Album of the Week: Hater 🇸🇪 - ‘Mosquito’
- Andy
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
I normally start each feature with some nonsense about Pinegazing, jetpacks or hats, but I’m keeping this one short and simple today — mainly because I’m not sure I’ve ever properly written about quite how much I love Hater.
It’s been a while since we last featured them here, but alongside acts such as Girl Scout and VEPS, they remain one of my most-played Scandinavian indie guitar bands. For me they strike the perfect balance: melodic, hugely listenable songs paired with that chunky, slightly rough-edged indie guitar sound that gives everything a bit of bite.
Their new album ‘Mosquito’ only came out yesterday, and the first thing that stands out is that something has shifted in the sound. It feels more direct and pointed, a little less dream-pop haze and more straight-ahead indie rock - with Caroline Landahl’s vocals really leading the way.
Opening track ‘Landslide’ is a great example. I just love the sound the band are making here, and the vocal melody really grows on you after a couple of listens. I’ve also loved ‘Angel Cupid’ from the moment it was released a few weeks ago - a powerful, melancholy track that feels not only frustrated about love, but annoyed at how badly other artists usually write about it.
‘Stung Again’ keeps that energy going with raw, slightly angry guitars, while ‘Brighter’ and ‘Guts’ drift a little closer to a dreamy shoegaze feel. The former has a really catchy chorus, while the latter is built around a flowing, hypnotic guitar line. ‘Last Summer I’ll Spill’ then closes things on a more reflective note, and another big tune that lingers nicely.
I’m still only scratching the surface of ‘Mosquito’, of course, but first impressions are hugely positive. There’s clearly a lot here still to discover - lyrically, melodically and in the way the band balance those sharp guitars with moments of real beauty. Hater have really delivered something special here, and I really hope I get to see them on their UK tour in May.
Release Date: 6th March 2026