MÅLTID

Henrik "Bebben" Öberg left Samla Mammas Manna shortly after the release of their self-titled debut and in a clevef move the remaining trio hired guitarist Coste Apetrea the following year in his place.The next move for the fresh line-up was to enter the Decibel Studios and record a new album, produced by Anders Lind.This was again released on Silence Records in 1973 under the title ''Måltid''.

The new musical direction of Samla Mammas Manna was simply intricate, powerful and extremely cohesive all the way, offering a quirky, mostly instrumental Progressive Rock with influences from Classical, Jazz and Swedish Folk Music in equal portions.This fact can be recognized already from the long opener ''Dundrets froejder''.Groovy and frenetic Progressive Rock with shining guitar hooks by Apetrea, bombastic breaks and an impressive, rich sound with dominant keyboard (including organ, Mellotron and electric piano), bass and drums, only interrupted by humurous, wordless vocals.The rest of the tracks are also pretty outstanding, created by a band that now has found its own style and tight receipt.Crazy short- and mid-length instrumentals with a superb balance between loose moments and extremely tight interplays, characterized by rhythmic heaviness, jazzy improvisations, Classical melodies and folky soundscapes.A new star seems to shine on Apetrea, while Hollmer offers a mature and infallible performance.The words about the rhythm section are needless.Strong, solid and highly technical playing all the way in full collaboration with guitars and keyboards.

Simply awesome release.Every fan of Progressive Rock, who doesn't mind a fair dose of complexity, should own this classic.Highly recommended.