The Sounds

Swedish imports The Sounds consist of Maja Ivarsson (vocals), Felix Rodriguez (guitar), Johan Bengtsson (bass), Jesper Anderberg (keyboards), and Fredrik Nillson (drums). Founded in Helsingborg in 1999, they are often compared to new wave acts such as Blondie, The Cars, the Epoxies, and Missing Persons. Combining icy synthesizers with rocking guitars and vixen Ivarsson’s spunky voice, the quintet creates a lip gloss-smacking pop sound with more hooks than you can imagine.

Their debut album Living in America (2003) earned them several “best newcomer” awards, a Grammis and a #4 position in the Swedish album charts, as well as established the band not only in Sweden but also in the United States. Their sophomore Dying to Say This to You (2006) was produced by Jeff Saltzman who managed to add some Killers-style synth mayhem to the mix. While not original, this record is dripping with attitude and will certainly keep fans of Sohodolls, CSS, and White Rose Movement well entertained, at least until the release of Crossing The Rubicon, aka album no. 3, which comes out next month.

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