[3/5]
Swedish indie rockers as a rule are known for their sugarspun tunes, creating music that's as glittering and exuberant as sunshine glinting off snow. But the Perishers' latest album, Victorious, contains the type of wintry songs that call for a wool blanket and a roaring fire. Glacial tempos, spare acoustic guitar and Ola Klüft's world-weary vocals-at times reminiscent of Richard Ashcroft, in other places as dour and introspective as Leonard Cohen-combine to create a landscape of aching loneliness and longing. Much more languid than 2005's Let There Be Morning, Victorious falters in many spots due to monotonous arrangements. In fact, the Perishers sound best when spicing up their desolation with hints of color: Curling pedal-steel and melodic piano on "Is It Over Now"; jangly guitar on the R.E.M.-like title track; and the simple but deeply romantic sweet nothings Klüft murmurs on "8 a.m. Departure," where he coos, "Stay/I wish I could stay/You could call in sick/We could make out all day." (NETTWERK) Annie Zaleski
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