Search - Hedningarna :: Hedningarna

Hedningarna
Hedningarna
Hedningarna
Genres: International Music, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

The Swedish folk group Hedningarna released their self-titled debut in 1989 when they were still a trio, before they added vocalists and started experimenting with amplified instruments and rhythm loops. But even though...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Hedningarna
Title: Hedningarna
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Northside Records
Release Date: 5/8/2001
Genres: International Music, Pop
Styles: Europe, Scandinavia
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 021561605725

Synopsis

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The Swedish folk group Hedningarna released their self-titled debut in 1989 when they were still a trio, before they added vocalists and started experimenting with amplified instruments and rhythm loops. But even though the band is playing acoustically, they still manage to produce a powerfully rhythmic sound, and the drones of their various hurdy-gurdies, moraharpas (an early version of the nyckelharpa), hardanger fiddles, and bagpipes create sonic textures that have an organic aura that no wash of synthesized sound can match. Anders Norudde, who has mastered the difficult trick of creating melodies that sound simultaneously old and new, evenly splits the tracks between traditional Swedish dance tunes and new compositions. Hedningarna honors the musical traditions of Scandinavia, but they don't let their respect for the ancient music stifle their need to create their own music and carry those same traditions into the modern world. --Michael Simmons

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CD Reviews

Pleasant, but not essential, even for fans
10/11/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is Hedningarna's first album, which has, for a long time, not been available in the U.S. Folks who've become familiar with Hedningarna from outstanding folk-rock explorations like _Kaksi_ or their recent _Karelia Visa_ may be quite surprised by the band's first disk. Here, the band is purely an instrumental trio-- the two haunting female vocalists aren't present (nor are any other vocalists). Also, there are few (if any?) rock influences here at all. It's still a pleasant Scandinavian folk album, mind you, but it's not as original, as full-sounding, or as essential as the band's later folk-rock efforts."
Okay
10/02/2001
(2 out of 5 stars)

"This isn't Hedningarna's best--it is fun to listen too, but I found it a little repetitious. If you want to experience this group, try for something a little newer."
This is their best!
Max Airborne | 03/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found this album after I already knew the others. I actually like it best -- it's a similar feel, but stripped down to acoustic instruments and no vocals. A very trance-like quality. And simply beautiful."