peter bjorn and john

Peter Bjorn and John's Living Thing is probably the most even-tempered album you'll hear all year. The three are simply too cool to get riled up. Their initial success with 2006's Writer's Block inspired a slew of imitators. This time around, Peter Bjorn and John have had to toe a fine line of developing their sound to distance themselves from copycats while also retaining enough of it to appeal to old fans. Living Thing strikes that balance well without ever feeling contrived.

They rely on their wit to carry them through, as shown in the lyrics "If you're such a poet/ use your tongue and show it" from "Nothing to Worry About," a song featuring great rhythm shifts from bridge to chorus and John Lennonesque vocals. As Swedish pacifists, the band woulrd rather spar verbally than engage in throwing fisticuffs.

The album features unconventional arrangements with heavy production values, even when they are not necessary.

The title track derives its potency from its restraint; there are several points where it appears poised to break into more aggressive vocals and instrumentation but thankfully doesn't. Their Swedish accents shine through occasionally, like on "I Want You!," coming off as charming and unaffected.

If you're a fan of fellow Swedish import Lykki Li, "Lay It Down" will show you why she chose Bjorn as her most recent producer. The two have very similar aesthetic mentalities, as both give their music an artificially aged feel.

Although the production shines on tracks like "Blue Period Picasso," an existential lament by an inanimate object wishing to be loved, it occasionally gets in the way of the group's simpler strengths. At times, someone should have paid producer Bjorn Yttling not to do his job.

On Living Thing, Peter Bjorn and John have crafted a lucid and likable record that stays true to their distinct vision, straight from Sweden!