Garmarna [EP] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Garmarna

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 8, 2001)
• Original Release Date: May 8, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: EP, Original recording remastered
• Label: Northside Records
• ASIN: B00005BGKH
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,528 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #2 in	Music > Indie Music > World Music > Europe > Scandinavia
  #42 in	Music > World Music > Europe > Scandinavia > Sweden

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Gamarna was one of the first Swedish bands to blend dance tunes and songs from the ballad tradition, much like a Scandinavian version of the Irish group De Dannan. Garmarna is a remastered version of their self-titled 1993 debut EP, which has been expanded on CD by the addition of six songs from their 1992 demo. After those recordings were made, the band went on to become one of Sweden's most innovative folk groups. And even though all the tracks here are acoustic, with none of the amplified instruments and drum loops the group experimented with on later recordings, the music still exhibits an adventurous spirit. The musicians use a wide assortment of instruments--hurdy-gurdies, Jew's harps, bouzoukis, guitars, and violins--to create sonic tapestries that weave together medieval-sounding harmonies with modern rhythms. Their "modern-ancient" sound is a perfect backdrop for Emma Hardelin, whose vocals add a soft edge to the sometimes dark ambiance of the music. (One band member is credited on percussion and death grunts.) The music on Garmarna is more folk-oriented than most of their later recordings, but the power of these performances shows that the band learned the rules of traditional music, before they went on the break them. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An impressive debut!, December 28, 2001

By	James Hymans (Muncie, Indiana USA) - See all my reviews

While this album lacks the flair of later Garmarna releases, tending to stick pretty closely to a traditional folk style, it is never-the-less a spectacular album, which proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Garmarna had mastered tradition before defying it. It's interesting to hear how really good this band was even when they were just getting started. They play with passion and expertise, and the style is absolutely perfect. Emma only shows up on a few tracks, and only actually sings lyrics on one, but, while she is missed, it is great to hear the other members out in front, and to be able to really focus on their playing. The inclusion of the original band demos from 1992 is also a great addition, as they are all written by members of the band (most by Stefan), and because two are actually repeats of songs that appear on the first half of the album as 4-piece songs, which gives you a wonderful perspective on the band's development. If you're new to Scandanavian folk music, then this is a good place to start. If you're new to just Garmarna, then I'd recommend checking out God's Musicians or Vengence first. Either way, this album is a great window into the history of one of Sweden's best bands.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars wonderful debut from an excellent group, March 29, 2002

By	End User (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews

This, Garmarna's debut, showcases the acoustic Nordic folk music of their roots. The groups playing is excellent, and on the few tracks where Emma Hardelin lends her vocals, the singing is raw and full of passion yet still eerily beautiful. All of the music exudes an atmospheric melancholy that probably comes from not getting enough sun, and the moodiness is captured affectingly by the players and singer.
On the whole, an excellent little album full of wonderful music. For the price, it's highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My favorite of theirs, January 24, 2002

By	Kenny b Natural - See all my reviews

This is straight up, good traditional Scandinavian folk music with a modern twist. Tastefully done. That's the crucial part. Simple and effective. That's what you want. All instrumental tunes to take you to that mystical, prehistoric, frozen tundra. I like this. Buy it. Put it on and slip into the hot tub or sauna. Roll around in the snow naked afterwards. Do it again.