The Swedish variety of rock music that has made the voyage to America over the last few years boasts itself as primal blues rock cultivated in the garage. The Perishers, the shy introverts in the corner of the Swedish scene, are putting out music far from the garage and closer to the bedroom, or possibly the closet. Well, just anywhere quiet and alone, judging from their latest release, Victorious. Hailed as "top of the class" in melancholy soft rock after their 2005 release, Let There Be Morning, The Perishers were landing on teen pop TV soundtracks like The O.C., One Tree Hill, and Veronica Mars.
Aside from Mischa Barton and gang, the group also caught the ear of Lilith Fair songstress Sarah McLachlan, who invited them to open for her 2005 tour. Where Let There Be Morning pushed acoustic guitars to the front and concentrated on catchy hooks, Victorious falls a little short.
The album is a straight-through dreamscape of all-too-heart-on-the-sleeve lyrics and melodic piano parts. The lyrics are earnest, but seem immature. You also have to remember, English is the band's second language. That's not to say there aren't some memorable tracks on here.
The opener "Midnight Skies" sounds like a take off of Explosions In The Sky, with fluttering guitar and epic choruses. The standout "My Own" is a head-bobber with twangy guitar work, echoed vocals, and a haunting slide guitar and "8 AM Departure" crawls along gracefully with simple piano lines.
As an album, Victorious might very well put you to sleep, but if you're ready to listen intently and prepared to let them put you in a serene, reflective mood, then The Perishers would seem successful on their latest.
The Perishers
Victorious
Track Listing:
1. Midnight Skies
2. Never Bloom Again
3. Carefree
4. My Own
5. Victorious
6. Come Out Of The Shade
7. Best Friends
8. Almost Pretty
9. Is It Over Now?
10. To Start Anew
11. 8 AM Departure
12. Get Well Soon
