then Christian Björks heartbreaker-vocals, this turns very delicate, with a lot of heart and soul.

Golden Hills started in 2003 and is now working on new material, which will result in a new album next year. Christian writes:

“We have changed the direction somewhat, now it’s more straight pop/rock songs with a lot of influences from the sixties (a little Beach Boys, the early Phil Spector, Roy Orbison). But still there are some mellow country in some songs. We are readily influenced by the old groups and artists, but we think we have our own sound and that there are a modern touch to it all”

Listen to three nice tracks:

Since the Day
You Know
Separate Ways

Visit Golden Hills on Myspace

There is a nice flow in the alternative rock that Nico the Band serves us. You just have to take a ride when they gather speed with a massive sound, tempting guitar licks and nice rising choruses. I think that they have found a safe basic sound that feels good just to be inside, without it being boring and too polished. Sometimes I get Foo Fighters vibes, especially in the sound of the vocals.

“Go With the Flow” is the name of a superb song you can listen to here. And it really feels like Nico the Band has something going and that they have “flow” now. This September they released an EP, recorded in the renowned Sidelake Studios in Sundsvall, , Sweden, produced by the Swedish Grammis Winner Micke Öhlén. They have been played on P3 rock and P3 Rockster (well-known shows on Swedish national radio), and currently they are on a Swedish tour, a tour that will continue a couple of months into the next year.

Listen to two songs by Nico the Band:

Go With the Flow
Mental Exile

Visit Nico the Band on Myspace

Yes, this blog is still about swedish music and swedish artists; de la Mancha is not from la Mancha but from Göteborg. And this year they have released their first full length album “Atlas”.

If you’re in a hurry this is not for you. But if you can let go of time and immerse yourself fully into the music and just be there, then you have come to the right place. Because de la Mancha take the space they need to develop their songs to what they are supposed to be. Carefully they build ambiences from themes and melodies, often up to a grand crescendo.

There are a lot of influences here and I find vibes from Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Sigur Ros and the dreamy pop of Marjorie Fair. It has a lot of variation, it’s beautiful, it’s dreamy, well yes it’s great music this.

Listen to two tracks from “Atlas”:

The Kimono
Release All Light

Visit de la Mancha on Myspace and listen some more