BRODER DANIEL CRUEL TOWN ALBUM DOLORES, VIRGIN RELEASE: OCTOBER 15, 2003 REVIEW: OCTOBER 17, 2003

"Cruel Town" is perhaps the most eagerly awaited album this year, by the hordes of angst-ridden teenage boys and girls in Sweden. The fame of Broder Daniel exploded after three of their songs were included on the soundtrack to the movie "Fucking Åmål". But that was some time ago, and the last real album is five years old.
Was this worth the wait? Well, yes. If you like songs with the drums of a marching orchestra, simple, repetitive guitar licks, a singer who is out of key half of the time singing lyrics mainly about frustration - definitely.
Henrik Berggren actually has improved his singing a lot, which makes this record bearable even for those of you who didn’t like his efforts on "Broder Daniel Forever". The songs are also better than ever and performed by a much more matured and skilled group. So - this is almost the perfect indie rock record. Almost.
After a brilliant start with fabulous song trio "Cruel Town", "Shoreline" and single "When We Were Winning" one has almost had enough of burning hearts, cold cities and angst about not realising one’s full potential. And it doesn’t end there. Song after song on "Cruel Town" explores the same themes. Well executed? Yes. Boring in the end? Hell, yes! Variation is the key word here. Something "Cruel Town" is missing.
If it hadn't, even I would have been transformed to an angst-ridden teenage boy screaming "Broder Daniel!". Now I just clench my fist in my pocket and whisper it. And play the three first songs again. And again.

KALLE MALMSTEDT