KATTVALS

KVARTETTEN SOM SPRANGDE were an obscure Swedish band who released just one album back in 1973. The band's name means "The quartet that blew up". They were a quartet originally but at this point they are a trio of drums, guitar and organ although we do get some piano and flute. I'm sure this band was influenced by fellow Swedes FLASKET BRINNER as they play in that same jamming style only this band might be a little more dynamic with more prominant organ.

While FLASKET BRINNER might be the band they closest resemble that doesn't hold true on the opening track "Andesamba". This is SANTANA influenced all the way. Love the groove of this one with the abundance of percussion, organ and ripping guitar. A calm after 2 minutes as the organ dominates then the guitar and drums return 3 1/2 minutes in as the organ continues. "Pa En Sten" is mellow as flute and a light beat lead early on. The organ floats in then the guitar replaces the flute after a minute. Piano replaces the guitar after 3 minutes then the flute is back to end it.

"Ganglat Fran Valhallavagen" opens with what sounds like cow bells as the organ floats in and the guitar helps out. The drums come in replacing the bells.This is really FLASKET BRINNER-like here. Love the guitar as the organ and drums continue. The organ leads after 4 1/2 minutes then the guitar leads after 7 minutes once again. "Kattvals" is actually fairly similar to the previous track in style as they jam. The organ leads after 2 minutes. "The Sudden Grace" is a smokey number as the guitar comes in around a minute while that catchy beat with organ continues. The organ leads after 2 minutes. Nice. The guitar is back before 4 minutes. "Vagspel" is mellow with floating organ throughout. Cool tune. "Olandsshuffle" is an uptempo jam with the guitar and organ taking turns leading.

For me this is a solid 4 star instrumental album.