The Charade: A Real Life Drama

Writing the unofficial theme for Sweden’s team at the World Cup didn’t have its desired effect. But The Charade hasn’t stopped thankfully. The Swedish trio sound like a tamer version of The Concretes on songs such as “My Song to You” that has singer Ingela Matsson shining between “ba ba da ba da bas”. Fans of The Perishers would also enjoy some songs, especially the light but infectious pop of “A Tough Decision” and the somber “Dressed in Yellow & Blue” that brings The Delgados to mind. The first true highlight has to be the airy, dreamy “September” that seems to float from start to finish. Just as fine is “Music Makes Me Sick”, a possible complement to The Las classic “There She Goes”. From there, things take a step up with the precious ear candy nugget “Stockholm July 2005” that conjures up images of a refined Pulp. At times Matsson has a cute pop style during “Rain on Your Parade” being a cross between ’60s pop and The Carpenters. “Faith” wraps it all up into one delectable retro-pop package.