Sahara Hotnights may sound like a strange name for a band from the icy country of Sweden, but everything about this all-female indie band sizzles. They contradict almost every Swedish stereotype there is; they’re not even blondes.
In “Kiss & Tell,” the band’s third release since bursting onto the music horizon in 1999, Sahara Hotnights further evolves their poppy vibe that surfaced in their sophomore effort, “Jennie Bomb.”
It’s got the sound that’s been recently getting much buzz in the indie genre from comparable male bands like The Killers and Franz Ferdinand.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Maria Andersson masks the album’s themes of heartbreak and alienation in a constant wash of upbeat dance music that still retains an edgy alt-sensibility.
Sahara Hotnights made “Kiss & Tell” a tight, cohesive album – it’s just less than 35 minutes, and all the songs come out short and symmetrical.
Pelle Gunnerfeldt from The Hives primarily produced the record and also happens to be a close friend of Andersson.
Andersson’s voice does not fit the mold of what would traditionally be called pretty, but its gritty texture fits the group’s intense sound.
The songs on “Kiss & Tell” that work well with that sound utilize either layers of Andersson’s vocals or backup vocals, like in “Keep Calling Me Baby.”
“Stay/Stay Away” brings in synthesizers to underscore the lyrics in which Andersson realizes, “I see the sign hanging on your door/it tells me why I can never come asking for more.”
“Nerves” features complex guitar work that shows how musically talented Sahara Hotnights actually is. Along with Andersson, drummer Josephine Forsman and sisters Jennie Asplund on guitar and Johanna Asplund on bass churn out powerful rock tracks that resound with poppy fun.
“Kiss & Tell” will reel you in. The songs are catchy, but in a smart, advanced way. This is dance music for the discriminating ear.
This album may not change your life or necessarily make Sahara Hotnights your new favorite band, but it will make you want to get up and dance.
Who says pop and rap should have that market cornered?
Corinne Knight can be reached at [email protected].
