The band’s debut album ”Living in America,” a collective work highlighting the importance of kicking down doors in order to get further, gave The Sounds the recognition they deserved. Now many agree that The Sounds are probably the coolest current rock band in Sweden. Their success in the US is incomparable to any other contemporary acts from the great north, and front woman Maja Ivarsson’s energy on stage is rarely seen in any other front person of any rock group. Their we-don’t-give-a-damn attitude and consistently awesome albums have always been really impressive.

With a recent hiatus from their original sound many were left wondering if their original sound would ever be back again. Their 2011 album Something to Die For strayed away from their New Wave rock image that everyone was used to; it was mostly electronic and also produced by the band themselves. Many critics claimed this to be the death of The Sounds, with the album’s ”lack of originality” and narrow production.

This year, however, The Sounds fifth studio album Weekend, was released. The first single, ”Shake Shake Shake” was a positive return to their New Wave sound with catchy riffs and Ivarsson’s cocky attitude once again visible in the lyrics. On Thursday, Berns is graced with the presence of one of Sweden’s most important musical exports. If there’s one show you don’t want to miss this December, it’s this one. Be sure to put on your blackest leather jackest and toughest attitude, and be ready to shake, shake, shake.

Words by David Johansson

The Sounds play at Berns on 12 December.