Part of the so-called Swedish invasion, along with bands such as The Hellacopters and The Hives, Nässjö’s Backyard Babies defiantly delivers ballsy, and decadently delicious music with the cockiest of attitudes.

The band, Nicke Borg (vocals / guitar), Dregen (guitar), Johan Blomquist (bass) and Peder Carlsson (drums), released their debut EP, Something To Swallow in 1991, and a full-length record Diesel And Power, in 1994 before guitarist Dregen left to work with The Hellacopters.

When the band reformed in 1998, they released Total 13, then in 2001, Making Enemies Is Good and in 2003, Stockholm Syndrome, both of which became Swedish Grammy winners. Their domination of the European music scene garnered them opening slots with Velvet Revolver and AC/DC before America finally took notice and a compilation CD, Tinnitus was released states side.

Currently touring to support their lastest effort, People Like People Like People Like Us, produced by Nicke Andersson, guitarist from The Hellacopters, the Backyard Babies continue to deliver their brand of riff roaring rock n’ roll while giving listeners a few new sonic treats in the process.

“It’s more a dynamic album with a more modulated sound where Nicke Andersson taught us how to play together but at the same time it was his restlessness that gave the album its honest and simple sound,” says Dregen. “We wrote more intensely and under a shorter period of time than ever before. A challenge that proved to be just positive since you don’t have time to analyze everything to pieces.”

Backyard Babies photo by Ashlea Wessel
Crystal Pistol photos by Ashley Maile

Having recently toured the UK, Vancouver rockers, Crystal Pistol are back on Canadian soil primed and ready to raze the Rockies. With a thunderous and melodic attack, Mik Ireland (vocals), Pinto (guitar) , Brian Bessett (guitar), Dave Troutman (drums), and Greg Laiken (bass) are fi ring all cylinders at once. Their live show is not to be missed and it is not uncommon to see half naked women writhing to their hedonistic beat. Check out their self titled CD and visit the boys online at www.crystalpistol.com.