Posted: 02/28/07

Peter Bjorn and John
Writer's Block

Patrick Smith | contributing writer
psmith4@smcvt.edu

More and more, it is becoming clear that the followers of the indie scene have a confrontation on their hands, and need to make some acceptances. Other people, even in the mainstream, can appreciate good music. The OC may be over, but Grey’s Anatomy has taken its place in putting music on television that normally would not be associated with the wider audience. The Swedish trio Peter Bjorn and John made this all the more apparent as the use of their song “Young Folks” fairly coincided with the American release of their second album Writer’s Block.

The catchy single turns out to be an easy introduction to an accessible yet diverse album. The album opens with a few seconds of ambient noise, the track being called “Writer’s Block,” and can be a little disheartening, like a statement of sorts on what writer’s block is. Then it becomes clear that the word for this album is endearing, and the opening is in fact, working. The guitars and drums start the next track with a quick, marching beat, loud and proclaiming. When the vocals start, the guitar fades off, and already the album is off to an enjoyable start. The already mentioned “Young Folks” doesn’t let anything slip, with its whistling, back and forth singing between Peter and guest vocalist Victoria Bergsman.

On “Amsterdam” they begin to show that they can change things up a little and still be as good. Bjorn takes over vocals and the track is slower and heavier. His deeper voice fits perfectly, revealing that they have a clear knowledge of what works best where. Nothing is lost; every song doesn’t have to be a “Young Folks.” Throughout the album, all three take turns on vocals, even though mostly Peter sings. The trio comes off as strongly collaborative and this is part of their charm and talent.

The songs are as long as they need to be, most are in the three to four minute range, while one is a brief two minutes and another is seven. Both of these songs fit their lengths nicely, as there is no unfortunate condensing of boring extension. Regardless of its length, “Up Against the Wall” is one of the better songs. The second to last track is also extended, almost wearing, possibly going on too long, then it ends. It is the perfect set up for the final track, the most bare, stripped down song of them all. Placing the two tracks where they are strengthens them both. The album is crafted, for length, for song placement, it works well as a whole. This type of quality is an argument against downloading singles, or a catchy song or two.

Most importantly for them, the succeed in being endearing, in being enjoyable, in being believed. There is some innocence to Peter Bjorn and John, they want you to smile while listening to this, they do after all, start a track with whistling. The lyrics go places that could easily be too sappy to work in any way, but they are sincere and enjoy themselves, so we do the same. One of the stand-out tracks is a love song involving Paris, and there is nothing painfully cheesy about it, an accomplishment worth noting. They follow this with a break up song that isn’t depressing, isn’t self-pitying or angry. Its refreshing, and suits them.

The U.S. release comes with a bonus disc, which offers some more goodness, but nothing spectacular or particularly revealing. However, it is nice that for once, the American release is the special one. After years of Japan bonus discs, and Australian bonus discs, it is refreshing in a childish manner to be on the receiving end of the bonus. Its particularly gratifying that it is for such a solid release anyways. The sitar version of “Young Folks” is an example of the extra pleasure that the disc comes with, though it doesn't match the stregnth of the album proper.

Writer’s Block is an album that is full of variety, the songs are recognizable as distinctly Peter Bjorn and John, but there is no pattern to them. They go happy, they go sad, they go slow, fast. Its not an ambitious album, there is nothing that stands them apart from the rest in an original, exciting new way, something else puts them apart. They put together an album of great songs that work together to create a wonderfully-crafted whole.