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Mattias Risberg's Mining: Zauberberg
ByThe ensemble known as Mattias Risberg's Mining takes its name from the ore mines in the Bergslagen region of Sweden, where Risberg grew up. Their debut album was recorded live in the depths of a mine in the town of Stripa. Live in Stripa (Kullen Reko, 2019) featured an impressive band including bassist Dan Berglund (Esbjorn Svensson Trio) and drummer Jon Falt (Bobo Stenson Trio). Mats Gustafsson's Fire! Orchestra group figures heavily in the remainder of Risberg's line up.
Metaphorically speaking, the caves are still with us. In a spoken segment of the opening title track, Abrahamson's child-like reading tells us where we will find the "names of the dead." The seemingly dispassionate narration takes on a special eeriness amid gothic pipe organ and bells. In sharp contrast "Sweet Science" is initially reminiscent of a Sandy Denny ballad, guitarist David Stackenäs accompanying Abrahamson's exquisite, unembellished vocal. As the reeds, strings and synthesizer enter the piece takes on an orchestrated lushness. "Red Ponds" and "Megaphone" are firmly rooted in hard rock, driven by Stackenäs' electric guitar and Abrahamson's experimentalism. Zauberberg closes with the engaging "Obstacles." Josefin Runsteen's violin and Risberg's piano supporting Abrahamson's beautifully fragile vocal.
Zauberberg has more contemplative moments than Mining's debut while still capitalizing on Risberg's broad stylistic palette. It would be hard to argue that Abrahamson's versatile voice isn't the focal point for much of the album. But it's Risberg's precise vocabulary and his traversing of boundaries that provide the unusual platform that makes this all work so well.
Track Listing
Zauberberg, Sweet Science; Shrink; Red Ponds; Rocks 'n Stein; Megaphone; Obstacles.
Personnel
Mattias Risberg
keyboardsJennie Abrahamson
vocalsDan Berglund
bassJon Falt
drumsJosefin Runsteen
violinFredrik Ljungkvist
saxophone, tenorDavid Stackenäs
guitarAdditional Instrumentation
Mattias Risberg: compositions, piano, mellotron, arp pro, nord electro; Fredrik Ljungkvist: baritone saxophone, clarinet; Josefin Runsteen: marimba.
Album information
Title: Zauberberg | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Kullen Reko
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About Mattias Risberg
Instrument: Keyboards
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