TA DET LUGNT

Dungen has acquired a bizarre credibility with North American hipster indie rockers who aren't even aware that prog exists and turn their noses up at it if they are. Nonetheless, make no mistake, this album is a massive slab of proggy psych rock that will satisfy even the most jaded listener. It's hard to come up with reference points for this music, Gustav Ejstes' vision is so original. The production is deliberately vintage and hazy, as are the sounds. The songs range from the druggily pastoral and tranquil to raging feedback- driven freak-outs worthy of the Airplane at their wiggiest. Ejstes is very fortunate to have the services of former Landberk/Paatos guitarist Reine Fiske, who is one of the great heroes of modern rock guitar. He coaxes unearthly sounds out of his pedals and amp and also knows how to construct an emotionally satisfying solo, skills which carry over into the band's live sets, which I can attest to, having seen them live. Odd vintage keyboard sounds and even some creepy strings enter the mix as well. The all-Swedish vocals only add to the unearthly exoticism of the record. An album this strong from start to finish doesn't really have any highlights- it's all one great trip! When looking over the field of modern prog and psych, there is no doubt this is one of the masterpieces of the new millennium.