AMG Review of Summer Songs

Stephen Cramer
All Music Guide

Swedish pop duo Club 8 unleashed this five-song EP in 2002, setting the high-water mark yet again for dreamy indie pop. Karolina Komstedt's lush vocals on the opening track, "Things We Share," is offset by Johan Angergard's wistful guitar and synthesizer work. His instrumental precision continues on "Mornings," an acoustic-based ballad featuring Komstedt's thoughtful and delightful crooning. Her narrative eloquently illustrates a peaceful morning, as Angergard delicately picks at his acoustic guitar. The band's lighthearted twee pop continues on "You and Me," which includes a duet between the couple, as well as carefree whistling and casual guitar and maracas. The EP closes out with water sounds and impressively orchestrated guitar on "Sounds From the Gulf Stream." Again, the band balances joyous and upbeat melodies on some tracks with toned-down and immaculate instrumentation on others.