The Concretes - WYWH

Swedish eight-piece The Concretes have been around for 15 years now - but the past few years have seen some big changes for the band. They’ve signed to a new label, front woman Victoria Bergsman (who sang on Peter Bjorn & John’s hit single ‘Young Folks’) left the band in 2006, and drummer Lisa Milberg has taken over the main vocals – with that, their sound has changed from indie pop to something a little darker and more disco.

‘WYWH’ opener ‘Good Evening’ is a chilled out yet danceable, dark electro pop track, with prominent synths and vocals - two features that are notable throughout the whole album. The Concretes haven’t turned into an average disco pop band though. Follow ups ‘My Way’, a beat-heavy lament, and mellow ballad ‘Crack In The Paint’ trickle slowly towards ‘I Wish We’d Never Met’, which stands out with its vintage sounding piano motif.

On ‘All Day’ the band returns to more danceable yet loungy and melodious pop, further enhanced on ‘What We’ve Become’, which features oddly stomping yet soft beats and could’ve been written by some eccentric 70s experimental disco collective. ‘Oh My Love’ doesn’t sound any less retro, but gone is the disco vibe on this track. A Glockenspiel tinkles in the background whilst Milberg sings softly, accompanied by guitar riffs that could be taken from any Mando Diao ballad.

With ‘Knck Knck’ and ‘Sing For Me’ The Concretes return to their loungy, soft disco pop. Whilst the former remains somewhat plain, the latter shines out with bright synth sounds and vocals. Closing track ‘WYWH’ sums up the album quite nicely. There’s a reappearance of those soft beats, subtle background sounds and plain yet fine melodies.

And whilst the album starts quite slowly, it definitely grows towards the end. It’s not a spectacular or bubbly album, but that’s perfectly fine. Its qualities are the subtle melodies and retro sound. Change successful.