Sweden’s poptronica pioneers are back with an EP inspired by the sounds of Synth Britannia.
Om ett tag [EN: In a While] is the result of Eddie Bengtsson revisiting the DIY culture of the 1970s. Don’t expect it to draw on the menace of “TVOD” or the surrealism of “Being Boiled” – this is still very much a Page release – but the “anything is possible” spirit and youthful energy of the times are impressed into every note.
The title track is a playful love song to the synthesiser. Built around a set of simple loops and sounds that resonate with the minimalism of OMD and ODW, it builds into a lush, Moog-infused cocktail. The lyrics suggest that Bengtsson isn’t ready to lay down his keyboards just yet. With a new Page album slated for the opening of the next school year, that sounds like good news.
The tones of “För du är rädd (Biomekkanik Redux)” [EN: “Because You Are Afraid”] should be familiar from the current album, En ny väg [EN: A New Wave]. The track has been given an Ultavox-inspired makeover by Christer Hermodsson. The former Spark! vocalist has amped up the energy and added guitar sounds to befuddle the purists.
“Är du kvar?” [EN: “Are You Still There?”] finds Bengtsson in full 1980 Top of the Pops mode. In a Venn diagram, classic Page has areas that intersect with Ron Mael’s writing and Slade’s endearing innocence. Add a dose of jollity, and you get the duo broadcasting across all of the unused AM bands at the same time.
“Mitt i City” [EN: “The Middle of the City”] has some of that touch, as well – bringing in handclaps and swells to lend a more anthemic quality. The resonance and filters are opened up to good effect.
The EP also includes a cover by another Swedish outfit. Obsession of Time appear with “Scared Now” – an English version of “För du är rädd.” It’s closer to an 80s synthpop take, with Italo inflections, which only adds to the fun. At the end of the day, Page are one of Sweden’s finest writers of party songs, and this take keeps the energy up well past closing time.