Search - A Camp :: Colonia

Dreamy melodies and distinctive vocals.

southgate | New York, N.Y. | 02/12/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

""A Camp" is a collaborative effort between two Swedish musicians: pop star and former figure skater Nina Persson, of The Cardigans fame, and Niclas Frisk, (guitarist and composer), an outdoorsman and explorer who had himself enjoyed pop stardom with his Swedish pop eccentrics Atomic Swing.

Their first LP, the eponymous "A Camp" in 2001, was awarded four Swedish Grammies and met with much critical praise abroad and Stateside.

Its follow-up, "Colonia", was recorded last year in New York - where she lives and performs with Brechtian political cabaret outfit The Citizens Band - with help from Persson's husband (soundtrack composer, formerly of influential US alternative mavericks Shudder To Think) Nathan Larson, drummer Kevin March, Joan Wasser (aka Joan As Police Woman), Swedish singer-songwriter Nikolai Dunger and former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha.

Over the years, the music and lyrics Persson has produced have grown increasingly ambitious and intellectually bold, slowly revealing a talent of quirky originality and genuine substance. "I am still the Lovefool girl", she insists.

"Colonia" is an absolute gem of smart, melodious, provocative pop Americana, and Nina eases through this collection of a dozen darkly luscious songs.

If anything, it's a better effort than their charming debut, packed full of lovely melodies, a dreamy style, clever lyrics and wondrous vocals.

The bold, elegant opening track, "The Crowning", is a gaudy, sarcastic farewell to an unnamed former world leader. It is quite a departure from the band's intimate, country inflected debut.

The guitar loops that herald the arrival of "Stronger Than Jesus", meanwhile, are melodic, folksy and classic American... with Persson hinting at the style of Sheryl Crowe vocally

"We wanted it to be more of everything," says Persson. "A little more restless, less introvert and more irritated. Grumpiness can be quite charming. It's more funthan being someone really smart and clever and politically correct", she says.

"Colonia" is a seductive album about big themes, "an exploration of colonialism, as the title implies", according to Nina's husband, Larson, and the world's cultural surrender to America.

"The music is romantic but lyric-wise we wanted to take away the romantic fog and just look at human instincts", says Frisk.

If anything, it's a better effort than their charming debut, packed full of lovely melodies, a dreamy style, clever lyrics and wondrous vocals.

And Nina eases brilliantly through this collection of a dozen darkly luscious songs.

My highlights: "Stronger Than Jesus", "Love Has Left The Room", " My America", "The Weed Got Here First", "Stronger Than Jesus" and, back to the swinging '60s mode, the upbeat "Here Are Many Wild Animals".

Warmly recommended.

A Camp

To Survive"

One of the best albums of 2009 by far

Duane Moody | Atlanta, GA | 06/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a long time fan of the Cardigans, I found out about A Camp a while ago, and fell deeply in love with their self titled debut after discovering it. Imagine my delight and supreme surprise that A Camp announced they would release a new album early in 2009; my excitement was palpable. Needless to say, I had very, very high hopes.



The best part, is that they totally delivered. Nina Persson is one of the best song writers, and definitely one of the most consistently beautiful singers of her time. Nina's vocals are that of the angels, and on this album, she continues to prove to me why she is one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters.



It is no surprise that many people will never hear about this amazing band, because that seems to be the way it goes with amazing talent. However, if you are one of the lucky ones, you will recognize true talent when you hear it. That talent is A Camp, and they have released an AMAZING sophomore album with Colonia. Do yourself a favor and fall in love with the sweet sounds of A Camp!!!"

Better and Better

Elaine L. Larson | New York, NY | 06/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A Camp has really hit it--lilting and beautiful melodies, dark and sophisticated lyrics. This is not to be missed! I find the songs running over and over in my mind and each time I listen it takes on new meanings and depth."