Swedish quintet The Sonnets really embrace the eighties both musically and in their personal style. Having released their debut album ‘Western Harbour Blue’ – the title a nod to their hometown Malmö and Dennis Wilson’s solo album ‘Pacific Ocean Blue’ – in Japan in July, they’re now ready to take on mainland Europe and Scandinavia with the UK and North America to follow in September.

The five guys dish out sunny soul pop with a melancholic disposition inspired by acts like The Style Council, Prefab Sprout and Wham!, with highs in upbeat, string-heavy singles ‘No Hollywood Ending’ and ‘Sebastian Said’, ‘New Fire In The City’ – a piano ballad just screaming for a “lead singer walking through the city, possibly at night” video – and the laid back funky ‘Everybody’s On A High’.

Having experienced the 80s (well, consciously the latter years of the decade), there is a comforting element of recognition and a reminder of simpler times (personally speaking) throughout, and while not mind-bogglingly awesome, ‘Western Harbour Blue’ is a solid, charmingly retro pop album, that sees The Sonnets off to a very good start.

Genre: Pop
Who: The Sonnets
Album: Western Harbour Blue
Label: Despotz Records
Year: 2010
Country: Sweden
Language: English
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Recommended tracks:
No Hollywood Ending – Sebastian Said – New Fire In The City – Everybody’s On A High