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

Gamarna was one of the first Swedish bands to blend dance tunes and songs from the ballad tradition, much like a Scandinavian version of the Irish group De Dannan. Garmarna is a remastered version of their self-titled 1...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Garmarna
Title: Garmarna
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Northside Records
Release Date: 5/8/2001
Album Type: EP, Original recording remastered
Genres: Folk, International Music, Pop
Styles: Traditional Folk, Europe, Scandinavia
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 021561605626, 7071155315199

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Gamarna was one of the first Swedish bands to blend dance tunes and songs from the ballad tradition, much like a Scandinavian version of the Irish group De Dannan. Garmarna is a remastered version of their self-titled 1993 debut EP, which has been expanded on CD by the addition of six songs from their 1992 demo. After those recordings were made, the band went on to become one of Sweden's most innovative folk groups. And even though all the tracks here are acoustic, with none of the amplified instruments and drum loops the group experimented with on later recordings, the music still exhibits an adventurous spirit. The musicians use a wide assortment of instruments--hurdy-gurdies, Jew's harps, bouzoukis, guitars, and violins--to create sonic tapestries that weave together medieval-sounding harmonies with modern rhythms. Their "modern-ancient" sound is a perfect backdrop for Emma Hardelin, whose vocals add a soft edge to the sometimes dark ambiance of the music. (One band member is credited on percussion and death grunts.) The music on Garmarna is more folk-oriented than most of their later recordings, but the power of these performances shows that the band learned the rules of traditional music, before they went on the break them. --Michael Simmons

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CD Reviews

An impressive debut!
James Hymans | Muncie, Indiana USA | 12/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"While this album lacks the flair of later Garmarna releases, tending to stick pretty closely to a traditional folk style, it is never-the-less a spectacular album, which proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Garmarna had mastered tradition before defying it. It's interesting to hear how really good this band was even when they were just getting started. They play with passion and expertise, and the style is absolutely perfect. Emma only shows up on a few tracks, and only actually sings lyrics on one, but, while she is missed, it is great to hear the other members out in front, and to be able to really focus on their playing. The inclusion of the original band demos from 1992 is also a great addition, as they are all written by members of the band (most by Stefan), and because two are actually repeats of songs that appear on the first half of the album as 4-piece songs, which gives you a wonderful perspective on the band's development. If you're new to Scandanavian folk music, then this is a good place to start. If you're new to just Garmarna, then I'd recommend checking out God's Musicians or Vengence first. Either way, this album is a great window into the history of one of Sweden's best bands."
Wonderful debut from an excellent group
End User | Sacramento, CA | 03/30/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This, Garmarna's debut, showcases the acoustic Nordic folk music of their roots. The groups playing is excellent, and on the few tracks where Emma Hardelin lends her vocals, the singing is raw and full of passion yet still eerily beautiful. All of the music exudes an atmospheric melancholy that probably comes from not getting enough sun, and the moodiness is captured affectingly by the players and singer.
On the whole, an excellent little album full of wonderful music. For the price, it's highly recommended."
My favorite of theirs
Kenny b Natural | 01/24/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is straight up, good traditional Scandinavian folk music with a modern twist. Tastefully done. That's the crucial part. Simple and effective. That's what you want. All instrumental tunes to take you to that mystical, prehistoric, frozen tundra. I like this. Buy it. Put it on and slip into the hot tub or sauna. Roll around in the snow naked afterwards. Do it again."