MR JONES MACHINE MONOKROM ALBUM PROGESS PRODUCTIONS RELEASE: MARCH 30, 2011 REVIEW: MARCH 29 2011

Almost four years in the making, the new Mr Jones Machine album "Monokrom" has been eagerly anticipated as their last effort "Återvändsgränd" was one of the best Swedish synthpop albums released.

Magnus Lindström and the Ollila brothers have opted for a new overall sound this time, pressing on towards becoming even more evolved. Acoustic drums, bass and guitar find their place in some of the tracks, decorating them with a universal accessible flair that might just push the band into the mainstream. The solid song writing remains palpably intact.

The release of the limited 7" single "De månbleka tingen" (also the album opener) marks another first for the Swedish synthpop trio. A duet with eighties pop icon Susie Päivärinta (of Lili & Susie) in a fateful dance bomb, equipped both with darkness and catchy melodies. The rest of "Monokrom" has the same aura of gloom and happiness alike, giving the tracks life and vibrancy. The EBM tinged "Vit Citroën" and the mellow ballad "Rännstensparad" show the variation limits of the Mr Jones Machine spectrum of 2011. Slightly less pure synthpop and a bit more new romantic.

As per usual with the Progress Productions releases, this one also comes in a limited 2CD edition, with demos and remixes. I have not yet heard the bonus disc, but judging form the brilliance of "Monokrom" I believe it will be a pleasant experience.

NIKLAS FORSBERG