MELODY CLUB MUSIC MACHINE ALBUM VIRGIN RELEASE: DECEMBER 26, 2002 REVIEW: DECEMBER 30, 2002

When the Swedish pop newcomers Melody Club debut single "Palace Station" crashed into the Swedish mainstream this past summer, I instinctively thought it would be a one hit wonder kind-of-thing. After all, its most predominant feature was playful, retro styled synths and a care free attitude. It was literally played, and critically praised for that matter, everywhere for months on end.
After a session of silence and never-ending touring, the follow-up single "Electric" was announced. I fell completely and madly in love with this little piece of vibrant energy. Electronics are tastefully present in the verses, before the raging, guitar driven chorus kicks in.
Choruses, generally, are what Melody Club are about. All songs on "Music Machine" are fairly short and to the point. Most of them have insanely addictive melodies, and, like recently noted, choruses. It's interesting to see the big Swedish newspapers calling this synthpop. It is, to a certain extent, but with heavy emphasis on pop. In the long run, while Melody Club are still intriguing and much better than for instance fellow "hypée" The Sounds, the album sags just a tad.
"Music Machine" is in a way like a small pastry shop. You come in, smell the sweetness and know right away just have to have some. All the while you know, and don't really care, that too much cake is not good for you.

NIKLAS FORSBERG