Swedish favorites Azure Blue return to the new release shelf with a stunning six-track EP featuring the sophisticated synth pop and lyrical acumen of Tobias Isaksson and ace contributions from popular Swedish artists César Vidal, The Land Below, Peter Morén, Charly A, and Bo.
Lead track ‘Whatever ‘18’ is the first single from the forthcoming new album ‘Fast Falls The Eventide’ due this summer. It is top shelf electronic indie about choosing the right things to ignore and an absolute earworm to feature on teenage rebellion playlists.
The EP features five additional tracks that will not appear on the new album, including popular songs from European-only releases, digital singles, and cover versions. ‘Every Ending Story’ is smooth synth pop that suggests Isaksson has more than a few New Order and OMD records in his collection, while ‘Reflections of Light’ is a classic three-minute pop song with refined synths and orchestral flourishes, and ‘Tragedy and Changes’ sets the loud loutish lovers from The Smiths classic ‘I Know It’s Over’ to an electronic beat.
The EP ends with two superb cover versions of songs from the 1990s. ‘Justice’ is the final track from the debut solo album by Robert Forster of The Go-Betweens, and Azure Blue takes the song to another place and another decade altogether. Final track ‘747’ is exclusive to this EP and is a hypnotic electro-pop version of a song originally recorded by popular Swedish band Kent. Azure Blue reworks the song into a massive club hit to end the EP on another high note.
A very welcome return for Azure Blue, ‘Whatever ‘18’ is prime Swedish electronic indie pop and an unconditional score for the Matinée discography.
Also available:
matcd063 AZURE BLUE – Beyond The Dreams There’s Infinite Doubt CD
matcd059 AZURE BLUE – Rule Of Thirds CD
1. Whatever ‘18
2. Every Ending Story
3. Reflections Of Light
4. Tragedy and Changes
5. Justice
6. 747
