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Reviews

Triakel — Triakel
(Westpark WP87060, 1998, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 1999-01-01

Triakel Cover art

Triakel is a three-piece side-project featuring Kjell-Erik Eriksson (fiddle) and Janne Strömstedt (harmonium) from the band Hoven Droven, and singer Emma Härdelin of Garmarna, playing a very traditional Swedish folk music, a bit stark and dark (due to the combined nature of the limited instrumentation used) but electrified with Härdelin’s warm, sweet voice. One may be reminded of Maddy Prior of Steeleye Span fame, and indeed their music occupies a similar position within a Swedish folk slyle. The twelve pieces herein stick pretty close to the traditional roots, in fact if one reads the credits on each of the songs, most seem to be reworked traditional tunes, no originals by the members. A couple tunes like “The Birthday Party” and “The Lion and the Bride” seem a bit more upbeat, like they might be of more recent vintage. All lyrics are in Swedish, but the lyrics printed in the booklet are in English — go figure; the translation is a good thing indeed, but it’s sometimes helpful to have the Swedish lyrics to follow along with. Due to the lack of variety in the instrumentation, the sound gets a bit samey after a while, but regardless, this is a very warm and traditionally-guided release that should please many.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 16, 1998 releases

Related artist(s): Triakel

 

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