Piroth are a Swedish sister duo in their mid-20s. Just one year separates Nina (vocals/percussion) and Johanna (vocals/guitar) and , unsurprisingly, their singing voices are very alike. The two look very prim and proper in lacy blouses in publicity shots but this record has a clarity and assertiveness which proves they are no blushing violets.
The album is on their own label and is a follow up to their 2004 debut, 'Prima Ballerina'. The gentle songs have a genuine warmth, evoking a sixties folk-pop brightness with just a hint of melancholy lurking in the shadows.
The single , Fog Dancers, and 'I Will Always Be Waiting For You' share something of the intensity of fellow Swede Anna Terheim, though the sound of Piroth is less introspective in tone. 'Television Tower' , for instance, shows they have an innate optimism so that even when home alone they are more inclined to dance to flashing lights from a TV antenna than feel sorry for themselves.
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Their simple, acoustic sound works best on the quieter and more wistful songs. Pushier and more upbeat tunes like ' When The Night Is Over' and 'Theatre' have a feisty edge but come across as a little too forced.
There's only a faint hint of a Swedish accent although the simplicity of the lyrics doubtless owes much to the fact that English is not the sisters' mother tongue. On tracks such as Trans-Siberian Express and Doctor this causes the songs to be a little shallow and undeveloped but on the whole they play well to their strengths by focusing on strong melodies and sweet harmonies.
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