Loney Dear

Loney Dear is the moniker for Sweden solo-artist and songwriting genius, Emil Svanängen.  Languishing in obscurity for the majority of the past decade, Svanängen continued to release several homemade albums on CD-R without becoming discouraged.  Luckily, someone at Sub Pop took notice and signed him, thereby allowing the rest of the world to enjoy his music.  Still though, he continues to record his albums alone, playing all of the instruments and only employing others while on tour.

In regards to the music itself, it is sugary sweet, of course, but also contains emotional depth -- the frequent use of suspensions and seventh chords facilitate this.  In fact, many of Svanängen's songs would fit perfectly at the closing scene of an indie romance flick, as they build gradually on a simple hook and end powerfully in a frenzied clash of competing counter-melodies and instrumental voices.  In addition to his songwriting prowess, Svanängen also possesses one of pop's best falsettos.  Throughout entire songs, he sits confidently in the range of a soprano without ever losing tone or pitch.  This is most evident toward the end of "No One Can Win," where he forcefully carries the tune to a soaring climax before he quickly brings the listener down to a gentle resolution.

This is some of the best Swedish pop produced in the past few years.  Loney, Noir is especially rewarding when enjoyed in its entirety.  :)

Albums:  Dear John (2009), Loney Noir (2007)

Tracks:  Airport Surroundings, I Was Only Going Out, Summers, I Am John, Saturday Waits, No One Can Win, Carrying a Stone, The Meter Marks OK