Kristoffer Ragnstam
Sweet Bills
Bluhammock Music
By David Barker
Sweet Bills is an adventurous US debut for Swedish musician Kristoffer Ragnstam—not only does he employ a multitude of styles on the album, but he does them all exceptionally well. Pulling from such disparate styles as electro-pop, funk, garage rock and ‘60s sunshine pop, one could make an argument for Ragnstam as a more accessible Jamie Lidell.
What makes Sweet Bills more impressive is Ragnstam’s apparent lack of a proper musical education. His bio says that his first band, Blind, was initially the artistic endeavor of boys who’d never even held an instrument. Somehow he’s managed to become more than adequate in that department, as well as an enviable composer and vocalist.
There’s nothing predictable about the twelve tracks Ragnstam chose for the record; while “Breakfast By the Mattress” would be suitable for a Phoenix album with its smooth vocals and dance-ready rhythms, “Lonely Lane” is upbeat piano pop, orchestrated and existing outside of any time period. “Never Get Used to You” displays Ragnstam’s vocal versatility as he displays a hankering for ‘60s soul ala Al Green. Sometimes a saxophone will sneak in, penetrating the melodies with almost free-form jazz shrilling.
If there’s anything disappointing about Sweet Bills, it’s that Ragnstam never finds a groove and sticks with it. Being all over the place is a testament to his talents, but he often changes directions too abruptly. Still, it makes quite the immediate impression.
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