The Cardigans released a new album in the States entitled: "Long Gone Before Daylight". The album is a far cry from their earlier pop wonder albums "First Band on the Moon" and "Gran Tourismo". It's an album that is down-beat, forlorn, and lovesick. Most of the songs have a certain country-western feel to them and almost all the tracks are done acoustic.

Before the U.S. release they did a 13 stop "showcase" tour and I got to sit down with guitarist and writer Peter Svensson for a little Q and A. We talked of politics, the Swedish music scene and sport-here's what ensued:

It's been five years since you last toured in the States, a lot has happened since- have you noticed a difference in America this time around?
Not really. I think it was probably- I would have been changed if we would have toured right after September 11th, but it's too easy to forget. I was here in New York about 18 months ago, and I didn't really feel that much of a change. Though I can feel a [disappointment] in this government, I haven't met a single American who says they voted for this government, but I would not say I'm following it too closely. But the American Government does effect everyone on this planet. But, still I can't really tell what they are doing for the country itself.

You're doing a 13 stop tour- how is it going so far?
The album isn't released yet, so this is almost a "showcase" tour. We are playing smaller venues, which is kind of nice- not that we play arenas usually. But so far all the shows have been sold out which is great, it's nice to see that even after 5 years we still have a bunch of fans which is nice.

How does everybody feel about being promoted as kind of a girl band?
Well, I think its okay. Those tours are good opportunities to play larger audiences and not just for folks who have our albums. But it's kind of weird when it's supposed to be a "female tour"- we're five people and only one girl, but it has always been that way. For me its okay I just enjoy [playing music].

The album was released over a year ago in Europe, and with all your albums there is usually a length of time with the release there and here- is that a good thing?
It's mostly a good thing. We had one release that released simultaneously all over the world and it got really hectic. You'd have a TV show in New York and a show in Tokyo and you're spread out, so this is nice. Though since we did release it in Europe last year, we pretty much toured all year, and when you get to this point you're fed up with it. But what's cool with this album and the vibe within the band today- everyone is really into it still and the songs still feel fresh. So it's all good (laughs).

This album is a lot different from your earlier releases. How has that come about?
I think Gran Turismo was actually more different than anything else we've done. In that- we were experimenting with computers- tweaking sounds and turning everything upside down. So making the new album felt like going back to where we started in terms of us being able to build upon the instruments that we could play together in a room. As far as songwriting Nina still puts lyric to the songs I write, but what's different this time is that everyone is more involved in the song [making process]. And I feel that everyone has made a big influence on this record more than in the past.

The Swedish scene is booming with the Hives, Royksopp, The Division of Laura Lee- is this a Swedish Invasion?
I think the reason for the boom is that 10 years ago the Swedish record companies didn't really believe in bands like us or bands that are a little bit more independent. When we got signed there was talk of getting ten thousand records in Sweden only, but as we got recognition abroad they started to realize there is something more than just radio lofty music, there is something underneath. I'm not saying we are the reason for the opening of the record company's eyes, but that has definitely changed. One of my favorite Swedish bands is the Soundtrack of Our Lives.

Did you play close attention to Euro 2004?
Well I'm actually more into ice hockey so I'm looking forward to the world cup. For the [Vancouver] Canucks you have Markus Naslund a great Swedish player one of my favorites.