Photolab 9000
© Copyright-Jonathan Gray
(660662711920)
Record Label: the Swedes
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The Swedes are Chris Edwards (keyboards), Phil Crain(bass), Phil Harbut (drums), and Jon Gray (guitar & vocals). We've been playing together for about two years and have been told that we sound like The Cars, Thin Lizzy, T-Rex, and Squeeze. We've been told that we sound like other bands, too, but we didn't like them so we didn't list them here.
Our premiere album "Photolab 9000" has just been released independently and people other than our moms seem to like it, too! Ed Gross of "The Deli" magazine, writes: "Photolab 9000 stands up well with the other albums you might have heard in London 25 years ago, and as a result it is also one of the best New York records I've heard this year."
Phil Crain is Oklahomanian. Chris, a native of Providence, RI, pitched his tent in L.A. for a few years before finally migrating back East, turning up in NYC. Phil Harbut is from Canadia, Vancouver-style, and just landed in the city toward the end of 2003. Jon moved to New York from Chapel Hill, NC about five years ago. Since then, it's been rock shows, writing songs, and mastering the art of the photo booth.
Big, fun rock songs? Check.
Beery, sweaty, spastic, fun live shows? Check.
Have a listen to the CD and get back to us with booking questions (or unsolicited praise).
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The Swedes spit out hyper-tuneful concrete rock anthems with a classic edge.
author: Amy McGill
Sculpting their style around the kind of riffs that would make Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page green with envy, The Swedes spit out hyper-tuneful concrete rock anthems with a classic edge. So the recording quality is gnarly and has that straight-from the seventies production but instead of throwing the band into the league of phoney retro bands that abound today, this just adds to the sheer emotional urgency and candour that the group exude.There are many a rich vocal harmony to get your teeth into too, and combined with the soaring vibrato that wraps itself around the voice in general, you can't but help but assume that the Swedes will eventually go down in history. CLICK WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE REVIEW.
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Quirky Pop is IN!
author: Cory Gowan - 75orless.com
Quirky pop is in, which is fine by me since angry facial hair rock makes me cringe like a scared kitten. The Swedes pull off the genre better than most, somewhat successfully blending Shins style pop with Steve Miller / garage-rock guitar licks. These New Yorkers with a photobooth picture obession would feel right at home playing with half the Sub Pop or Merge roster, and I for one wouldn't mind the show (although I doubt I'd buy an advance ticket). - cory
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...when I say danceable, what I mean is, dance around my room while I should be
author: Jennifer Brown - Sugarzine.com
Take a bit of Suede (aka The London Suede), throw in some Space Hog (raise your hand if you remember Space Hog!), add a dash of Trippin’ Daisy (I’m really reaching, I know), now mix in creatively crafted space-aged synthesized sounds, combine with peppy vocals and—VOILA!—the new wave sounds of The Swedes’ Photolab 9000.
The Swedes, have managed to infuse the psychedelic sounds of the 60’s and 70’s in their music, without forcing the listener to have prolonged bad trip. This can be credited to the strong melodies and danceable tracks. And, trust me, when I say danceable, what I mean is, dance around my room while I should be writing this review, shakin’ my booty. Superior vocal harmonization and poppy guitar hooks provide endless amounts of listening pleasure!
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author: Kristen Luczak - The Beacon
The album's memorable melodies and sweeping harmonies mesh with Jon Gray's honest and provocative lyrics to produce one of the most original rock records that I've heard in a long time... The band does a great job by pulling off the quirky pop genre better than most, successfully blending Shin's style pop with classic guitar riffs and hooks. Photolab 9000 is a hard-hitting and catchy indie pop rock album, with inspiration that's drawn from early 80's clean-cut new wave. If you like Squeeze, XTC, or Dogs Die in Hot Cars, you'll love these guys. This album is highly recommended for those of you looking for that perfect indie album to polish off your collection. CLICK WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE REVIEW.
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