November 1, 2016

GROVJOBB "Landet Leverpastej" & "Vättarnas Fest" LP reissues

Grovjobb went down as one of the under-the-radar obscurities of the 90s Scandinavian retro progressive scene. They were a Swedish band formed in 1995 that existed for only a few years, performing an interesting hybrid of progressive rock, psychedelia, forest folk, and world music with a definite throwback to the early 70s. They released three albums during their active lifespan, that didn’t receive the attention they deserved. Now, Muzic Bazz is trying to correct this omission by reissuing their first two albums in vinyl format (they only received the CD treatment back in the day).
 
Landet Leverpastej

Originally released in 1998 on the small Garageland label, Grovjobb’s debut is an excellent example of flute driven prog rock, that can be generally described as a Scandinavian version of early Jethro Tull (“Stand Up” & “Benefit” era), though entirely instrumental. There's a genuine lot to be (re)discovered here. Above all, the band succeeded to sound like a mid 70's progressive band, while avoiding the predominance of the technical factor in favour of low-tempo instrumental tunes with a heavy psych vibe, often in a happy, playful mode. When they jam, there’s a notable Fläsket Brinner influence enrichened by a constant interplay between fuzz-drenched guitar and flute. The resulting duels are combined with native folk motives and some jazzy moments, that give a special “warm summer night air” atmosphere to the pieces. Not the whole album is tightly structured, as Grovjobb wade also through some loose arrangements with a jamming feeling and a light improvisational touch. In its whole, “Landet Leverpastej” is a gloriously vintage and magnificently evocative recording with an “open” aura: the feeling of nature - the sounds of the forest and the sea. Everyone who is after well played instrumental music which rests more in a structured  jam session vein, will love this record. The specific reissue comes in a different cover to the CD, redesigned by artist Dan Fröberg.
  

Vättarnas Fest

From the wonderful cover (created by illustrator Hans Arnold) with the parading bodies transformed as music instruments, one gets the picture that something special goes on with “Vättarnas Fest”. Following their excellent debut from the year prior, Grovjobb come with another impressive album, which by many is considered as their “crown of creation”. The music in this second offering takes a deeper dive in the early 70s in a remarkably convincing result. The jam based approach on the record takes a more hypnotic, jazzier approach and the flute playing is more fluid than on the previous album, resulting in a distant krauty vibe. Then comes the use of sitar and bits of Indian classical music; a fact that adds a spacious feel to the music and an aura of originality. The listener is transported back in time, without being (even momentary) let-down through all this well-played, cohesive, always inspired instrumental delivery. And in true retro spirit, the high levels of creativity result in an eastern-influenced 19 minute long instrumental suite, where the raga structured sitar transitions softly into an electric guitar driven psych journey that near its end dissolves in a sea of fuzz. Music that good, that never gets old or outdated; a five stars album that is superb in every respect and a must to every retro psych/prog aficionado.

Listen here.

Both Grovjobb albums are officially reissued from the original masters in both coloured and black vinyl on COSMIC EYE's parent label MusicBazz Corporation (http://www.musicbazz.com).

Each album in a total of 200 copies with printed inner sleeves:
200 coloured vinyl   € 24.00



Release Date: 20 Nov. 2016

You can get your own copy HERE.


3 comments:

  1. Great choices Spyros! I still have those old Garageland CDs. Wonderful music.

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  2. What good news!!! The band deserves all the attention !! And one of the best bands that appeared in the 90's. And I say more .. It surpasses many and many other bands before them, even from the 70's

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