There is something distinctive about Swedish indiepop, something innate that coats everything in a cotton candy glossy pop melt, a joyous cutesiness that might seem contrived in another context, but for the Swedes, comes without any effort. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, much of Scandinavian indiepop carries a faint melancholy edge (perhaps a defense against, then a reaction to their long winters). Stockholm based
Lacrosse exemplifies both of these qualities with incredible enthusiasm in their sophomore album
Bandages for the Heart. While their debut album seemed a perfect capture of easy, catchy, punchy, sunshine pop,
Bandages for the Heart explores a darker side...often with the same eagerness to capture pain in the upbeat, dancing and singalong inspiring melodies and choruses as the genuine happiness of their previous record.
The contrast is a stark advantage. When a song like "I See A Brightness" makes the listener want to leap into the air and punch fists with careless happiness, it does so with with an initial impression of utter euphoria...despite lyrics that beg for a lost friend. Somehow the desperation and need expressed in such an unlikely way makes it all the better. "It's Always Sunday Around Here" is a song about the hopelessness of a life gone awry in every way, mistakes and wrong turns, a self aware request for a story with the happy ending, "put some unicorns in there/and some animals that speak. I don't know where I go wrong, but it always ends this way." A plea for the impossible delights of the world, and a song without conviction of things going better nevertheless kicks with flourishes of guitars and a shout along chorus, a spirited fight against the inevitable doom of life, pocketknives slashed in big bright colored INDIEPOP! balloons.
"My Stop" is a song about suicide, but sang with the cheeky guitars and snaps, verses with ba da da backings, handclaps, and a thrilling ecstatic build up to the chorus that doesn't seem to suit the mood. "Tell all my friends, it's gonna get a whole lot worse" in the form of chanted choruses and angst sliced between the catchiest pop song. Then, of course, there is "We Are Kids," a perfect modern indiepop anthem, with an easily stuck in your head melody, a chorus that demands audience singalong, a song about the problems of identity and decisions, forgetting and regrets, relatable, expressed in this gem with a dark joy that Lacrosse has absolutely perfected. -
Laura YanLacrosse on Tour
Jul 25 - Contempopranea Festival - Alburquerque Spain
in other news...
Lacrosse-Bandages For The Heart | The Line Of Best Fit
Lacrosse - Bandages For The Heart (2009)
lacrosse - bandages for the heart
Lacrosse - Bandages For The Heart (2009) | filled.in
Lacrosse "Bandages for the Heart"
Lacrosse - Bandages for the Heart
Lacrosse - Bandages for the Heart (2009)
Lacrosse: Bandages For The Heart - Alles ist Pop
Lacrosse - Still Shining Bright
Lacrosse - Bandages for the Heart
New video/single from Lacrosse
New songs and album from Lacrosse | Eardrums Music
Lacrosse - We Are Kids
Video: Lacrosse - We Are Kids
Lacrosse - NEW ALBUM OUT NOW!!!!
Lacrosse - This New Year Will Be for You and Me (2007)
Lacrosse - We Are Kids
Lacrosse - Bandages For The Hear
Lacrosse
Lacrosse - Lost My Heart
Lacrosse - We are kids | Mundo Musica
