A Camp - Colonia

Nina Persson has come a long way since the blonde pigtails she sported for The Cardigans' 1995 hit Lovefool. The sophomore album from the Swede’s latter-day side project, A Camp, is a melodic festival with a European feel and plenty of hooks. Recorded with Persson’s soundtrack composer husband, ex-Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, and Joan As Police Woman, Colonia is a well-orchestrated, uplifting record with many a made-for-film-soundtrack chorus. From opening pop waltz The Crowning, it's clear her lilting coo is reserved almost exclusively for her work with The Cardigans, though it casually rears its head on Here Are Many Wild Animals amongst a flurry of handclaps and bundles of extra percussion. Closing track The Weed Had Got There First is a noticeable gem - sensitive, soulful and gentle. The result is a fine album, by turns understated and theatrical: with layered choral backing vocals, lilting and floating melody line, the odd touch of sliding strings, and chiming guitars. [Lauren Mayberry]