Customer Reviews

Groove

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

 

 

Hoven Droven do amazing things with Swedish traditional music. Let's take the instruments for a start: drumkit, trumpet, electric guitar and bass, strings and reeds.

Then let's take the arrangements. Hoven Droven takes traditional Swedish tunes and applies modern rock and jazz sensibilities to create something that's greater than the sum of it's parts.

As an example, listen to the sample of "Timas Hans" on this page. It's based on a traditional polska/waltz called "Lille Orevals" that you will hear in its original form in a sample towards the end of the piece (on the CD only). But "Timas Hans" starts off with a "Miles Davis"-style trumpet solo that plays over toms beating a tumbling rhythm pattern. Then the song moves into a distorted fiddle lead that jacks the energy of the tune up to arena rock levels. This is a tune that you will want to play LOUD. Can you believe that it's a _waltz_?

If you think that Swedish music is so much oom-pa-pa, listen to Hoven Droven rock out in 3/4 time. You won't regret it! I've had everyone from folkies to Metallica fans enjoy this CD.

Buy it and see!

I've been listening to Scandanavian folk music for a few months now, and it has quickly become one of my favorite styles. I had heard (and loved ) Garmarna, Sorten Muld, and Hedningarna, in addition to several more traditional bands, and I thought that I'd branch out and check out something new. I had heard Hoven Droven on the Nordic Roots Sampler, and they interested me a great deal, but nothing I could have imagined would have prepared me for this album. It takes tradition, and somehow while simultaneously treating it with reverence manages to smash it to pieces and create something totally new and different. They take the base of Swedish folk, add in element of jazz and occasionally funk, and then turn the amps all the way up and just rock it as hard as they can. I can't think of anything to compare it to. It's kind of like Rage Against the Machine meets the Dave Matthews Band, and then moves to Sweden. But that's not nearly accurate enough. This is a great way for people to make the trasition from rock into Scandanavian folk, but it's not just that. This is an incredibly strong work that stands on its own as one of the most inventive and powerful collections of music ever recorded. I can't wait to hear more from these guys.

I recently went to a ballet in berkeley, california and enjoyed listening to this music during a performance. To say the least, i enjoyed it tremendously. I believe it still has a freshness about it that can be enjoyed in the new millenium. I especially enjoyed "Arepolska". A beautifully romantic song. So if your tired of listening to all that junk on the radio today, turn your ear towards Hoven Droven. I think you will enjoy it as much as i have.

This band is truly amazing. Hoven Droven has taken traditional Scandinavian folk music and given it whole new spin. Picture what Led Zeppelin and Jethro Tull did with Celtic folk music and you will get an idea. Somehow I see these guys growing up with posters of Swedish fiddle players on one bedroom wall, and posters of Zep and King's X on another. There are plenty moments of quiet beauty and introspection here, but there are also some monstrous head-banging grooves. This is a band that understand dynamics and balance, when to hold back and when to slam the hammer down. The playing is superb, the melodies are arresting, the arrangements range from simple to complex. Truly compelling music for someone that wants to hear something unique.

I have to add that I have seen (or witnessed) Hoven Droven live. If you ever get the chance to see them, GO. The exchange of leads between fiddle, sax, and electric guitar have to be seen to be believed. And they will open with something acoustic, maybe even a little traditional but those amplifiers aren't going to be collecting dust for long. They are an incredible group of performers with a twisted sense of humor. SEE THIS BAND!

I got this album 48 hours ago, & I've had a permanent grin on my face ever since. Like Fairport Convention on acid, with Flea playing bass! Any other English fans of this band? (Sorry - this is more of an opinion than a review.)

I happened to catch a few minutes of a performance by these guys on TV, and thought they were really rocking on the edge (flaming violin!). Clearly an unusual mix... celtic folk meets metal?? Overall very interesting and enjoyable. There are a moments related to song arrangements that feel a bit cliche' or formula driven (hence 3 stars), but there are some real strong songs too. It is unique album, highly recommended for getting a taste of this band, and getting something unusual into your collection.