Peter Bjorn & John
Writer’s Block
(V2)
Fans of The Concretes will recognize lead singer Victoria Bergsman’s voice on the single “Young Folks.” A guaranteed party-maker, it’s also the catchiest combo of whistling, maraca and bongo beats around. Although this album confirms Stockholm’s place as the epicentre of European malaise pop, PB&J’s sound is obviously influenced by British bands, from Joy Division to The Beatles. But then you hear Yo La Tengo and Mazzy Star, or is it the Beach Boys? Themed on the ups and downs of romance, as complicated as love itself, PB&J write with a sophisticated, timeless understanding of what makes simple pop songs sparkle.
—Sue Carter Flinn
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.