EBB
Loona
Gaymonkey records
· Outstanding eccentric electro-pop from the land of socialism, saunas, the midnight sun and the two-month night.
Released last summer in Ebb’s native Sweden, Loona has been steadily building steam on the continent, with "I'm All Made of Music" and "Life is on TV" charting across the EU. Ebb makes intelligent, enchanting pop songs that speak to the human psyche, and they’re catchy as hell. Finally finding its way onto North American shelves, the album shows off Ebb’s earnest attempt, and ensuing success, at melding left-field electronica with traditional pop song structures.
Only slightly losing momentum for a couple of so-so tracks midway through, the overall intimacy and personal bond created with the listener is nonetheless engaging throughout. Ebb’s mastery of electronic music’s form also plays a large part by incorporating minimal glitch esthetics, a strong electro/dub foundation and traditional piano and guitar parts to underpin his introspective and emotive lyrics, often delivered in a fragile falsetto and reminiscent at times of Wayne Coyne and Ben Gibbard.
Speaking of which, if you enjoy the likes of The Postal Service, NoTwist, José Gonzalez, Mouse on Mars, Hot Chip and Junior Boys, then this album is a rock-solid lock. However, these are really only touchstones, as Ebb’s greatest success is in creating a unique sound that is his alone but still has the warmth and familiarity of an old friend. Anyone with an open ear, mind and heart will find a gem making its way out of the rough.
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