Album Review

A Camp – Colonia

• 22nd Jan 2009

A re-union of an intriguing off-shoot group featuring members of 90s legends groups such as The Cardigans (Nina Persson) and Atomic Swing (Niclas Frisk), who dazzled and slightly confused an unprepared music public in 2001. With a debut album representing for them, a calming down, chilling out and a contemplative turn.

Nearly eight years on, their 2nd album, ‘Colonia’ does not seem as much of a surprise and the sonic booming opener, ‘The Crowning’ is given profile and clarity by Persson’s clear and hearty pop pushed vocals, harnessing the swooning key led instrumental. Cushioned by some neat and colourful arrangements by composer Nathan Larsson, it helps these Swedes show how ABBA might have sounded, had they battled through the misty fog of their changing outlooks and personal tensions.

Those who fell in love with Persson’s darker edge will be comforted by the slowed down bluegrass, traditional folk and indie merging swagger of ‘Stronger Than Jesus’. Whereby, a steadily winding guitar tug is emboldened by mid-tempo percussion, elevating the slightly coarse and forlorn vocals. Exposing a poetic, yet cynical lyrical edge;

“See the people heading for disaster, standing in line just looking for a little fun. Love is a fire; a hot hot plaster with a vengeance burning in the Kongo sun.”