Steel Island - Chiildren / Teenage Director

Whenever you think of Scandinavian music you immediately think of fantastic melodic pop; whether it is the power pop of the Wannadies or the pure electro pop of Robyn, melody is always the common theme. Well, Sweden’s Steel Island are an entirely different proposition. Taking their cue from the big expansive rock sound of Arcade Fire, they make a right royal uncompromising racket.

‘Chiildren’ is their second single and it is a faintly preposterous mix of ragged guitars and portentous synths. The bass is a perfect replica of peak-era New Order and, while the guitars are sufficiently powerful, the track’s power is somewhat hamstrung by the inclusion of what sounds like a ridiculous harmonica solo right in the middle. The scratchy and whiny vocals are also very much an acquired taste. Far more appealing is the rather more understated b-side, ‘Teenage Director’ - its plaintive lilt is really quite pretty.

‘Chiildren’ may be an unfocused, messy, ragged single but, nevertheless, you do still get the impression that if Steel Island could distil their sound and curb their more overblown tendencies there is a competent rock band yearning to get out.