Show Review

The Perishers came to New York City and played Webster Hall this past week. The band is from Sweden, “home of Abba and Volvos” as lead singer and songwriter Ola Kluft put it. As if not to confuse their role of the night, The Perishers were definitely an opening band with some pop radio potential - however their live sound had trouble filling the space.

The Perishers play dreamer like music, easier to listen to on disc then live. Kluft tends to mumble a bit, singing without really opening his lips which makes it difficult to decipher his lyrics. With songs like “Sway” their romantic side is evident as they sing “I’ve always been a dreamer / I've had my head among the clouds/Now that I’m coming down / won’t you be my solid ground?”

Those who were familiar with the Perishers were able to find moments of excitement in their brief set. As soon as they began playing “Trouble Sleeping,” there was a rustle and response from the audience. This was when they seemed to be just on the edge of breaking through with their sound. Drummer, Thomas Hedlund, looked and sounded ready to go, to bring the song one step further or faster. Yet they held in some middle ground similar to holding your breath and letting out just enough to feel somewhat light headed but knowing you’ll breathe again. I wouldn’t hold my breathe to find The Perishers headlining any big venues soon, but if you keep breathing you might see them on more than just The O.C. compilation albums in the future.