Hagnesta Hill

On a complimentary concoction of layered guitars, simple melodies and chilling vocals, Sweden's best kept secret, Kent, make their case.

Hagnesta Hill, the band's fourth studio album, and second in English, boasts a melodic retro pop-rock skin. They've managed to retain a fresh sound by introducing new instruments - trombones, violas, cellos - and making good use of studio electronics, synths and effects without straying too far from their rock roots.

The best song on the album, 'The King is Dead', is an atmospheric, guitar-based track with an innocent and captivating vocal enhancing the melody. The melancholy 'Kelvar Soul' sees the band in more subdued form with Radiohead-ish chimes and chromatic vocals to the fore.

Kent are no strangers to success, having won three Swedish Grammy's and three Rockbjorn awards, plus going platinum with their last album, Isola. Judging by their latest offering, it's not a huge surprise.

Kent are a breath of fresh air in a stale indie rock scene.