JOHN ALEXANDER ERICSON ESSENTIALS OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORIES ALBUM ROSEGARDEN, UPSCENE RELEASE: FEBRUARY 22, 2005 REVIEW: MAY 31, 2005

They were a blessing when they first started, The Northern Territories. In the increasingly routine plagued Machinery Records roster the two Swedes swooshed by like a liberating breath of fresh northern air. The urban chemistry of bands like Trauma, D.N.S. and This Digital Ocean were beautifully contrasted by the 1995 debut album "Midnight Ambulance". Alexander Ericson and Stefan Sääf hit an emotional nerve previously untended with lush strings and held-back power - pure emotional creativity.
I have sung the praises of the Northern Territories on several occasions, so I will hold off exaggerated affection for now. I am not sure why this album is heaped upon the marked though, I must say, as the band never struck me as a "single" or "hit" band. Their three album classics, ranging from ambient electropop to lush indie rock, seem to be out of print, but I would prefer re-releases of those to this "Best of". This is a magnificent collection of songs, and most of the track listing contains sane choices, but tons of gems are inevitably missing.
Get this CD if you can't find their originals, or if you have never encountered the dreamlike tunes that is The Northern Territories before. You are in for a glorious treat.

NIKLAS FORSBERG