Penthouse Slumz is the latest project from Peter Johansson, who’s made a name in the Swedish underground music scene as bassist for punk band Slöa Knivar (Dull Knives), drummer for death metal outfit Bastard Grave, and noise rock trio Bacon Wagon.
With Penthouse Slumz, Johansson has stepped out from behind the scenes for the first time to take on lead vocals and songwriting, diving into what he calls a “working class song” with his debut single Soft Hands.
This track pairs his punk sensibility with a heavy dose of synth, crafting a sound that’s loud, raw, and rooted in Johansson’s hands-on approach to life and music. As he puts it, “It sounds like pop, but it’s punk.”
Soft Hands leans on a chugging rhythm of synths, aggressive guitar riffs, and a hard-hitting drumbeat. The song channels a certain ‘80s punk-meets-synth wave vibe, drawing direct inspiration from the Ramones and T.S.O.L., and captures Johansson’s irritation with modern society’s idolatry of tech giants and CEOs, figures like Elon Musk whom he views as “geniuses” only in title.
Johansson’s lyrics and sound are reflections of his self-described working-class ethos, which he credits partly to his family background. “I come from a family of craftspeople,” he shares, citing everything from cabinet makers to seamstresses. Soft Hands critiques those he calls “parasites” in society, referencing an art installation by Jenny Holzer with the engraving “people who don’t work with their hands are parasites.” It’s an outlook he’s only “half serious” about, but it permeates his music: “Working with your hands is way more meaningful than many jobs that a modern society can offer.”
The track is produced and mixed by HYENA at GHM Studios, Stockholm, and features backing vocals from Andreas Söderlund. The recording sessions took place at Not Quite Studio in Helsingborg, with GHM label support.
On the music scene that shaped him, Johansson gives a nod to the Malmö and Copenhagen areas, which he says have been central to his musical development since he started attending shows in the early ‘90s.
Though he describes his connection to the scene as “mostly interested in contemporary stuff,” he notes the Copenhagen death metal scene as particularly strong and applauds the local punk scene for its consistency. Johansson offers a list of must-listen local acts: Planet Y, Son of Seth, Undergang, True Moon, Septage, Hyperdontia, Extended Head, Gorilla Angreb, The Marching Church, Puce Mary, Big Babe, and The War Goes On.
Johansson doesn’t shy away from sharing his current musical obsessions, too.
Nina Kinert – Chorals
I heard her music for the first time today and I’m completely mesmerised. She started out as a singer/songwriter but this latest album sounds a lot more lush and trippy. Im really excited to explore all of her music
Vastum – Inward to Gethsemane
I can’t spell and I’m not sure this album came out in 2024. But, Vastum is probably one of the bands that made most impact on me at least when it comes to metal. Amazing musicians, interesting and charismatic performers and awesome songs. Awesome both live and on recordings.
“I haven’t really been keeping up with pop and punk but I really like the French oi band Rixe and like everyone else I like Bad Nerves. I’m going to the concert in a couple of weeks.” – he concludes.
Penthouse Slumz may be new and totally off your radar, but it’s a well-worn continuation of Johansson’s relentless DIY ethos—a project that doesn’t pander but speaks with the honesty of an artist who’s lived every note and lyric he writes.
