The Perishers - Victorious

Swedish music generally breaks down into the garage-rock of The Hives or the dream-pop of The Cardigans. Warm and fuzzy, The Perishers’ sound definitely belongs in the latter camp. No wonder the group, led by singer-guitarist Ola Klüft, has been featured on TV’s The O.C. and opened for Sarah McLachlan. Still, the band’s third album has its share of surprises. Despite Hallmark titles like “Get Well” and “To Start Anew,” the band’s hopeful songs are melodically fresh, lyrically astute and—best of all—cliché-free.

Sept. 4