RÅG I RYGGEN-RÅG I RYGGEN-

As one of the best on/off releases from the Swedish Progscene this album from 1975 has no other match of it´s kind. The Scandinavian Progscene has Little in common with the international meaning of Prog as in Progressive. In this context we are talking of earthbounded hippie´s playing hard/psych/folk rock with a social politic message in their lyrics, often about injustice and goverment corruption. Some of the bands from the 70´s do have a cultstatus today but there were a lot of crap too.

Råg i Ryggen would almost Count as a Hard/Heavy/prog/proto rock band with Heavy influences from Deep Purple and Uriah Heep. The lyrics are a bit coloured with social perspective but not as a main purpose for their Music. The production is flawless with great vocals and fuzzy guitars both in rhythm and the screaming solos. The bass playing from Björn Aggemyr just fits like a glove to all arrangements. This is good stuff!!

Whatabout the drummer, Peter Sandberg?? This fellow got a funky backbeat signature to his playing style with great striking abilities and clear as a bell hitting ratio. The technical skills are great with great flow that pushes this outfit foward. The great interaction with the Twin guitars is just like earcandy…Splendid!! Great things to bring home to the rehearsal room.

As this is the “Holy Grail” for many record collectors when it comes to Swedish prog you can imagine that the price tag for good copies are high and rightfully so. This is a true gem and unpresidented from the time period. As the vinyl is Rising as a Music media perhaps we can hope for some reissues later on??

If you´re into Hard/Heavy/prog/proto rock with that Swedish touch of native singing in some tunes this is a solid rockalbum. Be prepared to put up some serious cash for good copies but it could be Worth it as this is a great album.

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-