The Concretes
Victoria Bergsman
Vocals
Maria Eriksson
Guitar
Martin Hansson
Bass
Lisa Milberg
Drums
Ulrik Karlsson
Piano
Daniel Värjö
Guitar
Per Nyström
Organ
Ludvig Rylander
Horns
Formed: 1995
Location: Sweden
Genre: Indie Pop, Chamber Pop
Years Active: 1995 -
Meaning of the Name:
Way of Working: Initially led by Victoria Bergsman, now collaborative.
Associated: Taken By Trees (Victoria Bergsman solo project)
Labels: Licking Fingers, Astralwerks
Location: Sweden
Genre: Indie Pop, Chamber Pop
Years Active: 1995 -
Meaning of the Name:
Way of Working: Initially led by Victoria Bergsman, now collaborative.
Associated: Taken By Trees (Victoria Bergsman solo project)
Labels: Licking Fingers, Astralwerks
Essential Releases
The Concretes
EP (1998)
Also known as Limited Edition. An early release full of girl-group melodies and rich instrumentation.
The Concretes (2003)
Debut album. A luxurious, orchestral jaunt through indie pop.
Formed in 1995 by three like-minded members, the group swelled to eight before releasing their self-titled debut album in 2003. Accentuating Victoria Bergsman's fragile vocals is beautiful, heart-aching orchestral music; the instrumentation is lush, the sentiments maudlin. Its layered textures have emotional swells and quieter sections that provide the space necessary for the vocals to thrive.
In any group with so many members, the songs become a negotiation about space and how to fill it, with what, and when. Not everyone can play at the same time because a band isn't a traditional orchestra, and the reason why boils down to vocals. The human voice conveys emotion better than any other instrument, making it the focal point of almost every major song in the last hundred years. But it can easily be drowned out.
Most bands are five people or fewer, not only because it keeps costs down, but, because it allows the voice room to breathe. The Concretes carefully take the opposite approach, walking a dangerous tightrope that promises riches by the end. They sometimes tour with over ten accompanying musicians, appearing like a small village playing on a crowded stage, and many of them take part in the band's complex harmonies.
It comes as no surprise, then, that it took the band eight years to make an album, although they did release several EPs in the interim (such as the cult-favourite Limited Edition). I, for one, am glad they took their time.
Most music doesn't sound like this: the logistics are too difficult, the risks too great, and the results too muddied by compromise. But when such a project is handled correctly, it provides the listener with an enriching experience to nurture the soul. The self-titled debut album from The Concretes is certainly that, while also being an exercise in the effortless cool that comes from doing things your own way.
Skills
*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.Emotional Impact
75
Mental Impact
55
Originality
60
Artistry
65
Authenticity
80
Live
80
Production
85
Musicianship
80
Singing
75
Songwriting
75
Danceability
60
Fun
60
Consistency
70
Range
55
Cool
75
Charisma
45
