Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Arbete Och Fritid - Arbete Och Fritid [Aka: Esso] CD (album) cover

ARBETE OCH FRITID [AKA: ESSO]

Arbete Och Fritid

 

RIO/Avant-Prog

4.19 | 14 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

DamoXt7942
Forum & Site Admin Group
Avant/Cross/Neo/Post Teams
5 stars An incredible prototype of Swedish progressive / avantgarde / jazz / folk rock.

ARBETE OCH FRITID, a Swedish experimental rock ensemble pretty influenced by pure folk music, were founded in 1969 around a cellist / composer Ove KARLSSON. Their formation has been frequently changed but thoroughly worked as a music commune under experimental / minimalistic / underground jazz music like John Cage, Terry Riley, or La Monte Young. They'd always gone forward as a leader of Swedish avantgarde / experimental music scene in 1970s.

The first "Damen I Svart" has struck our fancy definitely, with a bit whacked-out but splendid / glacious ritualism deeply into the song. Ove's cello solo is quite impressive, especially with the smoothness like a cool clean brook, and well-harmonized saxophone concerto can make us comfortable into dream. "Garbergsbrudens Dödsmarsch" following with the same melodies sounds more massively folksy with full of violin passion.

The most suitable song for calling avantgarde folk mixed with strong jazz is their self-titled one. Sounds like they would play improvisationally, aggressively, and pleasantly ... actually, smooth but powerful drums / percussion sounds launched by Bengt must take the lead in this stuff I'm sure. His steady and organic play should accelerate their progressiveness / experimentalism. On the other hand, the first shot of Side B "Mora-Nisses Vallåt" or the next one "Esso Motor Hotel" is slightly pop / catchy jazz related rock, that can encourage us freshly. They would enphasize people need good humour and good music.

"Engelska Kanalen" tosses another panoramic sound onto us, filled with insistently meditative psychedelia, that reminds me a clear landscape of tribal dance ... quiet, solemn but sincere, enthusiastic. Not seen yet but guess their enthusiasm be leaning toward Sancta Lucia or something). Just like a soft breeze, their sounds can come into our mind really. The last "Vind", created only with dim piano / glockenspiel riffs, sounds not only tragic but expectative. Suggest lots of Swedish reviewers and fans listening to this simple stuff might feel something magnificent, something cool, and something fascinating.

Sometimes desert, sometimes old-flavoured, and sometimes lyrical texture can be heard all through the album. Recommended.

DamoXt7942 | 5/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this ARBETE OCH FRITID review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.