Dungen - 'Ta Det Lungt' (Memphis Industries) Released 30/05/05

Sweden’s track record in the world of music is somewhat hit-and-miss, The Hives are fine, Abba are a legendary pop group… and then you have the likes of Ace Of Base.  Here’s hoping Gustav Ejstes, who records under the name of Dungen, isn’t a shitty pop act.  Brought up by his music teacher father on a diet of local folk and 60’s rock, Dungen is a man of many talents, having written, played, and produced all of this, his third record.

The description of psychprogpopfolkrock on the press release is about as accurate as you can get to describing ‘Ta Det Lungt’.  It is sung in the artist’s native tongue, but this does not detract from a distinctive retro sound musically and in the man’s voice.  ‘Panda’ and ‘Gjort Bort Sig’ are reminiscent of The Beatles if Hendrix was their guitarist (ooh just imagine that…) and make you feel like you’ve just had one hell of a spliff.  Like many of the tracks they are highly engaging and unpredictable – something Dungen repeats throughout the album, such as the appearance of woodwind instrumental ‘Glomd Konst Kommer Stundom Anyo Till Heders’.

Also displayed here is some great musicianship, particularly the drumming and guitars of title track ‘Ta Det Lungt’.  ‘E For Fin For Mig’ sees the effortless blending of what appear to be contrasting string and guitar parts, whilst other songs mix together without you realising you’re onto another track.  Hell, the guy even tries his hand at dance without failure! – and the result is a fine piece of work that is rewarding and enjoyable.