Search - Hoven Droven :: Hippa

On their fourth album, the lively Hoven Droven--the bad boys of Swedish folk who blend their musical roots with rock, blues, and jazz--veer away from the hyperactive tendencies of past albums for a more restrained musical excursion. In fact, Hippa is the most traditional sounding of all the band's releases, and the quintet certainly proves it is just as talented playing consistently at lower volumes and slower tempos. This CD is comprised mostly of instrumental originals, with two traditional Swedish folk numbers and a traditional Norwegian reinlender included for good measure. The tranquil, hypnotic sound of the original composition "Dusk" is a standout. Fans of the band's heavier material might be surprised by Hippa at first, but successive listens should convert them. The key to Hoven Droven's appeal is their distinct sound: fiddle, brass, and rock instrumentation unite in a harmonious blend that is perfectly suited for the group's cross-genre pollination. --Bryan Reesman