Peter, Bjorn, and John CD Review: "Living Thing"
The Eclectic Swedish Lo-Fi Trio's Fifth Studio Released Album
Apr 10, 2009
Peter, Bjorn, and John are an alternative/indie rock band that first formed in Stockholm, Sweden during the late 1990’s. The Swedish band’s unique name derived from the first names of the group’s core members: Peter Moren, Bjorn Yttling, and John Erikson.
The eclectic band’s popularity remained in the underground music scene for most of their career until the release of their third album, “Writers Block” on February 6, 2007. The album’s hugely popular first single “Young Folks”, which featured guest vocals from fellow Swedish rocker, Victoria Bergsman, catapulted the unique otherwise underground band, into a mainstream success.
Ever since the release of “Writers Block”, Peter, Bjorn, and John have yet to recreate the success of their 2007 album. Even though the band’s 2008 follow up album, “Seaside Rock”, debuted to positive critical review, the album failed to release a single that matched the mega-hit success of “Young Folks” in 2007.
On March 31, 2009 Peter, Bjorn, and John released their fifth full-length studio album “Living Thing”. However, the question remains; Will the band be able to recreate their 2007 success with their latest album?
Here is a review of Peter, Bjorn, and John’s latest album “Living Thing”:
“Living Thing” Album Review and Information
Peter, Bjorn, and John’s latest album “Living Thing” was released on March 31, 2009 by the band’s record label, Wichita Records.
The Swedish Trio stays true to their unique musical style on their fifth album. Each of the 12 tracks featured on “Living Thing” encompasses Peter, Bjorn, and John’s trademark sound of heavy drumbeats, harmonic vocals, and rhythmic hand clapping elements.
The album’s overall sound seems to be stuck somewhere in between the band’s 2008 album release and their 2007 hit. “Living Thing” contains a mediocre blend of eccentric and sullen tones that are similar to that of “Seaside Rock”, while still encompassing the same catchy drum rhythms, repetitive lyrics, and overall pop appeal as “Writers Block”.
Noteworthy Tracks
Even though Peter, Bjorn, and John were unable to match the success of their 2007 album with their new release, there were still a few standout tracks on the eclectic trio’s latest album.
“Nothing to Worry About”
The very first single released off of the band’s new album, “Living Thing”, entitled “Nothing to Worry About” is hands-down by far one of the best tracks within the album’s unique compilation. The song’s catchy introduction and chorus rhythms contain an enthralling combination of childlike chants, Bjorn Yttling’s vocals, and pounding tribal drumbeats.
“4 out of 5”
“4 out of 5” is another exceptional track off the Swedish rocker trio’s latest album. The song’s trance-like rhythm along with its methodic drumbeats and soothing vocals, help to make it a captivating and calming listen.
Even though the album “Living Thing” did not quite hit the mark that was made by Peter, Bjorn, and John’s previous widely successful 2007 album “Writers Block”; the album’s mix of slow, methodic tracks and catchy drum rhythms, helps to rate it a 6 out of 10.
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