Representing five states and seven instruments among them, this Rock ‘n Soul band has called Boston home since their formation in September of 2006. Raised in the house parties and dive bars of Allston, the band even has a song that bears the namesake of the town they love. They soon gained a reputation for their wild live performances, complete with blasting horns and frontman Charlie Rockwell’s guttural wail.

Their newest release, A King’s Ransom (fall 2010), the band’s first full-length record, pays homage to classic rock greats like Joe Cocker, The Band, and Sly and the Family Stone. They began recording in early 2010 under the guide of Andrew Kline and Greg Teves, two recent Berklee College of Music grads, and embarked on a grueling recording schedule that would have them in the studio at all hours, sometimes recording as many as 100 tracks on one song. The entirely fan-funded record marks a turning point for the group, who came back to Boston after a 20+ date, multi-city tour all over the Northeast to release the record for a packed house at Boston’s legendary Harpers Ferry (now the Brighton Music Hall).

The album hit stores in early October and sold over 100 copies in a month. It’s also been generating press and blog buzz. The Boston Phoenix calls the album “the only [Boston] release akin to the Black Crowes’ The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion.” Boston Band Crush calls Charlie Rockwell “an armed and fully-functioning singing battlestation” and notes the “wild talent” and “shared soul” of the band. Ryan’s Smashing Life says “their brand of popular soul, ironic lyrics and intimate storytelling hasn’t been lost on New England music fans.”

With the record getting rotation on college radio stations all over the country, LiS now embarks on their biggest tour to date that will take them out of the Northeast and halfway across the country. This summer is a busy one for Love in Stockholm and promises to break open doors for the Boston group. “We feel like we’re right on the cusp, and that’s an exciting feeling,” says Rockwell. “We have no idea what happens next.”

Where You’ve Seen Them

Since their formation four years ago, Love in Stockholm has grown from a college party band into a major player in the Boston nightlife scene. In January 2010, the band released their first music video, “Ordinary Man,” a fitting tribute to this time in the band’s history. The song solidifies their style and attitude, and shows a taste of their high-energy live show.

They have played at community events such as the Martin Luther King Peace Celebration, the Spectra Arts Festival at the Prudential Center, and the Museum of Fine Arts College Night. Now considered regulars on Emerson College’s radio and television shows, they have performed in-studio for WERS on several occasions, and have played at local schools Boston University, Boston College, and Tufts University.

They have been awarded industry titles as well. Included in the list of accolades are Download of the Week and a #1 channel ranking from AOL Music’s partner www.ourstage.com and Best Music on Campus from MTVU, MTV’s satellite network broadcast on campuses nationwide.