Her debut album as A Camp may not have made waves back in 2001, but timing is proving to be on Nina Persson’s side with her follow-up, Colonia. The Cardigans frontwoman has linked up with Atomic Swing’s Niclas Frisk and Shudder to Think’s Nathan Larson (who also just happens to be her husband). Leaning towards a late-60s pop aesthetic, Persson’s sugary-sweet vocals urge you to reach for some roller skates and disco-friendly hot pants, or in the very least run through fields of flowers. With guest features from guitarist James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), Kevin Mar (Guided by Voices) on drums, and Joan Wassler on viola and violin, the album takes on a heavier, more grounded feel, yet still retains the ethereal lightness that Swedish singer perfects. Inspired by her trip to Africa, Colonia is soaked in historical imagery: “from the opium den to the Belgian Congo, from the Namibian desert by starlight to Victorian New York by gaslight, and the Bowery of the ’70s by neon,” says Persson. The album opens strong, “The Crowning” and “Stronger Than Jesus” strike a balance between melodies that recall eras past with fresh and catchy arrangements. As a whole, Colonia takes on a very operatic, larger than life, almost ABBA-esque quality, which grows a bit tired as the album winds down.

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