THE DROWNERS - Is There Something On Your Mind?
Wind Up/US
[Fresh Ears Review]
Skelleftea, Sweden is already known as the birthplace of The Wannadies, whom Melody Maker once described as "The best band in the world, ever", but The Drowners first domestic US release (and third album overall) will soon have critics everywhere singing the praises of Swedish power pop once again (and saying "Wanna-who?"). I'm constantly surprised at the number of quality bands coming from Sweden and have often wondered how the Swedish music scene manages to produce such talented bands year after year. Apparently a large number of Swedish teenagers start playing in bands in an effort to combat seasonal affective disorder, a serious problem in Skelleftea, which is near the Artic Circle. Whatever the reason, I'm grateful, for Sweden has produced some of the best power pop records in the last decade, and IS THERE SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND? is no exception. The five members of The Drowners recorded their American debut in Los Angeles with producer Matt Hyde (Monster Magnet, Porno For Pyros) at the helm, and his experience shows in the big guitar sound that's all over this album. The first single 'Is There Something On Your Mind?' tells the sad story of two friends in love who never had the courage to tell each other. From the 'ooh-ooh'ooh' backing vocals to the singalong chorus ('Is there something on your mind/That you haven't told me yet/Some pretty little words you long to say?'), the song is a bittersweet rocker. The band has enlisted some interesting guest musicians to help out, including former Posie Ken Stringfellow who appears on 'One Star' and the Posies tribute 'Bellingham', and Veruca Salt's Louise Post who sings on the melancholy duet 'Postello'. As with many power pop bands, the lyrics deal with familiar themes - boy meets girl, boy loses girl- but they seldom resort to standard cliches. Coupled with their soaring guitars, sweet vocal harmonies, and solid rhythm section, it's a package that's impossible to resist. Standout tracks include 'Is There Something On Your Mind?', 'Bellingham', 'Bittersweet' and 'Summer Break My Fall'
DAVE HOFFMAN (8)
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For years, Sweden has been Europe's breeding ground for bands with a talent for melodic pop music. The list of Swedish bands is long and one of the most gifted on that list is without a doubt The Drowners. Even more so, after the release of IS THERE SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND?, which is their third album (DESTROYER and WORLD RECORD PLAYER were only released in their home country, while 6 songs from the latter appear here, but have been completely re-recorded). Their latest record contains some fantastic vintage power pop songs, like 'Summer Break My Fall', 'One Star', 'Bellingham', 'Is There Something On Your Mind?' and 'Bittersweet'. On a softer note, the album gives us melodic beauties like 'Winter Left You Alone' and 'Postello', while the ballad 'Death Has Never Been A Friend Of Mine', which closes the album, is a bleak, yet haunting power pop gem. All those songs are wrapped in gripping arrangements, with excellent singing and harmonies. Credit in this goes also to producer Matt Hyde.
This album is described as "A box of exploding chocolates" on the band's website bio. Well, even if you don't like chocolate at all, you are going to love these musical chocolate pieces. You just can't have enough of them. But please, brush your musical teeth afterwards!
PATRICK BECKERS (9)
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[Fresh Ears Review]
Another Scandanavian band that cannily melds solid melodic instincts to often powerful blasts of multiple guitars. Swede-rockers Melony and Wannadies come to mind, along with other large sounding popsters like the Posies, Teenage Fanclub and alt-rockers such as Swervedriver and Fretblanket. The tunes 'Think Of Me' and 'Winter Left You Alone' are well suited to arenas and modern rock stations, without the leaden qualities normally associated with those outlets.. Generally, the Drowners' lyrics are fairly downbeat and the band has enough sense to realize that musical variety makes the sour sentiments go down more smoothly. Thus, 'Is There Something On Your Mind' is Merseybeat balladry for the 21st Century; Shoes meet Eggstone on 'Bittersweet'; 'One Star' is an urgent acoustic number; while 'Virus' melds a goofy discobeat verse to sheets of guitars in the blistering chorus. The depth of the songwriting is best illustrated on the quiet, moody 'Postello' which has three distinctive melody lines - the woeful verses which perfectly melt into the pretty, more hopeful chorus and a wonderful middle-eight that Ron Sexsmith would be proud of. This song is an emotional tour-de-force. A very good record from a band that may be on the verge of greatness.
MIKE BENNETT (7.5)
www.drowners.com