Scandi Smörgåsbord Part 1

Long gone are the days when Scandinavia was known primarily for its rather good-looking fair-haired populace, Abba and Norway's 'nul points' Eurovision ignominy. While debate still seems rife as to whether Iceland and Finland are now part of Scandinavia or not (more better known for the Denmark-Norway-Sweden triumvirate), what cannot be denied is there is a whole wealth of outstanding music emanating from these cold northern climes.

Here in the first of two parts we pick two dozen that we think are utmärkt - fremragende - flott - godur - ihana. Or in plain old English, bloody good - and recommend keeping your ears open for in 2013.




SHINY DARKLY (Denmark)

Very dark; very gothic gloom merchant. Copenhagen post punk/shoegaze trio signed to Crunchy Frog. For fans of Joy Division...Danish style. Seering and dynamic.





SANS PARADE (Finland)

Modern baroque chamber pop trio led by Jani Lehto, Markus Perttula and Pekka Tuppyrainen. Debut album coming next year, which will no doubt be characterized by their trademark infusion of orchestral arrangements and electroacoustic elements within an indie pop setting, a la Sigur Ros.






MØ (Denmark)

Signed to Sony in Scandinavia, Karen Marie Ørsted’s musical output may be small so far, but her blend of electronic soul/indie pop has been enough to call her Denmark's answer to Lana Del Rey.





OYAMA (Iceland)

Five-piece shoegaze/noise-rock from Reykjavík who created a buzz at the recent Icelandic Airwaves - which they look set to repeat with a 2013 debut album and further European live dates.





YOUNG DREAMS (Norway)

Symphonic pop psychedelia from Bergen, Young Dreams recently signed to Modular Recordings for the release of their debut album, 'Between Places', out March 4 2013.






HEXVESSEL (Finland)

Psychedelic folk-rock, founded in 1983 by Englishman Mat McNerney, who then moved to Finland in 2009 and was joined by a coven of musicians from Tampere that feature members of Galacticka and Dark Buddha Rising. Fusing late 1960s and early 1970s English folk and psychedelia. Playing SXSW in 2013.





SANDRA KOLSTAD (Norway)

Highly visual live performer of pop electronica, having recently released her second album, '(Nothing Lasts) Forever'. Oh, and the mystery man in the video? That's her dad.






IBERIA (Sweden)

The project of Alexander Palmestål and Maja Millner (of Makthaverskan), collectively known as Iberia, made their debut in November with the dreamy pop-electronica single 'An Ending (Ascent)'/'A Finale'.






THE FOREIGN RESORT (Denmark)

New wave/post rock quartet with a dark and moody sonic palette.New album 'Scattered & Buried' out now.






JEALOUS COWARDS (Sweden)

Four-piece punk/hardcore outfit from Malmo with a love of the F-word. Not an Abba tribute band, more the Swedish Sex Pistols. Released their debut EP 'Jajje Bula' in October.





REPTILE YOUTH (Denmark)

Wild and passionate psych rock/synth pop duo from Copenhagen, Reptile Youth released their self-titled debut album in 2012. Think Eddie Vedder and Bono, and add synths.





OLOF ARNALDS (Iceland)

Ethereal ice maiden and multi-instrumentalist with a beguiling voice. Releases new single 'A Little Grim' through One Little Indian in January 2013, followed by album, 'Sudden Elevation' in February.