Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block

Peter Bjorn and John
Writer’s Block
V2/Almost Gold Recordings
Grade: A-/A

The whispering campaign that helped start these Swedes off in the U.S. and crest to screaming wave of praise is totally deserved. The trio of Peter Moren, Bjorn Yttling, and John Eriksson offer superbly crafted indie pop songs that could have originated in any of the past four decades – and they do a bunch of whistling! With an excellent skill set that is used to master simple pop songs instantly grab your attention with the busily working guitars on “Objects of My Affection,” the simple drum beat and whistling to “Young Folks” where Moren trades vocals with Victoria Bergsman (the Concretes), the hypnotic, repetitive feel of “Amsterdam,” the pop of “Paris 2004,” and the bass-driven, island-flavored “Let’s Call It Off.” The American version of Writer’s Block also includes a six-song bonus disc with new material from “Ancient Curse,” the acoustic rambler “Self-Pity,” and the self-explanatory “Sitar Folks.” You don’t need me to tell you Peter Bjorn and John are awesome – just know it.