My initial judgment of the sound of "4" was that this trend is going to continue, because this album is strikingly... weak. I know Lillasyster as a heavy band that may not take themselves (or anyone else) seriously, so they just blabber on with a comedic spark in their eyes. The guys are great entertainers for sure, but they seem to be running out of musical ideas, because the heavy sound is heavily muted. However, after a few listens, I started to enjoy it more and more, however I do feel like the production is not as dynamic as it should have been.
The groove is what drives the band forward, and there is some of it here, but not nearly enough. At least the album starts off on a positive note on "Ej Till Dig" (not to you), with some groovy riffs, cool drums, and some typical Martin Westerstrand singing (sort of like half spoken word, half gibberish). We also have "Tussilago" (coltsfoot) that could just as well be a Korn song, with its groovy, but psychedelic riffs and its epic chorus. It is also a very fitting song for this time, since it is about Spring and all its glory.
One thing that has not changed too much since the last album is the lyrics. As per usual, Lillasyster delivers humorous lyrics that are either a straight up punch to the face or just pure satire. I especially like "Städer I Brand" (cities on fire) that criticize how we handle the ongoing refugee crisis. We also have the more easy subjects, like drinking in "Skål" (cheers), or pure hate in "Vi Kommer Alltid Hata Dina Barn" (we will always hate your kids). So even if the band has toned down their heavy attitude in the musical department, they show once again that they are a force to be reckon with when it comes to the lyrics.
Frankly, the one thing that I am most relieved over about "4" is that it does not contain any covers of female sung pop songs, which is a thing the band has mostly become famous for after the covers of Rihanna's "Umbrella" and Katy Perry's "Roar" (good covers, but the attention for them has gone too far). They still get some air time with their original stuff here in Sweden with "Krossat Glas" (shattered glass), but personally, I think this is one of the weaker tracks of the album, mostly because it just feels like normal soft radio rock, and nothing else.
"4" is ultimately a grower, which is extremely surprising since a typical Lillasyster album usually sits instantly to one. One could say that the band has matured over the 4 year span that has gone since "3", but the lyrics says otherwise, and I am glad it does, because it just would not be a Lillasyster album with quirky lyrics. I still feel like the musical parts of the album are a little lack luster, but it does work to some degree. It will certainly be interesting to see what these guys have in store for us when they release "5".
Songs worthy of recognition: Tussilago, Skål, Städer I Brand
Rating: 6,5/10 Trappramlare
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