Komeda - What Makes It Go?
Comments: Happy music. Joyful happy music.
Artist: Komeda
Rating: LOVE
Genres: Art Pop,  Indie Pop Space Age Pop
Released: 1998
Type: Album
Label: NONS Records
Link: Spotify
In Lists:
Komeda are a Swedish quartet who give us quirky, danceable ditties with memorable melodies. Funky electronics, basslines, and mesmerizing rhythms roll along by playing off one another. There exists a '60s flair with added horns, analog synths, and acoustic guitars that pound out rhythms. Maybe, a Stereolab reference could by placed with the synth/drums set up. Strings on every song are used to give the fun a twinge of sadness, a wonderful element. The vocals of Lena Karlsson are a deserving focus in the mix of What Makes It Go? Her phrasing and accenting make the words flow in these songs. She is a sassy singer that sounds like an old blues/Dixieland singer set in the rock world. "Curious" seems to be the single, with a '60s Muzak feel highlighted by Stevie Wonder-sounding horns and organs. There is a nice flowing chorus chanting of the wonders of human nature. "Flabbergast" moves along playing with key, sounding a bit like the Cure. In parts, it sounds as if the Casio demonstration has stepped in alongside the amazing vocals of Karlsson. The chorus busts out of nowhere to step the song up levels. The lyrics are step-by-step directions for living. A nice outro of drone bells and strings create a dramatic effect. Komeda always seem to keep the feeling light and fun. You cannot help smiling and nodding your head to What Makes It Go? ~Francis Arres via allmusic
Editions:
1998 Original Release
NONS Records | NONSCD 65 | CD
01. Binario (3:32)
02. It's Alright, Baby (2:52)
  03. Curious (3:35)
04. Cul De Sac (4:44)
  05. Living Things (1:31)
06. Flabbergast (4:33)
  07. Campfire (1:45)
08. Happyment (2:46)
  09. Our Hospitality (2:42)
10. Focus (3:38)
11. A Simple Formality (5:28)