Regular readers will need no introduction to Swedish experimental indie-pop collective Symfoniorkestern as I've previosly written about them 'here' and 'here'. On that last occasion it was to inform you of the release of the official video for their excellent song Sommardepression '11, which I intimated was part of a soon to be forthcoming EP. The release of that EP is now upon us, in actual fact it was released at the beginning of the month but I've rather sadly not had time to write about it yet, despite it being a frequent visitor to the Streetlamp's figurative turntable during the past fortnight.
Anyway I make up for that now by presenting to you Symfoniorkestern's latest wonderful release 'IV' (below) with the recommendation that you have a listen to track 3; Get "Dekadent" Or Die Trying. This track is something of a departure from the collective's usual slightly folky indie-pop, and with its high-energy, fuzzed-up guitar, horn backing and hand-claps is reminiscent of a rockier version of The Go! Team. I, for one, am rather fond of it.
I'd like to close by reposting the video for Sommardepression '11, which with its faded and scratched sense of times past always evokes a feeling of melancholia in me.
I've written about Symfoniorkestern before ('here' to be precise) and if you missed it, then today is your chance to catch up. Symfoniorkestern, formed in 2007, is a music collective from Sweden who make experimental, but accessibly poppy, indie songs notable for their clever arrangements and unexpected mix of instruments. The line-up of the collective seems to be in a constant state of flux and their last.fm page states that the current members are:
Anyone who likes to join. Pär - Anything Hanna - Singing and C flute Staffan - Saxophone Martin - Bass Guitar Nils - Choir and Bass Guitar Jan - Lyrics
Nicely inclusive, we think. So any Swedish Streetlamp readers out there who have been looking for somewhere to exhibit their french horn skills, for instance, this could be your big break. We look forward to hearing you.
The reason I'm writing about Symfoniorkestern today is that they got in touch this week to let us know that the first official video from their upcoming EP is now released (below). One of the nicest things about Symfoniorkestern is their imaginative and entertaining music videos, and this is no exception. The song, a sunny slice of Scandinavian indie-pop, is called Sommardepression '11 and is accompanied by wonderfully evocative, grainy, home-video footage of a typical family at play. The washed-out colours and scratched and faded domestic scenes should immediately awaken memories of your own childhood Summers, and left this particular viewer in an ambiguously pleasing but melancholy mood of nostalgia. As ever, the song is available as a free MP3 download from the band's website. You can also explore their excellent back catalogue while you're there. The band can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
Symfoniorkestern is an experimental indie-pop collective from Helsingborg/Göteborg in Sweden and if you've never heard of them before then prepare to be charmed and delighted. They came to mind recently as I came across their unique stylised cover of fellow Swedes Slutet's song 'Vilse' on soundcloud (the original of which can be found on on Bad Panda Recods).
Since starting as a one-man project in 2007, the Symfoniorkestern line-up has continued to multiply and their inventive and amiable polyphonic sound is currently based around a rich blend of guitar, bass, flute, saxophone, accordian and drums. The band have released three EPs to date; Ouvertyr (2008), Tänd eld på dig själv (för det du tror på) (2009), and Den Lilla Flykten, which was released in May of this year. All three EPs are currently free to download from the band's website. Symfoniorkestern are also notable for their imaginative and entertaining music videos which are directed by fellow Swede Pär Fredriksson. Enjoy:
