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Sweet Teeth

High Anxiety

Written by: PP on 22/12/2022 22:21:10

"I just gotta get this song off my chest", roars vocalist Andreas Axelson on "Against The Wind", underscoring why Sweet Teeth are exactly the kind of band Scandinavia has been missing over the years. Man, these guys just love playing music, and it oozes from every riff and gravelly vocal on their sophomore album "High Anxiety". It's a great example of feel-good alternative rock, where buzzing, treble-charged distortion combines gruff vocals into irresistibly cheerful melodies. It's a sense of warmth that comes from the simple fact that they've left the edges unpolished to allow for a raw, high-energy soundscape to fully flourish throughout.

Sweet Teeth open the album by referencing old-school Foo Fighters on the title track, a catchy, raw anthem that gives off a vibrant, anthemic ambiance. "Too Good" is exactly this type of track as well, where buzzing distortion ensures an infectious 90s soundscape that's difficult to deny. Or what about "October", a flurry of electrifying melody that draws parallels to the best Dinosaur Jr, Hüsker Dü, and even Beach Slang material. And if you can't enjoy the living-your-best-life vibes of "Love Panic" and its roaring melodies, well, do you even like music?

"Don't Be Afraid" features female vocals throughout. It is something the band should explore more, as her vocals are airier and softly sung, thus showcasing a slightly different version of the same expression that adds variety to the record. "The Lesser The Hope" is also a faster and slightly heavier piece, drawing parallels to Hot Water Music in places.

The majority of the record is spent exploring bright alternative rock with punk undertones. Fuzzy melodies and an overall cheerful expression make the songs so likable from the first listen onward. If there's one thing they're missing though, it is one or two killer hit singles that would put them on the map big time. For now, it's a solid example of what a buzzing vibe does to your soundscape.

Download: High Anxiety, Against The Wind, October, Too Good, Wasted,
For the fans of: Dinosaur Jr, Foo Fighters, Hüsker Dü, Beach Slang, Hot Water Music, Bob Mould
Listen: Facebook

Release date 14.10.2022
Lövely Records