Label: Discreet Music

Enhet For Fri Musikのメンバーとして、またBlodの核として動くGustaf Dickssonと、2022年にここDiscreet Musicからサントラ的ソロアルバム[Bowdark]を発表したMagnus Javerling、スウェーデンのアンダーグラウンド・ミュージック・シーンで活躍する二者のデュオユニットStenhjarta。70年代スウェーデンのプログレ/フォークの伝統に深く根ざしたグループであり、精巧なソングライティングにてKjell Höglund、Ulf Dageby、Kenta.といった、自国の巨匠コンポーザー/SSWの荒々しい側面を彷彿とさせる、ローファイポップを13曲に渡り展開。









The second album from Stenhjärta follows up Gryning Kommer Röd (Grapefruit Records, 2024) and very much continues in the same vein while approaching a rather damn catchy pop song format at times. Fear not, Stenhjärta is still a group heavily rooted in the Swedish prog/folk tradition of the 70's, the 13 songs here just showcases a somewhat wider scope, the duo taking things a notch further with more elaborate songwriting and a whole slew of wonderful A-sides along the often damaged ride. Lyrically, the absurd and heartfelt working class observations that throughout the album are mixed up with a bunch of seriously heavy hitting loner anthems recalls the more rowdy sides of Swedish masters like Kjell Höglund and Ulf Dageby, or why not Kenta. A lo-fi diamond that will keep on giving.

Stenhjärta consists of Gustaf Dicksson & Magnus Jäverling. Both are active in the Swedish Underground music scene centered in Gothenburg. Gustaf is known for his shape-shifting prolific solo project, Blod, as well as his participation in the notable music collective, Enhet för Fri Musik. Magnus is somewhat newer to the scene, appearing on some Blod recordings as well as releasing a fascinating concept album called Bowdark on the Discreet Music label back in 2022.