Sambassadeur - European

Now that's what I call quality indie Abba. Abba are mentioned in Sambassadeur's press release already, but I see no harm in repeating what basically holds true. Perhaps better make that Adda. Anna, Daniel, Daniel, and well...Joachim are their first names, but you get the general idea. Clear, outspoken pop music from Sweden, the country with a seemingly unlimited supply of talent. Gothenburg's Sambassadeur have released their third album and now Spring has begun. Elegant string arrangements and very memorable tunes plus a neat performance are the ingredients for a chart album. Anna's singing reveals a few flaws in the first couple of uptempo pop songs. Stylish ballads such as 'Albatross' and 'High and Low' suit her style and phrasing much better. On the ballroom pop of 'Sandy Dunes' Anna finally manages to keep abreast with the band's tempo. The arrangement veers towards the edge of kitsch but then comes the band crashing in. 'European' has a surprise finish to it with a cover of Guided By Voices's 'Small Parade', which is still recognisable but sweet and creamy. Sambassadeur only get better with each album. 'European' is not a perfect record, but one day ...