Hanif

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Swedish band Hanif released their debut album Blame it on El Niño October 18th 2004. In February that same year Hanif released a critically acclaimed EP - Stitch Of Happiness - produced by Björn Olsson, former member of Soundtrack of Our Lives and Spain, as well as the producer behind Swedish artists such as Håkan Hellström, Granada and El Musico.
On Blame it on El Niño, their long awaited debut album, they worked with producer Paul Bothén (whom among his many credits have produced the legendary Bear Quartet album Moby Dick and Fireside singer Kristofer Åström's beautiful solo effort Northern Blues), and guest musicians like Gunnar Frick (Alimony, Bad Liver, Psychotic Youth etc) and Stefan Sandberg (who has toured with acts like Ike Turner and Peps Persson).
The result was one of that years strongest releases in the americana genre, pop blended with country as well as a touch of Swedish melancholy, and something as disparate as a lavish independent production. We're talking about 40+ days in the studio, Vox AC10s, 12-stringed Rickenbackers and more Neuman michrophones than really should be mentioned.
Hanif has since then been busy gigging clubs like legendary Debaser and supporting Robert Plant at Cirkus, both venues in Stockholm, Sweden. The band also managed to contribute with a song to a Finish Tv-commercial for fire places.
During the last year Hanif has recorded material for an yet unnamed follow-up album, due to be released in the summer '06. This far into the process the album seems to be a more straggling affair without fear for not fitting into specific genres.
On September 27 2005 Hanif released the single New Dawning. The song is a catchy three minute pop tune propelled by a drum machine, topped with falsetto choires and Baby Watch vocals.
Considering the members of the band all grew up in suburbs to Gothenburg you could say Hanif isn't your typical suburbian band, not playing punk nor hiphop. And they're not interested in revolutioning the music business even though it is a mean business, even more so for a small independent company. The important issue here, which might be provocative enough, is to play music that doesn't compromise, to dare to sing beautiful harmonies, to risk picking up the American heritage even though many Swedish peers have failed when trying.
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On Blame It On El Niño there is a natural approach to form that in Sweden otherwise is only found in Christian Kjellvander - and he is half American. Everything is performed with calm authority, soft rather than hard. Melodic, warm, slightly melancholy. (Nils Hansson, Dagens Nyheter)
Magnusson's songs are varied and hold their own all the way through, with melodies and lyrics that absorb and appeal. He manages the narrating heritage from blues and country with a gentle hand and succeeds again and again in producing hooky melodies and choruses. The band is tight, the guest musicians contributions are enriching and together with Magnusson's voice, strong song material and a sharp production this all makes Blame It On El Niño a more than promising debut album. (Tomas Fridholm, MI)
I hope Shawn Mullins and his compadres in The Thorns keep away from this record, it would be no easy feat to keep their faces at a confrontation like that. I can't think of one single reason why you shouldn't purchase Hanif's full lengh debut. (Kristofer Ahlström, Dagens Skiva (www.dagensskiva.com)
Free and easy, perfect in form, with an inherent weakness that prevents any feelings of pastische. Björn Olsson producing equals quality. (Nils Hansson, Dagens Nyheter (Swedens leading morning paper) under the headline "The Critic's choice")
These Gothenburgians play sweet altcountry with beautiful melodies without much fuss. (Joachim Persson, Newz ((Karlstad, Sweden)
I'd like to claim that the music Hanif creates has the potential to please a crossover audience, for all ages even. This record fits a chilly, dark night at home as well as a pre-party, equally. It suits you no matter what mood you are in and that is refreshing as well as quite a feat. (Marlene Meijer, Muzic.se)
It's a complete little record that greets the listener, carefully and lovingly produced by the legendary Björn Olsson (where does he find the time?) in a most delicate way. The songs breathe air and spontanity and Hanif's Jayhawks-esque songs sounds like they could have been on Rainy Day Music. (Mattias Nordström, Revolver.se)
If the world just cares to listen it will in Hanif find an excellent band for anyone who wants to close their eyes and dream of a trailer park in Nebraska. (Billy Rimgard, The Cricket)
Hanif is a really exciting band to watch. I have described them as the Swedish Buffalo Springfield. Others seem to think that they have a bit of a Jayhawks type sound. Whatever it is, it is great listening. (Mark Johnson, Mansion on the Hill)
Hanif's songs are so strong, so strong. When the choruses flourish with Andreas Magnusson's melancholy voice in harmonies, you lose your breath. (Billy Rimgard, Sonic)
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