The Sounds — Crossing The Rubicon

Sweden's The Sounds combine Euro-pop, dance and new wave on their third release, Crossing The Rubicon.

The five-piece, fronted by vocalist Maja Ivarsson, initially invite comparisons to Metric. But it soon becomes apparent that The Sounds have a pervading '80s pop influence and a distinctive Euro flair unlike Emily Haines' band.

Crossing The Rubicon opens with the anthemic single, "No One Sleeps When I'm Awake," which eases the listener into the rest of the generally up tempo album. Ivarsson's voice is powerful yet still feminine, and is complemented by the perfectly polished sounds of guitarist Felix Rodriguez, keyboardist Jesper Anderberg, bassist Johan Bengtsson, and drummer Fredrik Nilsson.

"4 Songs & A Fight" brings U2 to mind, and "My Lover" makes a transition to unabashed synth-pop with Ivarsson rapping over cliched '80s sound effects and bright drum tones.

The emotionally-charged "Dorchester Hotel" and "Midnight Sun" bring a bittersweet flavour to the otherwise poppy record. "Beatbox" is a fun track dedicated to the pure joys of dancing and music. The title track returns to the the opening song's anthemic feel, but it adds dirge-like harmonies and a repetitious piano melody.

"The Only Ones" takes the listener aback with a bare, piano-led intro, a gradual buildup to the chorus and steadily driving drums. The combination of instruments behind Ivarsson's vocals makes for a pleasant and unexpected departure from the high gloss of most of the songs on the record.

The album ends with the instrumental "Goodnight Freddy." The lullaby-like song features dreamy, plinking piano offset by a soft drumbeat, distant guitars and a constant, straining bass line. With "No One Sleeps When I'm Awake" and "Goodnight Freddy" as bookends to Crossing The Rubicon, the listener is left feeling that that this record offers much more depth than its core of danceable pop tracks provide.

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