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coverpic flag Norway - Full Moon 99 - 10/28/04

The Kulta Beats
Civilize the Brutes
Cutwater Records

We Swedes have an unfortunate tendency to ignore the music our Scandinavian neighbors make. It's rare to see a Norwegian band get any attention in Sweden but I hope that's about to change. Pop singer Annie got a hit with "Chewing Gum" and Kings of Convenience are doing fine. So hopefully the Kulta beats will get a shot too.

Their brand of pop is smart and catchy and has unusual lyrics. On "Medicine Monday" they sound like a less bratty Oasis. "O Wolfman (thou cometh)" is sixties psych-flavoured and has a great organ part. Singer Jorgen Brennvall sounds like he's enjoying himself. A song called "Julia Kristeva" (the French philosopher) is crunchy garage rock. Look out Hives I say.

"My Soul" sounds like the Stranglers which is odd but nice. Brennvall growls like a trouper. The closing "Shanghai Jupiter" is a charming space fantasy that is very hummable.

So, say hello to the Kulta Beats Sweden.

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