Verse Chorus Verse

While other Swedish bands of the mid-to-late '90s sing light, '60s-influenced pop, Blithe is clearly influenced by bands from the American independent guitar rock scene like the Pixies, Superchunk, and Sebadoh. In fact, on Verse Chorus Verse, Blithe come off as what the Pixies might have sounded like if Lou Barlow had become the lead singer after Black Francis left the band. Verse Chorus Verse balances bass-driven, melodic alternative rock songs ("I Guess Yes," "Allegiance"), punk rave-ups ("Hardliner," "Hell of Man"), and introspective, semi-acoustic ballads ("Spring Clean," the beautifully touching "Losefer"). Emil Odling's songwriting on this album has blossomed, as the songs are catchy and creative, and the lyrics evoke complex feelings with a few short lines. Verse Chorus Verse is an unexpected treasure with nary a weak song to be found.