Here is a U.K. band with a Swedish name and a sound that, to my ears, has both American (Kylesa) and Japanese (Envy) influences, providing a truly international experience and one done extremely well. Svalbard cover the light and shade area of music, being able to combine a thunderous and thick—yet far from impenetrable—sound with moments that seem almost fragile in comparison. I’ve been playing this over and over and “Pick Up the Pieces” is a firm favorite with its galloping pace, nicely interspersed with moments of glorious chiming guitars.
–Rich Cocksedge (Self-released)