
The idea of new Swedish bands bringing back the days of the big 1960s-flavoured productions is now becoming almost a predicted route. Peter Bjorn And John can be added to the names of The Concretes and The Cardigans in this respect. Importantly, though, they seem to be raising the bar a little higher.
'Objects Of My Affection' captures the essence of the time perfectly with some Simon And Garfunkel-esque harmonies and a triumphant drum-heavy rhythm. Taking the cooler approach is 'Young Folks'; its insouciant whistling making it one of the most memorable intros of recent times and thanks to its great match-up on vocals between ex-Concretes singer Victoria Bergsman and the cracked tones of Peter, it's one of the best singles of the year too. The trio are clearly wizards in the studio because each song, whilst always soaked in nostalgia, adds subtle modern touches to step out of the pastiche bracket. 'Start To Melt' and 'Up Against The Wall' even seem to be recapturing the shoegazing "wall of sound" rather than the version Phil Spector imagined. Further worthy experiments can be discovered within the haunting echo which pervades the beautiful melody of 'The Chills' and the triumphant dreaminess of 'Roll The Credits' probably just sneaks it as the best track. A strangely moving record, which brings the past bang up to date.