Sweden' dark side Creativeman

Although most associate Sweden with the harmless pop of Abba, Ace of Base or the Cardigans, the Scandinavian nation also has a darker side. In July, that darker side will be on display as Swedish raunch rockers Backyard Babies bring their third and latest album, Making Enemies Is Good! to Tokyo.

The Backyard Babies formed in 1987 when singer Nicke Borg hooked up with high school mates Dregen (guitars), Peder Carlsson (drums) and Johan Blomquist (bass). The band toured Sweden from their home base in Nossjo before releasing their debut indie 12-inch single, "Something To Swallow," in 1991.

They signed with Megarock Records for their first album, Diesel and Power, which went on to win praise for the single "Electric Suzy," described in the music press as a lively update of the sleazy glam rock sound of fellow Scandinavians Hanoi Rocks.

Following a period of inactivity during which Dregen and Andersson briefly formed a new band, The Helllacopters, the Backyard Babies returned to the live circuit in 1997, backing a tour by thrash outfit Social Distortion. They then inked a new deal with MVG Records for their second album, Total 13. Appearing in 1998, the album was a hit with unreconstructed headbangers, and included a cameo appearance by ex-Wildhearts singer Ginger on the song "(Is It) Still Alright To Smile?"

The year 2000 saw the Backyard Babies accorded the ultimate honor of being chosen to support veteran Australian hard rockers AC/DC on the band's British tour.

Backyard Babies play Shibuya AX on July 17-18. See listings for details.