Note: This is the second album from the Swedish band, and it was produced by fellow Swede Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John.
Sound: Shout Out Louds frontman Adam Olenius can take achy, breathy moans and turn them into sugary sweet melodies. Sometimes the band’s indie-minded pop can be awfully reminiscent of The Cure’s cheeriest hits – nimble bounce, colorful layers of instrumentation – but Olenius is the difference maker. Instead of trying to imitate Robert Smith’s angsty wail, he has his own distinct tone that’s less dramatic and strident and more cuddly and endearing.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Normandie”; “Tonight I Have To Leave It”
Medium Rotation tracks: “You Are Dreaming”; “Blue Headlights”; “Parents Living Room”
Recommended: The mildly melancholy, 80s new wave-sounding nuggets on Shout Out Louds debut album Howl Howl Gaff Gaff (my #15 album of 2005) were familiar but fresh and irresistible. On Our Ill Wills, the songs can occasionally feel too inspired by the past and the hooks aren’t quite as gripping as they were the first time. But the band still stands out as one of the more lovable retro-minded acts of this decade.
Grade: B

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Download/Stream “Tonight I Have To Leave It” MP3

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