Sweden’s Kungens Män are back with their special brand of jazzy space psych on an ambitious first part of a two-part release on Majestic Mountain Records. After a brief intro, “För samtida Djur” kicks things off in familiar territory with the odd bass rhythm that sometimes has more silence than sound. Some dissonant guitar picking and gurgling electronics pierce the rhythm as pads work their way in and the piece becomes more coherent. “Tycka kart” has a more indie vibe as the guitars work around the deep rhythm. As the title suggests, “Grovmotorik” starts its path with an excellent motorik beat. Some angular, distorted guitar joins the party along with something that gives off the vibe of a harmonica or melodica while the drums and bass take us on a road trip. In a way, “Motarbetaren” brings us back in time, part Kraftwerk, part 70’s jazz-rock for a very interesting effect. “Virvelresan” is again another timeless piece of improvised experimentation paired with a tight rhythm section. I think it’s the guitar tone here that stands out. It has just a touch of that Mike Oldfield sound. “Bra mol” starts with some nice sax work and a somber rhythm guitar, giving off a slight Joy Division vibe. “Tyska Ninjor” picks up the pace with a quick motorik beat and has the most energy of the tracks on this LP. The album closes with its most experimental track, “Nu eller aldrin”. The track features lots of sax paired with cavernous sounds and sporadic rhythms, bells and effects.
I enjoyed this one a lot. I always like what Kungens Män brings to the table but this one stands on its own. some of the more “Film Noire” elements paired with the more standard fair really make for an interesting listen. I can’t wait for the second half.
Released by Majestic Mountain Records
