Kleerup, Kleerup

Releasing his grip on Sweden’s soulless fascination with electro-pop monotony, multi-instrumentalist Andreas Kleerup leans instead on house beats, heavy string accompaniment and a gaggle of female Scandinavian compatriots (Robyn and Lykke Li, among others).

Li’s gravelly squall is put to gorgeous use on “Until We Bleed,” while Kleerup’s “On My Own Again” and the moody, misanthropic “Thank You for Nothing” (allegedly inspired by a falling out with collaborator Cyndi Lauper) make this solo debut more unforgettable than an IKEA commercial.