Some bands change the way pop music sounds; Peter Bjorn and John are one of them. Catchy singles come and go, but few turn the three-minute format into something fresh and new. On "Young Folks" this Swedish indie rock trio rollicks in a swirl of drums, bass, bongos and synth. Even the animated video for this song is 100% original. You may just fall in love with PB&J if you go to YouTube to view it.
But Writer's Block is much more than one fantastic song. Shifting sonic textures abound. Hard-driving acoustic guitars are reminiscent of Billy Bragg ("Objects of My Affection"). Laid-back robotics take a page from Depeche Mode ("Amsterdam"). If there's any musical justice, you'll be hearing Writer's Block on the radio all year long.
