Miike Snow

             Strikingly reminiscent of other Scandinavian bands on the circuit, stylistically, ‘Miike Snow’ make no excuses about similarities between themselves and the likes of “Sigur ros” and  “The Perishers”. However, unlike their predecessors, “Miike Snow”, with their self-titled album offer more to a modern audience, fusing their harmonies and captivating melodies with electronic undertones. This is enough to keep any fans of easy listening music onside, whilst not being out of place in a nightclub.

            Probably best known for the song ‘Black and Blue’ after featuring on a recent Sony television advert, the Swedish trio have put together an album of very well structured songs, all of which demonstrate their creativity with synth tracks and samples blending with their epic reverb-ridden vocals.

            The ballads ‘Sans Soleil’ and ‘Burial’ are very representative of the bands diversity; these songs are defined by the sweeping vocal harmonies and heart-felt lyrics rather than use of musical technology, and are evocative of feelings of nostalgia and self-reflection. Both of these songs have a certain captivating flow that gives the impression that the song ends well premature of four and a half minutes. This entrancing appeal would please even the most mainstream of music fans.

           ‘Sylvia’ certainly shows a more sensitive side to the song-writing abilities of the band. Musically building into somewhat of a crescendo, the subtle melodies are well complimented by the increased instrumentation throughout the song, not dissimilar to some of the commercially successful efforts of the likes of ‘Empire of the Sun’ and ‘La Roux’.

         The first half of the album is beautifully put together with the promise of even more in the second half that unfortunately grows weary and falls disappointingly short of expectations. The songs are still well structured and may have worked with a more well thought out track listing. But songs such as ‘A Horse is Not a Home’ and ‘Cult Logic’ seem to fall limply into repetition. I just seemed to get the impression I was sold a bit short, as the start of the album promised so much, yet the record never seems to come full circle and demonstrate the full range of diverse styles and abilities I am sure they are capable of putting forward. ‘Plastic Jungle’ does show signs of a late revival, but once again I start to think I have heard the song a million times before and grow disinterested quickly.

       I can see why Sony chose to use a ‘Miike Snow’ track to help their advertising campaign. Initially, I found them captivating, but gradually I grew bored of their sound. ‘Miike Snow’ has songs that’s are ideal as 30 second soundtracks, but provide too little to keep my attention for 11 consecutive tracks. I’m sure they will experience more success in the future, as they produce well-written individual tracks; I just felt that they failed to mesh into one body in the form of an album.

           I want to make it clear, I am in no way criticizing the group’s abilities as musicians or songwriters, but perhaps more attention to piecing together an album would be beneficial. A craft that I’m sure will be sharpened by experience.