Over the last few years, one of my favorite new band discoveries has been the entire back catalog of Kungens Män. I have to say it was a great pleasure to catch them at Roadburn this year. one of the things I like best about the band is that there really is nobody that they sound like or sound like them. They are completely unique. Understanding that for many, Kungens Män is an acquired taste, this record may be an excellent starting point for newcomers. it’s far more of a “rocker” and less jazz or sax dependent than a lot of their previous work. Four lengthy tracks kicking off with the driving När piskan viner should get you moving and yes there still is sax. “Stora grummet” slows things down to a bit more of a tribal beat and heavier psych vibe. “I Hjalles kök” picks the pace back up with a bit of a different feeling, spoken vocals, and a very live feel to it. “Vaska lyckokaka” closes things out with a fuzzy hypnotic trance to it. Another plus with this record is the fact that there was a US edition for distribution from Centripetal Force as well as this being the first release on the band’s own label. A great addition to the catalog.
The LP is available from their Bandcamp Page as well as the US edition available from Centripetal Force
