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Swedish progressive folk-rock specialists Kaipa have released their twelfth studio album, Vittjar. Formed in 1973, Kaipa are well known for combining the spacey, psychedelic qualities of ‘70s rock with distinct folk influences. There is something distinctly dated about Vittjar, a kind of filter that makes every aspect of the sound seem as though it is issuing from a time warp. It's not often that an example of ‘70s rock makes it through all of this time unscathed and unchanged.


There is a sense of wonder to Vittjar that characterizes every aspect of the album, from the vocals and instrumental flourishes to the subject matter. It's impossible to call the record retro when it is so earnestly, honestly being expressed as if every song and sound is entirely brand new. This dazzled, dappled lens suits the subject matter extremely well, as the album explores the more mystical aspects of the Scandinavian landscape while retelling major points of that culture's folklore.

The centerpiece of the album is Hans Lundin's commanding voice. Powerful and expansive, he holds the listener's hand through the many landscapes and mystical journeys that Vittjar leads the listener through. The guitar work is also a high point. Supplied by Per Nilsson of Scar Symmetry, the strings are often restrained to the point of being understated, but are incredibly finely executed nonetheless and often form the melodic backbone of the songs.

Vittjar sounds like the aural equivalent of a mint-condition piece of vintage clothing with the tags still on, perfectly preserved and yet from another time.

The sound is deliberately, defiantly out of place in the landscape of contemporary hard rock and heavy metal. The sound is too cheerful, too soft and optimistic, too analog to really fit in comfortably with the rest of the heavy music environment. But if you're craving something both old and new, a brand-new pair of polyester bell bottoms, then Vittjar delivers.

(released August 28, 2012 on InsideOut Music)



Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.