The Concretes

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The Concretes are a popular Swedish indie pop band, currently comprised of seven members. Much of their music focuses on simple melodies embellished with heavy orchestration. The departure of lead vocalist and contributing composer Victoria Bergsman was announced on July 24, 2006.

[edit] History

The Concretes began as a three member all girl band with Victoria Bergsman, Maria Eriksson, and Lisa Milberg. Since their formation in 1995, they have gradually acquired new members, growing into an eight piece band. They also have a number of "Honorary Concretes" who play on their records.

One of their songs from their debut album The Concretes, "Say Something New", has been featured on a number of television advertisements in the United States for Target. Another of their songs "Chico", has been remixed by Australian electronic artists The Avalanches.

Maria Eriksson is also half the band Heikki, with guitarist Jari Haapalainen. They released their self-titled debut, a mini-CD, in Scandinavia in 2002. The follow-up, Heikki 2, appeared in 2004.

On July 24, 2006 Victoria Bergsman left the band and began working on her solo project Taken By Trees. The remaining seven members of the band have said that they will continue recording as The Concretes as a seven piece, whilst Victoria Bergsman featured on the Peter Bjorn and John recording "Young Folks".

[edit] Group members

Current members:

• Maria Eriksson – guitar, lead and backup vocals
• Martin Hansson – bass, backup vocals
• Ulrik Karlsson – horns, piano, backup vocals
• Lisa Milberg – drums, lead and backup vocals
• Per Nyström – organ, backup vocals
• Ludvig Rylander – horns, piano and backing vocals
• Daniel Värjö – guitar, mandolin, backup vocals

Former members:

• Victoria Bergsman – lead vocals

[edit] Discography

The Concretes as they appear in the animated music video for "You Can't Hurry Love".

Studio albums:

• The Concretes, released 2003 in Sweden; 2004 internationally.
• The Concretes in Colour, released March 13, 2006 in the UK; April 4, 2006 in the US.

Compilations:

• Boyoubetterunow, released 2000; comprising their first two EPs.
• Layourbattleaxedown, released July 26, 2005; b-sides/rarities compilation.

EPs:

• Limited Edition (1999)
• Lipstick Edition (1999)
• Nationalgeographic (2001)

Singles:

• "Forces" (2002)
• "You Can't Hurry Love" (2003)
• "Warm Night" (2003)
• "Say Something New" (2004)
• "Seems Fine" (2004)
• "Chico" (2004)
• "Lady December" (2004)
• "Chosen One" (2006)
• "On the Radio" (2006)

[edit] External links

• Official site
  • Discography
• The Concretes at Astralwerks
• The Concretes at MySpace