Logh — The raging sun
Formed in 1998, this band, coming from the city of Lund, released their debut album in January 2002. It was picked by London’s Sunday Telegraph as the second best album of the year, as well as picking rave reviews left, right and centre. Needless to say, their second effort was awaited by many.
Things start with a blast thanks to the beautiful The contractor and the assassin (first single taken from the album). All the elements present in Logh’s music are to be found in this song: classy guitars, melancholic singing, great melodies with a sad edge, professional execution, great sound. On End cycle, the voice of Mattias Friberg reminds the listener of Thom Yorke’s. A frail voice accompanied by piano. An alliance of hearts sounds like a slocore band playing for once a more dynamic song. Not the best track on the album. Then comes The raging sun, which, as the title implies, is more …raging. However, this rage is rather restrained. At times, the guitars get noisier and Friberg screams. This is especially noticeable towards the end of the song, where an emo feeling is in the air. Thin lines is another very calm track, a little guitar and piano, very little drum. Very nice and emotional. The bones of generations is much more up-tempo, with a very round bass sound, screamed vocals. Up next is one of the best tracks on The raging sun, A vote for democracy. Simple but splendid instrumentation (acoustic guitar, voice). Back to electricity on At this my arm was weakend. The first minute or so is full of tension, before some martial drum pummelling comes in on the chorus. Later, things get a little noisier. City, I’m sorry is, in a way akin to Thin lines, if it wasn’t for the much more energetic song it becomes after two minutes. A song tailored for live performances. Album closer sounds pretty much like End cycles, only longer and more emotionally powerful.
Logh are not the most unique band around, but their classy indie-pop shouldn’t be overlooked and is destined to win the hearts of fans of bands as different as Radiohead, Anathema, At the drive-in or Fugazi.