Los Angeles - Swedish indie pop troupe Urban Cone may specialize in infectious electropop, but they bring a different approach than their US counterparts. The quintet consists of Rasmus Flyckt (vocals, keyboard), Emil Gustafsson (bass), Magnus Folkö (drums), Tim Formgren (guitar) and Jacob William Sjöberg (keyboard) who all met in high school. In 2013, through Universal Music Group, Urban Cone released Our Youth—an irresistibly charming debut that allowed them to transfer some of their momentum overseas to American soil. With two years separating the releases, there is even a deeper accessible pop sound to be heard on the sophomore record, Polaroid Memories, debuting May 12th stateside. Urban Cone shares some similarities with Australian synth-poppers, The Griswolds, who they are coincidentally opening up for on their own US headlining tour in June. However, despite the similitude in tone, Urban Cone has produced a compilation of eleven synth-y and poppy pervaded tracks that are abounding with jubilance. In fact, buried underneath many of the slick sounding songs is much depth to be had. This results in strong replay value for these tracks off Polaroid Memories something that is desperately lacking in the plethora of bands honing their indie-pop penchants.

“Weekends” kicks off the record with a tropical sounding background before Urban Cone turns on the exultant synths. It’s a playful tune hinting at nostalgia. The fuzzed out synthesizers along with gleaming guitar licks will get you out of your seat and dance like crazy. “New York” is triumphant on all accounts. Lead singer Rasmus Flyckt high pitched vocals and polished delivery is incredibly appealing. He belts out the chorus, “They call it New-ew-ew, New York City,” with mighty fervor. It’s another exceedingly catchy gem from the Stockholm natives. “Come Back To Me” features fellow Swedish songstress Tove Lo and is a melodic dream. Lo’s contribution is rewarding resulting in the most satisfying song off the album. The slightly lower tempo structured song than the above-mentioned cuts balances the scales with somber lyrics and upbeat vibes. “You Build Your House Out of Cards” shows the softer, tender side of Urban Cone. They travel down a more pastoral road with this emotionally driven tune. The track triggers a How To Dress Well vibe off the record, What Is This Heart? from the start but it eventually builds it’s own distinctive drive before dropping off to the sounds of just the piano.

“Rocketman” is the highpoint off Polaroid Memories. Superbly catchy with glittery synths and faultless guitars, “Rocketman” pushes the envelope of indie-pop to its brink. The chorus touches upon a more indie rock edginess before reminding us this is clearly a dance infused pop song and there’s nothing wrong with that. The one song here that stands out entirely is “Sadness Disease.” Don’t be fooled by its name, it brings a contemporary disco-vibe that makes you almost forget about the melancholy lyrics. Urban Cone have undeniably crafted the most infectiously sounding track of the year with the bouncy “Sadness Disease.” While lyrically it dives into the realm of darkness, it is countered by an uplifting saccharine structure that could potentially be the most addicting sound heard this year thus far. “Never Gonna See You Again” eases back as the group’s closer. It features more guitars than snyths exposing how the band doesn’t want to be attached to one type of sound. After the wild ride that Polaroid Memories is, this finale feels right even if it doesn’t have the same charm as the previous ten tracks. Nonetheless, it’s an admirable effort providing the listener with a little something different to part ways with as the album reaches its thirty-seven and a half minute end. In the end, Urban Cone comes away with a deeper follow-up record to Our Youth exhibiting a more cohesive sound than originally imagined. Polaroid Memories shows the five-piece act discovering new roads for themselves as they build upon their dynamic collection of dance-infused pop.

Polaroid Memories is out on May 12^th via Universal Music Group. Check out Urban Cone website for more information about their tour with The Griswolds starting next month.

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Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.

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