Stockholm's Shout Out Louds released their sophomore album Our Ill Wills in September. The band channels sounds familiar to all fans of 80's college rock, throwing together a contrast of bright, melodic indie-pop music and sad, direct lyrical imagery. This juxtaposition of the upfront drums and chime-filled guitar lines with tales of lost love and sadness isn't miles away from the poppier material of The Smiths and The Cure, and makes for hugely enjoyable listening. Since the band released and toured the new record in Europe earlier this year, they're spending the fall concentrating on building an audience in North America. This run includes a stop in Austin at The Parish Room on Friday, November 2nd. Austinist recently talked to SOL bassist and sometime hit Peter, Bjorn, and John video director Ted Malmros about leaving Sweden, the joy of remixes, and Hallmark cards.

You've visited Austin before for SXSW, where we caught you opening for Bloc Party in 2005. How was that experience for the band?

Good. It was our first time to Texas, although it was almost a bit overwhelming for us. It's so many bands playing everywhere! Maybe it's not the best place to see a really good show, but it has a very nice atmosphere.

Shout Out Louds have been around for six years now. Is it ever odd for you that many American fans consider you a 'new' band?

No, we have been playing for six years, but we were pretty slow in the beginning. By which I mean...we took our time. We have only recorded two albums, so sure, we can be a new band!

You chose to work with Bjorn of Peter, Bjorn, and John on your new album Our Ill Wills. Why did you choose him for this particular project?

We had worked with Bjorn before on three tracks for Howl Howl Gaff Gaff. And we really enjoyed working with him then. We wanted to stay at home in Stockholm, too, so it was perfect for this album.

The new record features a bigger, more epic sound than Howl Howl Gaff Gaff. Was this premeditated, or did you discover the tone of the album while recording?

Yes, we had the general sound figured out before we went in to the studio. We've had plenty of time to think all of that through!

Two years after hearing it, we remain in love with the Ratatat remix of "The Comeback." Do you have a favourite remix of one of your songs, and is there someone you'd love to commission to remix a SOL track?

I love the Ratatat remix, too. On the EP for "Tonight I Have To Leave It" there are two good ones by Russian Futurists and Kleerup. My new favourite is one on "Impossible" made by fellow Swedes called It's Possible. It's a great remix. A good twist on the song. As for wishing, maybe a Postal Service remix would be good.

Critics love to compare SOL to The Cure due to the similarities in the vocal. Is there a different band that's a big influence that you think nobody has spotted yet?

Hmm, just the classic old bands that everyone in our generation listened to growing up I guess! Nothing in particular.

Sweden is a country with an exceptional quality of life, but only 9 million people live there (by comparison, our state of Texas has 19 million people). This means as a band that you must tour internationally to make a living. Is this travel and touring a benefit or a burden to you?

Both. It's great for us to be able to tour all over the world coming from such a small little country up in the north. On the other hand, we are never home. And you can't be everywhere, either. It is hard for a band our size. But that's probably the same for all bands.

Finally, why are the Shout Out Louds so sad on this record? Can we send you a greeting card or some flowers to cheer you up?

Yes, that would be nice! I mean, we are always sad and happy at the same time...Det svenska vemodet! (Translation: The Swede sadness.)

Shout Out Louds will perform at The Parish Room on Friday, November 2nd. Tickets are available now via Frontgate Tickets for $15.50.

[Shout Out Louds MySpace]
[Shout Out Louds Official Site]

Image via Shout Out Louds MySpace page, photographed by Malarky.