No More Sadness, No More Lies

Halmstad, Sweden's So Sad Althea continue the long standing tradition of Scandinavian bands on Deep Elm (Last Days Of April, Starmarket, Surrounded, Logh, Sounds Like Violence) who create sincere, uplifting music that transcends oceans and borders. No More Sadness, No More Lies is the stuff of introspective, solitary headphone sessions, but make no mistake: these songs crackle and pulse with an electricity normally reserved for a live setting. Fuzzy minor-chord guitar riffs radiate like ghostly radio transmissions while the rhythm section sustains a spirited pace. Equally inviting and haunting, yet no less invigorating, are Christian Nanzell's vocals, conveying an angsty-yet-optimistic feeling of yearning and regret while enveloping you in their warm tones. It's this familiarity paired with something distinctly out of this world that draws you close, rendering this album intimate, mysterious and exhilarating all at once. (Deep Elm)