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07/10/09 Hultsfredsfestivalen, Stora Dans Hultsfred, Sweden
Discography
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In the rose-colored world of indie pop, where the legends of Amelia Fletcher, Pam Berry, and Rose Melberg loom large, it’s easy for any girl with a pretty voice, guitar, and a pixie haircut to get ahead. The four girls behind Liechtenstein have all of the above, but on their debut album, Survival Strategies in a Modern World, they add their own distinct take on the tried and true shambling twee record.
Liechtenstein’s influences are clearly palpable within each song. The fuzzy guitars are straight out of a Black Tambourine EP, while the schoolgirl vocals could easily fit in a Softies track. But upon further listens, Liechtenstein set themselves apart with layered harmonies, foreboding lyrics, and a darker edge that may scare away the more fragile pop fans. Opening track, “All At Once” combines moody melodies with a thumping bassline that your lame uncle would probably describe as “funky.” The song immediately lets listeners know that isn’t your typical sunny pop album.
Sure, there are songs about cats and flowers, but the band has a knack for infusing even the most infectious songs with a gloomy undertone. The air of mystery might have something to do with my inability to understand most of the lyrics. On the uplifting “Postcard,” I can make out bits and pieces about running away and not leaving a note but all attempts at interpretation are lost when a tide of sugary harmonies comes crashing in. It’s not much, but I get the impression that the song isn’t just about not leaving the cat on the stove.
Liechtenstein is perfectly capable of writing the catchy, upbeat tunes, as seen in “Postcard” and “Roses in the Park,” but it’s on the slightly darker songs where they set themselves apart from the numerous bands they seem to be paying tribute to. The sense of urgency in tracks like “Reflections” and “Sophistication” provides a nice change from the overly cutesy landscape of today’s pop. The more mellow songs also offer an interesting contrast to the girls’ deceptively heavenly harmonies. It’s an added bonus to songs like “By Staying Here (We Will Slowly Disappear),” where, combined with the jangly guitars, morose lyrics, and handclaps, it is basically twee kryptonite.
In many ways, Liechtenstein don’t stray too far away from the typical indie pop formula, but they do tweak it a bit to produce an album that is both sweet and sour in all the right places. If you own at least seven cardigans or you’re just a sucker for anything Swedish, chances are, Liechtenstein is your dream band. But even if you’re a testosterone-fueled alpha-male, it’s pretty difficult to resist their charms.
Liechtenstein’s influences are clearly palpable within each song. The fuzzy guitars are straight out of a Black Tambourine EP, while the schoolgirl vocals could easily fit in a Softies track. But upon further listens, Liechtenstein set themselves apart with layered harmonies, foreboding lyrics, and a darker edge that may scare away the more fragile pop fans. Opening track, “All At Once” combines moody melodies with a thumping bassline that your lame uncle would probably describe as “funky.” The song immediately lets listeners know that isn’t your typical sunny pop album.
Sure, there are songs about cats and flowers, but the band has a knack for infusing even the most infectious songs with a gloomy undertone. The air of mystery might have something to do with my inability to understand most of the lyrics. On the uplifting “Postcard,” I can make out bits and pieces about running away and not leaving a note but all attempts at interpretation are lost when a tide of sugary harmonies comes crashing in. It’s not much, but I get the impression that the song isn’t just about not leaving the cat on the stove.
Liechtenstein is perfectly capable of writing the catchy, upbeat tunes, as seen in “Postcard” and “Roses in the Park,” but it’s on the slightly darker songs where they set themselves apart from the numerous bands they seem to be paying tribute to. The sense of urgency in tracks like “Reflections” and “Sophistication” provides a nice change from the overly cutesy landscape of today’s pop. The more mellow songs also offer an interesting contrast to the girls’ deceptively heavenly harmonies. It’s an added bonus to songs like “By Staying Here (We Will Slowly Disappear),” where, combined with the jangly guitars, morose lyrics, and handclaps, it is basically twee kryptonite.
In many ways, Liechtenstein don’t stray too far away from the typical indie pop formula, but they do tweak it a bit to produce an album that is both sweet and sour in all the right places. If you own at least seven cardigans or you’re just a sucker for anything Swedish, chances are, Liechtenstein is your dream band. But even if you’re a testosterone-fueled alpha-male, it’s pretty difficult to resist their charms.
07/09/2009 18:23:20 ♥ kateg (
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