Azure Blue – Whatever ’18

097 sleeve

Sweden’s Azure Blue returns to the new release shelf with a stunning six-track EP (matinée 097) featuring the sophisticated synth pop and lyrical acumen of Tobias Isaksson and ace contributions from popular Swedish artists Cesar Vidal, The Land Below, Peter Moren, Charly A, and Bo.

Lead track ‘Whatever ’18’ is the first single from the forthcoming new album ‘Fast Falls The Eventide’ due in June. It is top shelf electronic indie about choosing the right things to ignore and an absolute earworm to feature on teenage rebellion playlists.

The EP features five additional tracks that will not appear on the new album, including popular songs from European releases for the first time in North and South America with exclusive bonuses from digital singles and cover versions. ‘Every Ending Story’ is smooth synth pop that suggests Isaksson has more than a few New Order and OMD records in his collection, while ‘Reflections of Light’ is a classic three-minute pop song with refined synths and orchestral flourishes, and ‘Tragedy and Changes’ sets the loud loutish lovers from The Smiths classic ‘I Know It’s Over’ to an electronic beat.

The EP ends with two superb cover versions of songs from the 1990s. ‘Justice’ is the final track from the debut solo album by Robert Forster of The Go-Betweens, and Azure Blue takes the song to another place and another decade altogether. Final track ‘747’ is exclusive to this EP and is a hypnotic electro-pop version of an song originally recorded by popular Swedish band Kent. Azure Blue reworks the song into a massive club hit to end the EP on another high note.

A very welcome return for Azure Blue, ‘Whatever ’18’ is prime Swedish electronic indie pop and an unconditional score for the Matinée discography. The EP is officially released April 27, but you can order it RIGHT NOW exclusively from the Matinée shop for immediate shipment. Have a listen to ‘Whatever ’18’ and ‘Reflections of Light’ on our Soundcloud!