Musically speaking, Sweden was always Mecca for great bands. There are many reasons for it, with one of the most important one being that anyone who desires to play any instrument can do so. I love that, especially because it provides me with a lot of great music from the north of Europe.
Shout Out Louds are not unknown band. They have been on the music scene for the past 15 years, and their debut HowlHowl Gaff Gaf was really special and I will always hold it as a remarkable work of art. They have tried to replace rock sound with many other influences, including their version of synth pop. Today, they are back with gorgeous indie pop melodies. Ease My Mind is the fifth album in their discography and I could freely say it is the best one since debut. It is woven in interesting solutions that proves that cold weather goads melting melodies that construct hit-potential songs.
The most obvious comparison I could throw is with Peter, Bjorn and John, at least when it comes to sound. Lyrically, they have changed a lot. At the beginning of their career, they were swept away by the world full of love. Nowadays they observe world a bit differently and it all comes much more emotionally mature. They do not analyze or dissect, they simple observe and note.
Two opening tracks Jumbo Jet and Paola are perfect introduction to what the album has to offer. Plethora of flavors are added to acoustic guitar melody, and the final result makes songs cold, optimistic and dreamy at the same time. Paola could easily be their new signature song, so it comes as no surprise that it was chosen as the second single. Title track represents shift from dynamic synth pop tunes to emotional downtempo jam. First single Oh Oh is beautiful radio material, while the album closer Souvenirs is somehow complementary to title track.
It is unlikely that Shout Out Louds will become as big as some of the other Swedish acts, but never say never. What is clear is that they did good job on their fifth effort, and that they still sound fresh and energized. Do I yearn for that Howl Howl Gaff Gaf sound? Sure. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy this indie experimentation. Ease My Mind is a true Swedish indie pop record suitable for long winter nights.
