Gone Future might not be a huge name outside Sweden yet, but the line-up already tells you plenty: the quartet brings together musicians who have played in Dolores Haze, Mando Diao and Dead Vibrations. Something Else is only their second single since signing to PNKSLM Recordings, but they already sound like a band worth paying attention to.
The first thing that gets you is the tempo. The drums lock into an almost mechanical pattern, while the bass keeps pushing the groove with this slightly sensual, slightly threatening feel. It starts in post-punk territory, but quickly opens up into psych rock and electronics, with synths, loops, filters and small digital touches that give it a very ’90s feel.
And yes, that ’90s influence is definitely there. The mix of alternative rock, post-punk and industrial pop brings Garbage to mind pretty quickly, especially in the way guitars and electronics sit together. Nicki Dar’s voice is a big part of the appeal too: relaxed, defiant and almost dream-pop, floating over something much darker underneath. There’s also a real Toni Halliday-in-Curve feel to her delivery: cool, sensual and just a little detached.
The lyrics follow a night that keeps moving while the protagonist never really gets anywhere. It starts at 10:30, and two hours later she’s still caught in the same spiral: going out, spending money, seeing people, second-guessing who to call and telling herself she’s fine when everything suggests otherwise. Neither money nor company can fill that unnamed “something else”. That says pretty much everything.
Something Else makes you want to dance, but never quite lets you relax. Two singles in, Gone Future have already shown us plenty. I want to hear more.
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