In the Shadow of...

Am I the only one who has been pissed about how slow Sitemeter was the past few days? Perhaps I'm just some narcissistic moron who's obsessed with trends and figures, but I do think that it's interesting and quite useful to learn how visitors find this blog.

Jerry, who many, many years ago became my first Internet friend, has sent a mail recommending Florida darkwave act The Crüxshadows. In his message he wrote how he's been a fan for ages and called the music "danceable goth", which certainly sounded quite appealing. And after a few listens I fully agree that this electronic, catchy and dark stuff (despite the horrible band name) is really, really cool. So until yesterday this band was completely unknown to me, but it seems like that they are quite popular in Germany and have had some success on various dance charts (yep - it is indeed danceable!)!
+ Winter Born (This Sacrifice)
+ Windbringer

Better late than never I guess? In June (during my holiday) Swedish indie pop act Ronderlin was giving away an ureleased track called Come With Your Heart And Soul. Why this fine song didn't make it onto The Great Investigation is beyond me!
+ Come With Your Heart And Soul

A Swedish double...

The new album The Great Investigation by Indie pop band Ronderlin is on constant repeat on the car stereo these days. I really, really want the album to be great, because several tracks from it are just ace (in case you don't know them already, just check out the two I've posted below). But why is it that bands that clearly are at their best when writing up-tempo pop tunes, suddenly have to go all quiet, boring and emotional? Unfortunately Ronderlin belongs to this category, so a few really uninteresting filler tracks mean that I have to settle for "pretty good album" rating instead.
+ Aside
+ Wake Up

Peter is really high on the new album Our Ill Wills by Swedish alternative rock/pop band Shout Out Louds. I'm currently listening my way through the album (and will do so a few more times today), but so far it does sound really good. And boy don't they sound a lot like The Cure on the first single (posted below) and on quite a few other tracks as well? Or could this really be the new band/part-time project of Robert Smith (just kidding)?
+ Tonight I Have To Leave It

Myspace trip...

I've just returned from a very short Myspace trip and here are a couple of "souvenirs" I picked up during my "stay" there.

+ Us With Millions - The Golden Coast
I mentioned this band last week and this nice one has just been uploaded by the band.

+ Powderdust - Wait For You [Federspiel Remix]
+ The Floor Is Made Of Lava - Do Your Sister (James Braun Does Ya Mama Too Remix)
Two tracks from the department of remixes. I really have no idea if they are old or new, but they are both good enough to enjoy (again?)!

+ Ronderlin - Way To Be
A new track from the forthcoming album (release date May 7) that will be called The Great Investigation. The 4 tracks I've heard so far from the album are simply brilliant, so expectations are rapidly growing!

+ Inhaler - Tranquilized
It's probably the zillionth, billionth time I post this track. But it's still a fantastic pop song and since it's now available in a decent quality, it's certainly well-worth a re-post.

Ronderlin - Aside/Closed Eyes

As promised by Chris in his post today, here are two more tracks by Swedish indie pop band Ronderlin. Both tracks are taken from the vinyl 7" released on Tomt Recordings in February last year. The single is not sold out, but nonetheless the label has made both tracks available for free. Aside is a wonderful up-tempo pop song that sounds the way I imagine Pet Shop Boys would sound, if they ever tried to play indie pop (perhaps with a little help from New Order). Closed Eyes is a quiet and beautiful track that probably is enjoyed the best with your, ahem, eyes closed! Apparently not even the label knows for sure, whether the band is in the studio recording or not!?
+ Aside
+ Closed Eyes

Myspace stuff...

Various stuff found at Myspace tonight. Beware of the quality (not of the songs, but the bitrate)!

+ E.Z. Basics - Architect
Brand new track from this Hungarian band.

+ Ceremony - Seconds & Nothing Inside
Two new (and really fine) tracks from the US shoegaze/new wave inspired band.

+ Inhaler - Tranquilized
This fantastic pop song is once again available for free.

+ Ronderlin - Wake Up & Aside & Reflected
Another superb sounding Swedish indie pop band. The two first tracks are (I believe/hope) from a forthcoming album to be released on Tomt Recordings. The third track is found on the band's 2002 debut album Wave Another Day Goodbye that was released on Labrador.