release date: 18th September 2020
It is the perfect sequel to “Reflections and Odysseys”, their highly acclaimed debut that spawned an equally acclaimed series of live performances. The trio have taken the dynamics, textures, moods, and perfect blend of subtle detailing and big sonic gestures to new levels, and have picked up new elements of 60s psychedelia and punk energy along the way. If you ever wondered what would happen if a Krzysztof Komeda score collided with Fugazi, look no further; if you need to know what Chopin writing doom metal might sound like, you might just find the answer you seek. The prog and fusion elements you already know and expect are still here, but with different colours and markings. If “Reflections and Odysseys” was a first expedition into earth orbit, “Spacesailors” goes far beyond. This just might be their “moon landing” album.
Featuring a more diverse sonic palette, with electronic keyboards and various effects coming further into play, there would be a danger of the trio becoming reliant upon the trickery these things afford, but instead they are perfect garnishes to Rymden’s musical recipe of core compositions rich in melody, deep exploratory soloing, and musical elaborations and in-the- moment re-imaginings. Some miniatures of just a minute or two long achieve epic grandeur, while longer pieces take us on determined peregrinations with variegated wonders to behold along the way, or extended meditations on a theme. And although each member has their (almost perfectly equal) share of individual composer credits, the overall signature is clearly RYMDEN. Their name is truly an aptronym, as it means “space”, with their musical arrangements as interstellar maps of the harmonic cosmos. Their playing plots unique navigational paths and orbits around celestial bodies of melody, atmospheric and moody proto-ambient nebulae, the searing heat of exploding supernova riffs, and the occasional asteroid belt of dissonance. Space-sailors, indeed!
As with “Reflections and Odysseys”, the track titles point to life as a world citizen, both as dweller and traveller, moments of serenity and introspection, a wicked sense of humor, and, of course, the music follows suit. That music, whether entwined around a hard-hammered gigantic riff or a complex tapestry of delicate and nimble-fingered counterpoint and thematic variation, is imbued with a warm, open and generous humanity.
photo credit: Per Kristiansen
Track list:
- The Life and Death of Hugo Drax
- The Space Sailor
- Söndan
- Terminal One
- The Final Goodbye
- Pilgrimstad
- Arriving at Ramajay Part I
- Arriving at Ramajay Part II
- The Actor (Gonzo Goes to Pasadena)
- My Life in A Mirror
- Free as a Bird
- Söndan Outro
Line up:
BUGGE WESSELTOFT moog, celesta, electronics, fender rhodes, grand piano
DAN BERGLUND electronics, bass
MAGNUS ÖSTRÖM electronics, percussion, drums, voice
release date: 18th September 2020
formats: CD / LP / DL
label: Jazzland
cat no: 3779278
Recorded February 2020 in Svenska Grammofonstudion, Göteborg by Åke Linton. Mastering Bjørn Engelmann.
You can BUY this music HERE: