The Radio Dept. - Pet Grief...

Coming out of Sweden is The Radio Dept. with their second album through Labrador Records titled Pet Grief. However, we in the states will not be able to grab it until May 30th, but I am sure it's still possible to just do the overseas thing if you wish. The album is yet another fine addition to the catalog of 2006 releases that I have been enjoying quite a bit. After hearing Lesser Matters a couple years ago, I was impressed and enjoyed that album as well, however I wasn't expecting such a strong follow up in Pet Grief. Although very much a synthpop record, it is beautifully layered with quiet textured guitars throughout bringing to mind the likes of Slowdive which is then accompanied by violins and short piano pieces here and there. As if the album couldn't be any more lush or one that tries to lull you off to sleep, the vocals provided by that of Johan Duncanson are so incredibly soft and whispered that it's possibly even more soothing than the music itself. The high point of the album, and one of my favorite songs of the year, is the song "Every Time", which is probably the most shoegazy track on the album. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a nice dream pop fix.

The Radio Dept. - Every Time [MP3]
The Radio Dept. - Always a Relief [MP3]
The Radio Dept. - I Wanted You to Feel the Same [MP3]

If you like what you hear, you can pick this up directly from Labrador!