Welcome to the first installment of “God Save Rock and Roll,” a journey into the world of rock, its problems and its saviors. Words in this and upcoming columns will explore a plethora of bands and artists who are unfurling their flags, suiting up and waging war against musical meritocracy. Let the good fight begin.
God bless Sweden. From the land that gave the world ABBA, Ingrid Bergman, Pippi Longstocking, IKEA and bikini-clad teams of righteous babes come two bands ready to kick the U.S. musical mainstream in the teeth: Sahara Hotnights and Division of Laura Lee.
Yeah, I know, The Hives are from Sweden too. While I love The Hives, they are a candy-coated version of what’s really been happening over there since 1984. Garage and punk rock never really went that far under the radar.
Thanks to The Hives however, these sounds are leaking into the American consciousness. In the United States, we view this Swedish garage/punk movement with an interested ear but a skeptical mind. These two bands should change your cognitive perception of rock and roll from halfway around the globe.
Sahara Hotnights is a group of four snotty, young and quite attractive Swedish ladies. These are the girls that the frat boys want to hook-up with and the sorority girls secretly wish they could be. Think Susana Hoffs and Belinda Carlisle, pissed-off, speeding in a ’78 Stingray, looking to exact revenge on their cheating ex-boyfriends and you might come close to getting it.
This year they dropped their U.S. debut, Jennie Bomb (Jetset), and well, it’s the bomb. The cover alone is priceless. With the Pablo Cruise logo rip off and lipstick font you’ll think it’s a reissue from 1982.
Their loud, powerful hooks reel you in while their knack for writing the catchiest of songs will keep you returning over and over. The songwriting team of Maria Andersson (vocals, guitar) and Josephine Forsman (drums) prove to the boys that they’re ready to take on anyone. Jennie and Joanna Asplund, guitar and bass respectively, light up the songs with ferocious playing that truly intimidates.
From the other side of the tracks comes Division of Laura Lee, bringing us the underbelly of garage rock. With greasy looks and snarling expressions, these are four guys you don’t want to bump into in a dark alley with (especially vocalist/guitarist Per Stalberg). It’s obvious that these four have never had the luxury of the silver spoon.
On their debut album, Blackcity (Burning Heart/ Epitaph), Division of Laura Lee outstroke The Strokes and make most other bands look like bed-wetting sissies.
Dark guitar/bass/drums interplay of David Ojala, Jonas Gustavsson and H kan Johansson lay the perfect base for Stalberg’s obnoxious yet soothing vocals.
While sounding much like a pre-Cracker David Lowery, Stalberg’s monotone delivery borders on pure genius.
So what’s with all these brilliant bands coming from Sweden anyway? Is it the weather? The perpetual sunlight? Something in the water perhaps?
Well it turns out that the Swedes are proud of their art and have the resources to fund artists through government subsidies and grants. This boots the term “starving artist” from their everyday grammar. The best part is that bands are able to reap the benefits of these liberal financial allocations, allowing them to create music without the hassle of making ends meet.
Note to self: move to Sweden, write some songs, start a band, take over the world!
If you’re into The Go-Go’s, The Bangles or Sleater-Kinney be sure to check out saharahotnights.com. If you’re more the darkness of Joy Division or Girls Against Boys visit divisionoflauralee.com. Both sites offer some killer insight and free mp3s.
Until next time …

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