release date: Oct. 17, 2007
format: cd (repress) / vinyl (2022 repress)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [3,88]
producer: Kent, Joshua (aka Jon Schumann)
label: RCA / Sony BMG - nationality: Sweden
Track highlights: 1. "Elefanter" (4 / 5) - 3. "Ingenting" (4,5 / 5) - 4. "Vid din sida" - 5. "Columbus" (5 / 5) - 7. "Vy från ett luftslott" - 10. "Generation Ex" - 11. "Ensammast i Sverige" (4 / 5)
7th studio album by Kent, who once again spends a long time preparing new material has here found Danish producer Jon Schumann, who has previously worked with the Danish acts Kashmir, Mew and Carpark North. Before recording the new album, rhythm guitarist Harri Mänty left the band in late 2006. It's been 2½ years since the great Du & jag döden (Mar. 2005) and the result is a strong and very diverse experience. If Isola felt like a rough turn, this may seem like a U-turn compared to its predecessor. The Hjärta & smärta EP (Oct. 2005) revealed nothing of the decision to jump onto the synthpop train and leave guitar rock behind. Perhaps this had Mänty reduce the band to a quartet?
By diverse, I mean in comparison with what fans had come to terms with that Kent was. And for some fans this was perhaps hard to swallow, but it's still a very coherent and focused album, and if you instantly feel this is something completely else, then listen again 'cause the Nordic noir soul never left this band.
"Ingenting" and "Columbus" are wonderful tracks though they may feel somewhat detached from the remainders - critics would perhaps argue that the album points in many directions. I don't find that it contains poor tracks or fillers, there's just an overall sensation of absence in the collection of songs here that leaves me with the impression that 'something' lacks in binding the album together. Having said that, the album is still a solid singles release that just doesn't reach the same level as the predecessor but it contains enough quality material to distinguish the band from most other artist in Northern Europe. And with a brand new sound and style, Kent should be ready to explore and surprise anew.
Recommendable.
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