SCANDANAVIAN AND SWEDISH MUSIC REVIEWS: (Northside)

Den Fule, Quake / Hedningarna, Hippjokk /

Hoven Droven, Groove / Vasen, Spirit

- Jon Steltenpohl

Northside Records, out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has released a set of compilations of Swedish and Scandanavian music. Each album focuses on a band that has a unique way of modernizing traditional music from Scandanavia. The results indicate a thriving music scene that deserves some recognition.

Den Fule's masterful use of traditional and modern music is captivating. "Lugumleik" is a instrumental track featuring soprano saxophone that is reminiscent of Sting's work on Nothing Like The Sun era. "Modus Mats" emulates Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, and Den Fule manages to cram a million styles into a easy going, free flowing jazz like groove. At other times, they remind me of the world music feel of Dave Matthews band. But, any slant you take on Den Fule is a good one. They are a cross cultural delight.

If you can imagine Scandanavian folk dances performed with a modern dance feel, you can imagine the world created by Hedningarna. On the surface, Hippjokk is simply a collection of rousing folk songs bolstered with tambourine, fiddles, Jews harp, and dulcimer. But, wait for the groove to connect and you'll find yourself affected the way a good mind numbing piece of electronica will do. Granted, this music isn't exactly mainstream, but it works.

Hoven Droven (Sweden's way of saying "helter skelter") takes traditional music and crushes it with big rock chops. Put, say, Metallica on the same stage with the Cheiftans, and you get a feel for what Hoven Droven does. This music is without a doubt traditional. The liner notes credit many dead folk musicians with the various "polska"'s and waltzes, and half of the instruments are decidedly acoustic. But, every few tracks, the guys in the band let loose. Unfortunately, you have to be both a loud rock fan and a folk enthusiast to completely enjoy Hoven Droven.

Amiddst all of the modern interpretations of Scandanavian folk on Northside's releases is a truly traditional album by Vasen called Spirit . Vasen's frontman plays an instrument called the nyckelharpa which is a keyed fiddle. (Surf to The American Nyckelharpa Association web page at http://www.atmos.washington.edu/~brash/ana.html to find out more.) What is interesting about this album is that it puts the other three albums in perspective. Despite the lack of electric instruments (a viola and a guitar round out the band), Vasen's music is still as interesting as any of the others. In fact, it is probably the best album of the four. For those looking to expand their musical horizons, Vasen's Spirit is a good place to start. It has a simple appeal (much like traditional Celtic music), and would easily find a spot on any National Public Radio folk show.

For more information on this exciting new music coming out of Scandanavia, check out Northside's web page at http://www.noside.com or e-mail chill@noside.com .