biographical info
A french band that takes its name from polka, death and sweden would almost have to be precious, and, to be certain, (swedish) Death Polka is precious. But "precious" can be a damning word, and (swedish) Death Polka doesn't have the negative qualities that the word connotes — they are private but not insular, pretty but not wimpy; they make gorgeous, delicate melodies sound full-bodied. Led by guitarist/vocalist Sam Murdock, the two piece band has an intimate, majestic sound that is equal parts dark-wave-neo-polka and '80s pop.
The combined talents of musicians Sam Murdock and Guillaume Lizotte, the presence of a female vocalist, breathtaking cello solos and an equipment list whose only include a guitar, a cello and small things that can fit in a suitcase; conspired to make (swedish) Death Polka a happening in the living room and on the dancefloor.
Their sound is a variant of the classic polka sound coaxed into a relaxing prozac vision of the late '30s and ‘80s, looked back to a variety of phenomena from those periods -- cabaret, grotesque and burlesque music, obscure film soundtracks, eerie sureal architecture
lineup
Guillaume Lizotte Cello / / Piano
Samuel Murdock Xylophone/guitar