Despite their origin in Southern California -- and their guitarist's work with No Doubt -- Oslo are making music that sounds much more like their Scandinavian name than any sunny pop.

Slowdive is really a strong start, introducing the band's glacial, driving rock paired with Mattia Borrani's surprisingly approachable vocals. The influence of '80s goth is big, but nothing too abrasive: think The Cure. The album swells and crashes from song to song, varying slow ballads and powerfully orchestrated rockers, and takes its name from one of the strongest tracks: The Rise and Fall of Love and Hate .

Any criticism thus far seems to be the type a band would want to hear: in Blogcritics Magazine, Amanda Bittle says "My only criticism of On My Mind is that it's over too quickly." And from Matt Reno on 411mania.com: "I wish Oslo would have taken their rocking farther in a few places, but this still remains a cool, laid back rock album."

The solution? Go see these guys perform. Hype for this album has been largely driven by their stunning live shows -- and apparently old flames die hard, as No Doubt's drummer Adrian Young has been known to show up and contribute!

Oslo are currently on tour throughout the Northeast and California.