ELIASSON HUR BLEV DET SÅ HÄR? ALBUM SUBSPACE COMMUNICATIONS RELEASE: MARCH 28, 2007 REVIEW: APRIL 20, 2007

Like countless others before him, Anders Eliasson has returned to his musical roots after Lambretta's close-down, making the album he has probably had in him for many years. It is a shame it took him so long to release his personal electronic pop thoughts, because it sounds almost frighteningly vital for a man who has just begun his fifth decade.

Eliasson's involvement in legendary Swedish pop wonder Page has gained him some notoriety within the synthpop community. "Hur blev det så här?" will substantially build on that foundation of credibility. In fact, Eliasson wrote one of my personal favourite Page songs; the dreamy "Liv" (only released in a terribly sounding demo version on the limited "Lost Tapes" CD, unfortunately). This debut album holds pop laced electro from start to finish, showcasing Eliasson's fantastic sense of melody and song carpentry. The sound might be irresistibly fun-loving, but the (Swedish) lyrics paint a darker picture. Abandonment, unfulfilled promises and general frustration are main themes on an album full of hooks and fast paced synthpop sugar, making it an interesting electronic paradox.

Page fans will know that their most renowned classic "Dansande man" was released in 1983. "Hur blev det så här?" is in many ways a natural continuation of that sound (and I mean that in a positive sense!). Somewhat rougher and more contemporary, of course, but still. Whatever happened to the 24 years in between?

NIKLAS FORSBERG