Customer Reviews

Gront

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Based on what is apparently a book in Sweden, "The Gront Man," Vasen's Gront retells that story through music, and they do a marvellous job. On songs such as the beautiful, flowing "Stappen (The Steppe)" and the percussion-heavy "Grontmannen (The Gront Man)" I felt that I was standing on the steppes of Sweden, and standing before the Gront himself. There are a few other songs on the CD which do not fit in with the tale of The Gront Man, but do not interrupt the musical flow of the CD. Overall, I would say that this CD is one worth a second, third, etc. listening to!

The strident, raw sound of Nordic fiddling, accompanied by nyckelharpa, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and world percussion, takes a stream-of-consciousness turn in this fascinating music, characterized by original textures, irregular tempos and meandering melodies. Vasen is fiddler Mikael Marin, guitarist Roger Tallroth, nyckelharpist Olov Johansson, and percussionist Andre Ferrari. "Here you'll find the full breadth of Vasen's moods," proclaims the cover of this album, "from dark and sparse to sublime and ecstatic," and that is a good description of the cuts therein. Some, like "Ploska", are good, foot-stomping fiddle tunes (though I wouldn't hazard trying to make up dance steps to the ever shifting meters!), while others, like "Vantans Valse", are gently reflective. "JTT" and "Ekorrn" are jazzy and playful. "Stappen" and "Nacken" are mysteriously atmospheric, like foreboding soundtrack music. I'm not sure what modern or ancient mythological figure inspired the title of this CD, but judging from the track "Grontman", he sounds like a rambunctious giant with penchant for partying in metal scrapyards. Check out this intriguing album and let your imagination out to play! Try also Vasen's prior release, the light-hearted "Whirled", and the work of Hardanger fiddler Annbjorg Lien.

This latest release from "the greatest band in the world" leaves no question they are a force to be reckoned with. It took a couple listens to realise this is as good as "Whirled" but, in a slightly different direction. The subtle use of electronics put me off at first but, I soon grew to savor the moods created on this awesome disc. More sophisticated tunes and eerie sound landscapes combine to transport you into the "otherworld" known to Vasen listeners. Deep traditional roots are at the core of the compositions with vibrant playing as always. Have no fear!

Väsen have done it again. Wonderful music, sad sometimes but with incredibly beautiful melodies and arrangements.
Roger tallroth's guitarplaying is stunning! All players are wordclass musicians! If you listen close a few times on this disc, you will meet some of the true power of life!!!