Record Label: EMI Music Sweden
Genre: Synth Pop
Band Link: link
Buy on Amazon.com link

Melody Club (which is an awesome name) hail from Sweden and play a catchy, danceable synth-pop/rock that is neither ironic nor cheesy. Filled with the synthesized sounds that made 80s music so listenable along with crisp production and well-written songs, this album grew on me the more I listened. Unlike too many indie dance bands like fellow Swedes The Knife, these guys actually put together cohesive, interesting and fun songs.

At first I was a little turned off by the generic black, white, and pink on the cover. I was worried this would be either bad riot grrrl punk or full on obnoxious dance crap. Despite the cover’s rather cold appearance, this is pure summer music, with bright, bouncy beats and a consistent tone that carries through the music. Singer Kristofer Ostergren (there are umlauts somewhere in the name, but I don’t know how to add them) has a nice, subdued voice that fits the music perfectly, and compliments the tight musicianship.

I’m pretty sure about six months ago, I proclaimed that Sweden took Canada’s throne as the epicentre of all the best music, and I’m pretty sure that Melody Club only reiterate that point. Basically if you liked the 1980s, you’ll like this. And if you’re unwilling to admit you like 80s music, listen to these guys, since they’re just as fun.

Bottom Line: Near perfect synth rock that takes everything that was good about 80s music and fits it into 40 minutes.
Notable Tracks: Take Me Away, Covergirl, Cats In The Dark, Stranded Love, Electric
Overall Rating: