Scandinavian band KAMA LOKA, consisting of a good handful of Swedish and Danish musicians, appears top be a one off venture based on the description given by Swedish label Transubstans Records when they released this one in the summer of 2013: That the band met up in a specific studio and recorded this album there and then. Still, if this will be the sole legacy of this meeting of minds it’s a good one, and a production well worth checking out.
This is a fairly brief affair, with a mere five compositions clocking in at just over 30 minutes. Opening track Skovsöen sets a mood that gives rise to association to the deep, lonely Scandinavian woods. Slow tribal rhythms, plucked guitar details and a second guitar layer of resonating psychedelic details, with a fair bit of violin thrown in for good measure and a distinct, melodic light toned lead vocalist carrying the majority of the song. An opening track that indicates that we’re about to head into a production of folk music with a foundation in ancient folk music.
That isn’t the case however. The folk music influences remains a distinct trait throughout, mostly by way of violin details with occasional flute flurries further emphasizing this aspect of the album, but the dominant instrument on the next three tracks and 20 something minutes of music is the organ. A distinctly vintage sounding variety of the instrument it is, and when supplemented by plucked guitar details, psychedelic resonating supplemental guitar details and psych-oriented, vintage guitar soloing we’re closer to the likes of Bo Hansson in this case. If he had a folk oriented rather than a jazz-tinged one that is. But it’s this kind of early 70’s sound we’re treated to here, elegant psychedelic progressive folk rock if you like, and an organ dominated variety of that. Most stunningly explored on the 12 minute long instrumental Gaanglaat Till Floalt.
Concluding track När Lingonen Mognar backtracks ever so slightly towards the opening track again in style. The organ is missing on this piece, while layered male chants and a droning texture I surmise is produced by the hurdy gurdy is a constant presence here, supplemented by layered guitars and a spirited vintage guitar solo. The chant-like vocals doesn’t sit too well with me though, but otherwise this is a charming conclusion to this fine album.
If you have a general taste for psychedelic progressive rock with a distinct sheen of folk music details as a key feature, Kama Loka’s so far sole album is one worth investigating. Especially if you have a soft spot for music of this kind where the majority of the songs are dominated by vintage sounding organ.
My rating: 76/100