Peter, Bjorn and John

‘Seaside Rock’

(Wichita)

So there was a Saxophonist, a grandfather, and a hairdresser – not the start to a bad joke but the people behind the only voices you’ll hear on Peter, Bjorn & John’s latest. After the whistling-pop phenomenon of their debut, the trio further prove their bonkers credentials with this part spoken-word, part-instrumental soundtrack to “the lonely childhood of northern
Scandinavia” which features “three monologues about some sort of seaside.” ‘Inland Empire’ builds to a cacophony like a box of cymbals being dropped down a spiral staircase, ‘Next Stop Bjursele’ sounds like two train attendants catching up for lunch on the platform and ‘School Of Kraut’ could be a steel pan krautrock-playing orchestra accompanying The Strokes. If the best bands are those who defy expectation, Peter Bjorn & John are operating at the top of their game.

Lisa Durrant