Sweden's positively delightful Shout Out Louds were perhaps the best band we saw at this year's Oya Festival in Oslo. And we saw a whole lot of bands (sorry, Trent Reznor). On stage, this fearsomely optimistic five-some burst with energy and surefire showmanship. The singer also happens to be a dead-ringer for Jason Schwartzman too! By mid-set, we and the whole Norwegian crowd were bouncing in unison to this irresistible dance-pop. I can't wait to see these guys again.

Shout Out Louds are four lads and one lady that have a similar sound to The Cure, although Shout Out Louds come armed with a brighter perspective on life. Singer Adam Olenius does a spot-on impersonation of Robert Smith at his most happy. And that's really the biggest difference between the two groups (besides, you know, millions and millions of album sales). Shout Out Louds don't reach for that anguished diary drama like The Cure often did.

Instead, this band opts for those fun, catchy cowbells and hyper-melodic choruses (more like "Friday, I'm in Love" maybe). Yee haw! And it's a good thing Olenius doesn't incessantly sing about heartbreak, because Shout Out Louds don't have a whole lot to be sad about these days. I mean, they're on Merge Records after all, and are winning tons of fans left and right as they consistently tour the world. I wouldn't be sad either.

People also like to compare Shout Out Louds to their compatriots, Peter Bjorn and John. But whatever, these guys are The Cure.

Their most recent record is one of our very favorites of 2007. No doubt.

Shout Out Louds play Bowery Ballroom, on Thursday, October 25th, and the Music Hall of Williamsburg, on Friday, October 26th, and Maxwell's, on Saturday, October 27th.