Revl9n

by Stewart MasonSwedish trio Revlon 9 are a Scandinavian addition to the post-millennial electroclash/new wave revival retro-futurist scene, updating the synth rock of the late '70s and early '80s with a magpie-like modern attitude that includes influences ranging from Giorgio Moroder-style Euro-disco to the clattering primitivism of the no wave bands. Maria Eilersen (vocals and guitar), Asa Cerderqvist (vocals and synthesizer), and Nandor Hegedüs (former lead singer of the Swedish pop group Brick, here playing bass) formed Revlon 9 in 1998, originally with a fourth member playing drums. When the drummer left, the remaining trio incorporated a drum machine into the lineup and began moving into a more electronic, dance-oriented style. Three vinyl singles followed on small Scandinavian labels: 1999's "On the Roof," 2000's "Sharks," and 2003's "Someone Like You," an early version of a song that would become a highlight of their first album. Starting in 2004, the trio changed the spelling of its name to Revl9n, although it's still pronounced "Revlon Nine." (It can be assumed this was a sop to the multinational cosmetics company.) Following three more buzz-building singles in 2004 and 2005, "United," "Walking Machines," and the new version of "Someone Like You," Revl9n signed to WEA International for their self-titled debut album, released in 2006.