Two of the best Swedish artists united in one album
Pascal – Håll om mig (live video)
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Well, I planned to write a very clever review about the Pascal/Mattias Alkberg split album called Allt det här that will be released tomorrow (Wednesday). But actually, I realize I would repeat myself: what I wrote about the latest 100% superb Pascal record remains true about the new songs they made for this album. And Mattias Alkberg is Mattias Alkberg, i.e. the godfather of the indie Swedish scene. Or maybe just the father, which is good enough.
That might be the main flaw of this split album: it features two artists at their best, but who do not reinvent themselves. However, Matti sings here in his Nerverna “old fashion” style (and I like it, especially on his song Svensk music) and Pascal is just the best Swedish band now, at least my favourite one. Therefore, this split album is a must have, just like their previous records were.
Since I do not want to leave you with only few words, I sent, separately, some questions to Mattias Alkberg and Manuela de Gouveia from Pascal. They answered me. A split interview for a split record makes sense, right?
Mattias Alkberg interview
How come you made a split record with Pascal through Novoton record? How did it happen? Did you know them before?
I like them a lot, especially their latest album. Then we met att Storsjöyran last summer and decided to do something together. It was supposed to be a split 7″ at first, but it kind of evolved. I was recording a lot of songs for my next album and couldn’t find the contextual space for the songs that ended up on the Pascal-split.
Pascal are fan of Elvis. You made a rockabilly record. Except “The King” wich other common points do you think you share with this band?
It’s funny you should ask. I played Linköping and Malmö with Pascal this last weekend, opening for them, doing an acoustic set. And I openend each show with a cover of Elvis, Baby Let’s Play House. I wrote my song Nya Nya Testamentet (featured in my record Nerverna) as a kind of tribute to Pascal. I don’t know if we have that much in common though, musically. But on a personal level we really click.
Which other Swedish artists would you like to work with?
I work with others on a fairly regular basis. Just recently I recorded a song with Scraps of Tape, called Flera meter kort (Several meters short). And I played some guitar om the new Magnus Ekelund & Stålet‘s new album Svart Flag. I’ll work with anybody.
Few words about Svensk music (=”Swedish music”), one of my favourite song of the whole record? What do the lyrics mean?
Svensk musik? Well, it’s sort of about watching bands and artists playing live, not liking it very much. People in their twenties trying to convince me of how their 1980′s angst is the real deal. Which it’s not, because I was there and I can tell the difference. It’s also very much about how I hate myself for reacting all old and bitter. In fact, that’s what the song IS about. The part about the bands playing is really just storytelling, handy-work. Something to project my bitter old feelings upon.
What are your plans for the rest of this year?
Working dayjob ’till August, then release a new record and tour it like a bat out of hell.
To conclude, it seems the “Saturday Night” or “Eternity Now” era quite far. I mean with this record and the two last Bear Quartet albums you came back to a more classic version of rock music? Am I wrong? (I bet I am 
)
Hahaha! No you’re not wrong, but you’re not right neither. There is no era to begin with. Nor was it ever one, when I/we/whoever made only basic rock music or just electronic music (that’s what you mean, right?). There were only records to be made, plain and simple. I wish I could tell you about a new Bear Quartet album. But I can’t, I just can’t.
Manuela de Gouveia from Pascal interview
How come you made a split record with Mattias Alkberg? How did it happen? Did you know him personnaly before?
We like his music and lyrics a lot, we had met but did not know him. We recorded separately.
Some of you within the band are fan of Elvis (cf your amazing cover of Tutti Frutti). Matti made a rockabilly record. Except “The King” wich other common points do you think you share with him?
I think we listen to a lot of music and I think he does too. I´m sure that we have some common points like a lot of hardrock/metal and maybe the Swedish band Onkel kånkel.
Which other Swedish artists would you like to work with?
I really don´t know…
You released this record not so long after your previous one. What are your plans for the rest of this year?
Maybe do some more songs… we are not sure what’s next…
To conclude, are you fan of the Bear Quartet? Which album do you prefer?
For me personally I really like the two last BQ albums. Like a hundread times more then their first ones. Both 89 and Monty Python are fantastic.
