TIO BITAR

DUNGEN's previous album "Ta Det Lugnt" was the one that really gained them world wide attention. This album "Tio Bitar" (Ten Pieces) is the follow-up. We still get an acid drenched album but that 60's Psych / Pop vibe isn't as prominant. This album is more immediate, heavier and concise. I like this one better. Once again multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Gustav Ejstes runs the show here but his secret weapon is former LANDBERK / PAATOS guitarist Reine Fiske who offers up some scathing guitar work. Vocals are still in Swedish.

"Intro" kicks in quickly after the sirens with some major fuzzed out guitar from Fiske. It settles in around a minute but Fiske is still all over this soundscape. What a way to begin ! The next two tracks are the ones that recall that Pop / Psyche sound from previous albums.The vocals certainly have a lot to do with that. "Familj" is very 60's sounding with vocals. Gotta love the organ work in this one. "Gor Det Nu" is one of my favourites. It's uptempo with vocals and prominant drums. It does settle somewhat as the guitar griinds away. Great sound. Lots of fuzz to follow. "C Visar Vagen" is uplifting early with violin. It settles with flute before 1 1/2 minutes. The violin is back late as the bass throbs. Another excellent track. "Du Ska Inte Tro Att Det Ordnar Sig" features heavy drums as vocals join in. It settles with piano after 2 1/2 minutes to the end.

"Mon Amour" is a top three for me for sure. The longest track as well at almost 9 minutes. It's fairly heavy with vocals early. Here come Fiske 2 1/2 minutes in and he's on fire ! The tempo picks up as Fiske continues to rip it up. It settles back some as the guitar continues to grind it out. "Sa Blev Det Bestamt" is lighter with vocals and piano. Violin joins in before heavy drums kick in. Great sound here. Intricate guitar follows. Nice. "Ett Skal Att Trivas" is a short tune with drums, vocals and guitar standing out. "Svart Ar Himlen" sounds so good to start as the vocals join in with piano. The drums are all over this before 1 1/2 minutes. "En Gang I Ar Kam Det En Tar" builds with piano and drums. Guitar joins in as it continues to ebb and flow. Flute too. It's spacey late.

I find DUNGEN's sound very addictive and Fiske really shines on this one. I want to thank TomOzric for praising this one to the point where I knew I had to have it.