KEBNEKAISE II

Kebnekajse released their self-titled album two years after the debut which marked a change of direction for the band. Gone were those cheerful and completely dated compositions that reminded more of the '60s than 1971 and instead the music on this 1973 release became all about great musicianship combined with interesting compositions.

The band fused together some nice folk melodies with rock arrangements and the result is this 5-piece album where the individual track lengths vary from 5 minutes up to the 16 minute final composition. The prominent guitar melodies by Kenny Håkansson dominate the material and make for a very accessible music. Notice that the first four tracks have the word "låt" (song) in them which almost makes it seem like this is a contemporary album that tries to arrange the different folk music styles. Still considering the range of different "songs" the overall mood of this instrumental record is pretty consistent all throughout.

Comanche Spring is the only composition out of the lot that come off a bit daring towards its middle section but generally the style of this release is very much the same, featuring soft guitar driven melodic folk rock. Horgalåten might be considered somewhat darker in its tone compared to the rest of the material due to the compositions slow buildup and the very bouncy guitar sections but I personally never considered anything off this album to go outside of the comfort zone of the listener.

This self-titled album from Kebnekajse plays almost like a Pat Metheny album but instead of jazz the music features distinct folk undertones. Overall though, the styles are very much the same. It's pleasant guitar driven rock music at its finest but don't expect to be challenged in any way by what you will hear on this record.

**** star songs: Rättvikarnas Gånglåt (5:07) Horgalåten (6:18) Skänklåt Från Rättvik (8:31) Barkbrödlåten (4:36) Comanche Spring (16:01)