PARIS SECRETS ON TAPE ALBUM V2 RELEASE: OCTOBER 5, 2005 REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 20, 2005

Paris might more aptly be called "London". The group has that peculiar Swedish ability to absorb the musical essence of Anglo-Saxon culture and present its own, slightly processed version that actually sounds more British/American than the original. Mix the common traits of a number of stylish female fronted British pop bands of the last ten years, let's say Ladytron, Elastica and Dubstar, according to taste; stir them briskly and set aside to cool. Serve Paris immediately to avoid having the aromas of individual ingredients emerge too clearly.

There is no denying Paris' ability to come up with catchy choruses in songs like "Captain Morgan" and "In the Summer", where the pleasant vocal harmonies of songwriters and singers Annika Mellin and Emma Nylén are soothing to the ear. But beyond that there is nothing much here to keep you occupied. The surface of this electronically spiced indie pop album is polished enough to show your reflection in it, making the music quite forgettable.

MATTIAS HUSS