The Radio Dept: Pet Grief (Pop Frenzy/Rhythmethod)

From the same label as the wonderful Camera Obscura (see the archive) comes this easy-on-the-ear blend of electronica and pop located somewhere between early Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and the Pet Shop Boys. But not really. There is a more dreamy quality to the slightly distant vocals, and despite the drifting melodies (think the Church gone electronic) there is an emotional despondency at the heart of what is here. They sound sad in a happy kind of way. They do melancholy very well these Swedes.