This boy-girl duo first started playing music together in 2006 when Anna Roxenholt joined Karl Krook’s reggae band. However, it wasn’t until they both confessed a strong love for pop that New Found Land came into existence, and this year they’ve released their full length debut album with the rather despondent title ‘We All Die’.

Not a bad idea, it turns out. Through nine, predominantly acoustic hymns (upbeat and excellent handclap blues ‘Come To Me’ and somewhat misplaced, but radio friendly ‘Leave It Behind’ the only exceptions), Krook and Roxenholt delight with happy-sad indiepop and a great feel for detail in the elegant use of folk and country, a few synthesized beats, piano, vibraphone, yearning saxophone and other sounds.

Apart from this and the recommended tracks below another remarkable feat of ‘We All Die’ lie in the synergy – or clash, if you like – between Anna Roxenholt’s distinct and expressive vocal and Karl Krook’s dry, untrained and slightly insecure ditto, adding a moving fragility and closeness to their songs.

Even though the title’s inevitable fact of life suggests doom and gloom, it’s not all profound hopelessness. Yes, New Found Land are thoroughly melancholic, often describing the not so great parts of human interaction in the lyrics. But, their music is also beautiful, carrying with it a reminder to make the best of it and not take it so seriously. All the time, anyway.

Genre: Indiepop
Who: New Found Land
Album: We All Die
Label: Fixe Records/Border Music
Year: 2009
Country: Sweden
Language: English
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Recommended tracks:
It Would Mean The World To Me – Rooftops – Come To Me – By Your Side – All The Nights