SOMBRE VIEW I WANT TO SEE THE WORLD GO UNDER ALBUM LIFE IS PAINFUL RELEASE: OCTOBER 15, 2001 REVIEW: OCTOBER 30, 2001

I have always been a sucker for melancholic pop, and that's why I'm so happy to hear this second album by Swedish Sombre View. It's full of little gems like "Jericho" and "Stay" to name but a few.
Over the moody tunes lies Mattias great sensitive voice, which together with violins and synthesizers makes way for a great listen. There is a good mixture of faster and slower numbers, and pretty good variation throughout. Sombre View have updated the sound quite a bit since the debut album, with almost break beat-like rhythms and a modern sound.
Some tracks on the album unfortunately feel like fillers, which is why the rating is what it is. Don't be fooled though, this is a very good album, and the song "Stay" is one of the best pop songs this year.

JOHAN CARLSSON