Saturday, July 7, 2018

MUSIKTRUPPEN GURAN – Musiktruppen Guran (MNW, 1976) / I sista minuten (Amalthea, 1979)

International relevance: ***/*
Swedish vocals

An interesting, very versatile but undersung group from Lund in the south of Sweden. Their first album was released by MNW, and is a multifaceted piece of work where all songs are different, with elements from blues (the band started out in the early 70's as a pure blues outfit called Blues Machine), jazz, funk, folk and progressive rock to mention only some of their inspirations. The lyrics are politically inclined and the songs infused with humour, but neither the message nor the humour get in the way of the songs. There's no doubt about it that Musiktruppen Guran had chops enough, but their technical skills are used to bring the best out of the songs and not to show off the musicians' brilliance. The twin vocals of Anne Winqvist and Roland Svensson work well and add further shades to Musiktruppen Guran's rather spectacular blend of ideas. ”Musiktruppen Guran” ranks among the best albums made during the second half of the progg era and is highly recommended.

After losing bass player Lars Franzén (the void was filled by Roland Svensson), Musiktruppen Guran signed with Malmö label Amalthea and changed musical direction to a more reggae based sound. Sorry to say, the switch of musical styles was artistically disappointing, especially since drummer P.H. Scott doesn't nail the reggae. Let's say he's not a Bosse Skoglund... Some of the songs on ”I sista minuten” are still quite good, but the arrangements can't live up to their promise. 

from Musiktruppen Guran
from I sista minuten

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