DRÖÖG - S/T - Tracklisting
1.Irrbloss
2.Rista hans namn
3.Stormhatt
4.Nattfjärilar
5.Blodörn 06:39
6.Hamnskiftaren
7.Bergtagen
Review
DRÖÖG self titled debut album has the mighty power of Majestic Mountain Records behind it who are pretty confident of these guys making major waves within the Doom/Stoner Rock underground and I can see why with this highly original blend of Psych Rock, Stoner Rock and Progressive Doom sounds. The album does have its fair share of Post-Rock moments and a twinge of Folk Rock.
The album is also sung in Swedish and I can’t really say what the lyrics actually mean as I don’t speak Swedish. However, the lyrics and vocals are quite heartfelt and even emotionally driven when matched against the heavy Post-Rock/Post-Stoner sounds. DRÖÖG play similar grooves to bands such as Elder and Weedpecker but still doing their own thing.
Opening song Irrbloss is an instrumental offering that moves between mellow Post-Rock sounds and heavier Stoner Rock/Metal riffs. The song is multi-layered and progressive in all of the right ways with a cool sideline in Blues Rock driven atmospherics. One of the standout tracks on the album that sets the mood and tone for the whole album.
Second song Rista hans namn is played at a mid-to-slow pace with a heavy Prog Rock atmosphere appearing amongst the modern Psych Rock attitude that DRÖÖG capture superbly well. The vocals are quite gloomy in places with a Blues Rock sullen attitude but there is still a warm hearted feeling from this song. A great mix of Seventies Prog Rock themes and modern day sounds.
Third song Stormhatt is more Folk Rock/Americana inspired with DRÖÖG on fine storytelling form. The music has a classic Doom/Stoner Rock approach and fully comes alive when the band lets the Psychedelic elements of the song take complete creative control. The instrumental work is beautifully played and welcomes the listener with open arms. The vocals have a classic touch to them and appear to be heavily inspired by the Seventies Hard Rock scene.
Fourth song Nattfjärilar offers a more laid back approach with its gloomy style of Psych Stoner Rock. The music can feel quite isolated and solitary with the excellent low-key production values. The heavy atmospherics allows DRÖÖG to remain firmly in Prog Rock territory and maybe the band could have played a faster style of music here. However, DRÖÖG remain true to themselves and dictate the action that they see fit.
The next two tracks Blodörn and Hamnskiftaren are two of the other standout tracks on the album with Blodörn perhaps being my favourite. As DRÖÖG conjures up exciting moments of Psych Stoner Rock imagery even with their music. This section of the record is perhaps the gloomiest part of the album.
Bergtagen is the final track on the album and it offers more of the same Psychedelic magic heard on the previous tracks but outlining what damn good band that DRÖÖG are.
As I said earlier in this review, the production values are quite low-key and more direct than you initially expect. However, this remains a wonderfully diverse album that allows DRÖÖG to play some wonderful original sounds of their own.
DRÖÖG debut album is a winning mix of different styles from the Doom/Stoner Rock underground and showcases another great band from the Swedish Underground scene. DRÖÖG are an exciting new voice from the Doom/Stoner Rock scene and I can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve with future releases.
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to Vesper at Majestic Mountain Records for the promo.
DRÖÖG debut album will be available to buy on CD/DD via Majestic Mountain Records from Septemer 2nd 2022.
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