terminal

Despite not being a frequent apparition in Danish venues, terminal have managed to forge quite a name for themselves overseas. The Copenhagen based alternative rock three-piece received considerable attention via their single "Chasing Light", which came on regular rotation on American MTV in 2009, and have since busied themselves with recording four brand new songs for "Ignite the World", the EP follow-up to the band's debut album, "Bring Forth the Few". It seems that the success is bound to continue, what with staging an unplugged session and various live showcases, again in coordination with MTV, in Santa Monica and Los Angeles, CA.

Whereas "Bring Forth the Few" suffered from having next to no lasting value, "Ignite the World" offers the polar opposite. The bittersweet melodies are still at the core, but lessons have been learned and spice has been added; the weight is now on memorable songs while the rampant pretense has been quenched. It takes less than one minute of "Rise and Sing" to understand why terminal were noticed so early on: the soft, emotive vocals (a mix of Anthony Caleb Followill, Tim Christensen and Matthew Bellamy) and thoughtful lyrics are tailor made for airplay on the less chart infested radio channels and programs (think DR P3), and the conventional song dynamics ensure there is plenty to sing along to in the live setting.

Indeed, terminal seem to have realized that faux sophistication earns only the respect of the indie hipster crowd, and that attracting the mainstream ear requires a strong chorus and hooks such as those found in abundance on "Waiting For", "Look at Me Now", and "I Can't Die". As such, the majestic Muse influence has been toned down in favor of a more restrained and straightforward sound reminiscent of terminal's grand masters Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, albeit with a modern facelift. Admittedly the safe choice, but one that ensures it is difficult, if not impossible, to put a finger on anything decidedly wrong about "Ignite the World".

But then perhaps it is this realization that everything is as it should be that bugs me - the EP is almost too polished and predictable, like the picture perfect Wisteria Lane. The four songs bring forth few surprises and remain guarded within the sphere of influences that helped shape the band, showing no desire to stand out. But while "Ignite the World" may lack the edge required to match current alt rock heavyweights like Kings of Leon, it is still a formidable effort with the rare quality of being infectiously catchy that most Danish bands know nothing of.

Download: Rise and Sing, Waiting For, I Can't Die
For the fans of: D-A-D, Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, Jimmy Eat World, Muse - Rockfreaks.net

If you’re in the mood to dance along to glam pop-rock, Copenhagen’s terminal have you covered this weekend. Working hard to cross over to this side of the pond, the Danish trio follow up last year’s “Ignite the World” EP and 2009's album “Bring Forth the Few” with their brand new single “Don’t Worry My Love.” And although the single isn’t necessarily reinventing the wheel for electro-rock acts, the vocals yearn and the synths shimmer enough for it to bounce around in your head for the rest of the day. So, go on. Dance with the dudes from Denmark. - BuzzBands.LA

The tone for the evening’s strong Echo lineup was set by Terminal, Danish dance rockers of the male model caliber, who doled out just enough sonic glam to get bodies moving. It’s not rocket science, but Terminal’s music has enough electro weight, rock quality (as if Muse were their part-time muse) and vocal air to make you bob your head. - BuzzBands.LA

What we have here are three gentlemen of Nordic descent (or Scandinavian as the two are interchangeable) who are possibly Calvin Klein or Abercrombie & Fitch models in this lifetime or the next (if they’re okay with pseudo soft porn). What we also have here is a Danish trio with the ability to craft deftly emotive songs (Danes are apparently very sensitive people) that have no fear of that thing called rock or an undercurrent of dance. - High Voltage Magazine

After the first refrain, I just soaked up the rest of the lyrics, the music. The keyboards began to feel like a soft, cleansing rain. I floated along the sweet, melodic interlude and got lost in the faster drum and chant, call and echo. By the time the final refrain hit, I’d immersed myself in the song, fully believing everything would be okay. Somehow. - After the Rain