[3.5/5] Given that their home country couldn't be further from rock's birthplace, it's always been irritating to watch Swedish bands like the Hellacopters, the Hives, the (International) Noise Conspiracy, et al. descend on U.S. consumers with such deluded self-confidence. Comparatively speaking, Båstad, Sweden, post-grunge quartet Sounds Like Violence come off as eminently likable, their jagged-yet-understated Jawbox-meets-Archers Of Loaf sound not so much reinforcing global hype-rock stereotypes as undermining them. As abrasive as it gets (see "Wrong" or the standout "Directions"), the band's debut full-length, With Blood On My Hands, is as much an exercise in subtlety, restraint and dynamics; but perhaps more importantly, at their most basic level, Sounds Like Violence's songs forgo the usual Swedish practice of signifying to exude direct emotional honesty. Not to belabor the point, but if T(I)NC rocked with half this much passion, they might actually be able to convert people to Socialism-or at least sell a few records. (DEEP ELM) Aaron Burgess
 Official Website: http://www.deepelm.com
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