I must say that I like Marcus Brännström’s voice in Second Hand Rumours, and his way of singing. A nice tone and a laidback, cool expression, somewhat similar to Chris Martin in Coldplay.

And I can sense the Coldplay influences in their music too, at least partly. It feels lighter though, the melancholy is not allowed to take over, and the acoustic guitar points in a different direction. They navigate very smoothly between this modern pop and their other sources of inspiration, from the americana and singer/songwriter genres and find their own way.

Here you can enjoy three tracks from their EP “So Many Steps”, which was released this summer:

Summernight Tune
Seven Years
Like a Dream Come True

If you like what you hear, I recommend a visit to the band’s web pages.
Listen more on Second Hand Rumours’ Myspace page.
And don’t forget to visit their blog.

The two brothers Bernövall was bored out on the Uppsala plains. So they started a band, Sleazy Romance. Just like that.

And yes, it turned into something special. As some kind of softer Jesus & Mary Chain. Unruly vocals, beautifully fragile, on top of guitar carpets that fill the entire room, but with nice dynamics in between. And, in all of this, good melodies.

Sleazy Romance is about to record their debut album. It’s planned to be released in the beginning of next year, so, until then, spread the word and the songs below. The track “Emilie Scott” will appear in a new version on the upcoming album.

Listen:

Middleclass Love
Lipstick
Emily Scott

Visit Sleazy Romance on Myspace

There’s no doubt that The Shy Lads are inspired by Oasis. The singer, Dennis, also has a nice crunch in his voice and that cocky tone that reminds a bit of mr L. Gallagher. But after a few songs they surprised me with showing up a broader style range of good songs, where the sixties is just as much a big influence, maybe then in the form of the Beatles rock songs. Listen to “Mr Policeman” below, and you’ll understand what I mean.

The peak for me is “Now” from their first EP (they have made two sofar). The song starts with a great intro hook, changes to a verse with a pumping bass and then explodes in a simple but just as effective chorus with frantic guitars. Really good!

Listen to some tracks:

Now
Mr Policeman
Falling Overboard

Visit their home page where you can listen to and download the two EP:s and read their blog.

Of course they also have a Myspace page

In one of the nicest pubs and restaurants on Söder in Stockholm, Akkurat, you can find also one of the coolest songwriters and artists in Stockholm, Stene. A long life with music, with hard rock and recidency in the USA, Americana and as a part of Månmen together with Pär Enqvist, in that order, has finally resulted in a debut album: “Better to Take a Stand” (Rootsy Records)

And what a debut album it is! 14 intense tracks in a variety of styles, but that in the end makes me feel like standing on American soil. Here he seems secure and his own in some sense, with a production that’s very careful and precise, and with a feeling that’s manifested by his vocals, melodies and lyrics. I love these special voices, which in this case shows similarities with one of my favourites, John Hiatt, but with more depth and more seriousness.

Listen to the songs below, download them, and buy the album if you like.
If you’d like to see Stene playing live, the best bet is to checkout the schedule at
Akkurat.se.

Born Blue
Telltale Dust

Read more about Stene and buy the record at Rootsy
The songs and the album are also available on Itunes, CDon et al

Stene’s home page

Now I would like to get your attention presenting Alouatta, a really nice rock band with punk influences. They offer a lot of energy and attitude, with a close garage sound that reminds of the first punk rock era.

As I’m a real fan of special voices, I get hooked on the vocals from Karl Buhres. I hear Jimi Hendrix, both in the tone and the phrasing, but with a frenzy and energy that Jimi didn’t offer.

Alouatta was formed in 2007 by members from Coyote, Twopointeight, The Shiv, The Heartattacks and soon thereafter they released the EP “Manos Arriba”. This year they have released the vinyl single “Animal” (Big Bongo Recordings)

What Aloutta really means you can read about here (you won’t be surprised :-))

Download, listen and rock!:

Animal
Friday Night

Alouatta on Myspace

Other bloggers and netzines about Alouatta: Milkmilk-Lemonade, Multinyzine