Swedish pop pros A Camp make a chipper debut alongside an all-star supporting cast with Colonia.
A Camp, the trio composed of the Cardigans songstress Nina Persson, Nathan Larson (Persson’s husband and ex–Shudder to Think guitarist), and Niclas Frisk (Atomic Swing), follows its self-titled debut with Colonia. Lighthearted, whimsical, and featuring both orchestral composition and music-box delicacy, the album shines with the presence of several American indie-rock talents. Guest appearances include James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), Kevin March (Dambuilders, Guided by Voices), Joan Wasser (Joan as Police Woman), and Mark Linkous (Sparklehorse). “The Crowning” and “Stronger than Jesus” both carry a straight pop sound, while “Here Are Many Wild Animals” and “My America” have an Americana-meets–doo-wop vibe. The album has darker moments, too—Persson’s butterscotch vocals pour over a brooding orchestral interlude in “It’s Not Easy to Be Human Anymore,” as she begs that her sorrowful lyrics be heard. With songs this sweet, we’re all ears.
