Biography
Docenterna burst onto the scene in the early '80s, propelled by the immediate success of "Solglasögon" and "Bensin i Blodet." Despite issuing multiple records and maintaining a heavy touring schedule into the middle of the decade, the group remained tethered to those two tracks and gradually acquired a reputation as little more than a cult act. Early limitations in instrumental proficiency led them to craft an uncomplicated, hook-driven up-tempo pop style that drew from both the alternative rock community and '60s rock traditions, while their lyrics balanced humor with an undercurrent of emotional ache. Following a decline in the late '80s, the band experienced a partial resurgence in the '90s, though by then the endeavor functioned chiefly as a side project; a handful of fresh albums and tours appeared, yet these rested primarily on longstanding cult appeal and catalog material.
The ensemble originated in 1979 under the name Docent Död, assembled by Mats Olofsson, Johan Pihlgren, Mats Hillborg, Christian Pihlgren, and Lars Lövgren. Its title was selected for the punk connotations, and before the year ended the group issued its sole punk outing, the single "Sven Jerrings Röst." By the subsequent single the approach had shifted to brisk pop built on concise yet potent riffs; the A-side "Solglasögon" became a major success and the band's signature piece. The mini-LP that followed introduced the second major hit "Bensin i Blodet," and later the same year the self-titled debut album arrived. Extensive road work occupied the next several years, with the musicians frequently exceeding two hundred gigs annually even as they managed to put out additional LPs. Hillborg departed in 1983 to pursue solo work and was succeeded by Mats Möller. Coinciding with the 1986 release of Docenterna, the band elected to drop "Död" from its name; Möller then exited to record an overlooked solo album, after which Clas Rosenberg joined briefly before departing the following year and yielding the guitar chair to Hasse Bie Carlsson. A three-year hiatus ensued until 1989, when the group resurfaced with added vocals from sisters Irma and Idde Schultz on the album Söderns Ros.
Docenterna parted ways with Mistlur for a move to the broader EMI roster. The 1992 album På Lyckliga Gatan earned them a Swedish Grammy Award for Best Pop Group. Upon learning that EMI also handled releases by a racist act, the band severed ties and placed their next effort, Honung, with MCA, where it garnered positive notices. Throughout the '90s the project increasingly resembled a hobby, as members maintained separate employment and issued only sporadic recordings; late-decade recognition derived chiefly from cult renown rather than contemporary output. Nevertheless, they mounted several well-received summer tours and added guitarist Jon Jefferson Klingberg. Their 2001 EP Här Kommer Solen marked the first such release in quite some time.
The ensemble originated in 1979 under the name Docent Död, assembled by Mats Olofsson, Johan Pihlgren, Mats Hillborg, Christian Pihlgren, and Lars Lövgren. Its title was selected for the punk connotations, and before the year ended the group issued its sole punk outing, the single "Sven Jerrings Röst." By the subsequent single the approach had shifted to brisk pop built on concise yet potent riffs; the A-side "Solglasögon" became a major success and the band's signature piece. The mini-LP that followed introduced the second major hit "Bensin i Blodet," and later the same year the self-titled debut album arrived. Extensive road work occupied the next several years, with the musicians frequently exceeding two hundred gigs annually even as they managed to put out additional LPs. Hillborg departed in 1983 to pursue solo work and was succeeded by Mats Möller. Coinciding with the 1986 release of Docenterna, the band elected to drop "Död" from its name; Möller then exited to record an overlooked solo album, after which Clas Rosenberg joined briefly before departing the following year and yielding the guitar chair to Hasse Bie Carlsson. A three-year hiatus ensued until 1989, when the group resurfaced with added vocals from sisters Irma and Idde Schultz on the album Söderns Ros.
Docenterna parted ways with Mistlur for a move to the broader EMI roster. The 1992 album På Lyckliga Gatan earned them a Swedish Grammy Award for Best Pop Group. Upon learning that EMI also handled releases by a racist act, the band severed ties and placed their next effort, Honung, with MCA, where it garnered positive notices. Throughout the '90s the project increasingly resembled a hobby, as members maintained separate employment and issued only sporadic recordings; late-decade recognition derived chiefly from cult renown rather than contemporary output. Nevertheless, they mounted several well-received summer tours and added guitarist Jon Jefferson Klingberg. Their 2001 EP Här Kommer Solen marked the first such release in quite some time.
Albums
Singles
