THE LEGENDS FACTS AND FIGURES ALBUM LABRADOR RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 13, 2006 REVIEW: OCTOBER 31, 2006

The continuous transformation of The Legends has reached yet another stage. "Facts and Figures" packs on even more electronic weaponry than its whimsy predecessor "Public Radio" did, not to mention the eye-squinting contrast to their punkish debut.

More or less expecting another one of those "I can't decide on a sound so I'll throw in some guitar as well"-type records, the radiating electro emotion of this album is this year's biggest surprise for me. "Play It for Today", the first single taster, did rotate quite heavily on national Swedish radio and TV, but it does not reveal the greatness about to be fulfilled on the blossoming full length venture.

"Heart", the fruitful marriage of Kraftwerkian precision and Rex the Dog-like playfulness, is accompanied by more mindful, atmospheric songs, highlighted through the brittle layers of "Closer". Add to that some bumpy pop gems, most of which avoid the danger of short expiration dates, and you have got yourself a quirky little synthpoppish caramel, tasting bitter as well as sweet.

NIKLAS FORSBERG