After more than twenty years of silence, the legendary Swedish ensemble Grovjobb returns with an album that seamlessly continues the legacy of their extraordinary work in the Scandinavian Progressive and Psychedelic underground. Their reappearance at Psykstämman in 2023, on an island off Gothenburg, rekindled the magical spark between old fans and new listeners alike: a long-awaited, yet entirely natural, homecoming. “Nallebjörn är död” (Teddy Bear is Dead) represents the culmination of this revival, delivering a sonic journey that amplifies the band’s signature poetic sensibilities through intricate interplay, compositional sophistication, and evocative atmospheres that are at once dreamlike and grounded in the earth. Grovjobb has always distinguished itself through an instrumental approach that is both vivid and immersive. Formed in the 1990s within the vibrant Swedish Progressive scene, the band quickly became renowned for its electrifying live performances, while their three albums, released on Garageland Records, remain highly sought-after collector’s items. Their work garnered acclaim from influential Psychedelic and Progressive publications, including “Ptolemaic Terrascope” and “Crohinga Well.” At the core of the group is Jerry Johansson, guitarist, sitar virtuoso, and composer, whose music channels Indian influences through a Scandinavian lens, blending Folk nuances, subtle Psychedelia, and intricate harmonic textures. The result is a universe of sound where luminous melodies coexist with shadowy undertones, conjuring images of forested landscapes and mystical realms. The album opens with a true epic, “Nallebjörn är trött.” Spanning over fifteen minutes, the track unfolds like a multi-chapter narrative: delicate arpeggios and pastoral Folk motifs gradually give way to Johansson’s commanding guitar lines. Thomas Nyström’s keyboards and Fender Rhodes weave seamlessly with the guitar, producing a rich tapestry of tonal colours that traverse Jazz-inflected passages and Symphonic Prog expanses. Jesper Jarold’s bass and Ola Wolfhechel Jensen’s drums provide a dynamic and ever-evolving rhythmic foundation, navigating tempo shifts with precision. Each thematic development feels organic yet meticulously structured, culminating in a final crescendo that highlights both technical mastery and emotive depth. “Nallebjörn är röd” emphasizes the dialogue between keyboards and guitar. Nyström’s tonal palette creates open spaces for inspired solos, imparting a refined Jazz-Rock character. The rhythm section alternates between lyrical interludes and complex, groove-driven passages, balancing sonic density with melodic clarity. As the track progresses, the sound broadens into a more choral and symphonic register, maintaining the freshness of Scandinavian Progressive Rock while incorporating Jazz-Rock orchestral touches reminiscent of the 1970s. The first part of the title suite introduces the sitar, establishing a meditative, suspended atmosphere that bridges Eastern and Scandinavian traditions. Melodic lines alternate between folk-inspired motifs and more ethereal progressions, while the interplay between guitar, piano, and Indian instruments creates a multi-colored sonic landscape. The composition demonstrates the band’s capacity to merge traditional and avant-garde elements with ease and nuance. “Nallebjörn är död Pt. II” is the album’s shortest track develops the main theme through rhythmic Folk-Rock with subtle Eastern inflections, harmoniously integrating European and Nordic Folk influences. Despite its brevity, the piece showcases careful attention to dynamics and tonal movement, offering fresh perspectives on the theme without ever feeling repetitive.
The final chapter of the suite, “Nallebjörn är död Pt. III,” embodies Grovjobb’s musical philosophy: a seamless fusion of Folk Rock, Psychedelia, and Symphonic textures. Guitar arpeggios and keyboard layers generate a complex yet fluid soundscape, supported by a rhythm section that navigates constant tempo shifts with ease. The track concludes the album with a sense of artistic maturity, leaving the listener enveloped in a cohesive, imaginative, and emotionally resonant sonic world. “Nallebjörn är död” is a triumphant return for Grovjobb. The band reconciles its historical sound with contemporary possibilities in progressive and Psychedelic music, demonstrating a level of technical and compositional mastery rarely found in today’s scene. Every instrument is given space to shine, every theme is thoughtfully developed, and the overall experience is immersive, transporting the listener through Nordic forests, Eastern vistas, and exquisitely constructed sonic architectures. This is an album for anyone who cherishes Progressive Rock defined by inventive sophistication and musical enchantment, cementing Grovjobb’s status as one of the most compelling and coherent forces in international progressive music.
Tracklist
01. Nallebjörn är trött (15:56)
02. Nallebjörn är röd (07:22)
03. Nallebjörn är död Pt. I 05:02)
04. Nallebjörn är död Pt. II (03:43)
05. Nallebjörn är död Pt. III (10:20)
Lineup
Jerry Johansson / Guitar, Sitar, Dulcimer, Udu, Shruti Box
Jesper Jarold / Bass
Thomas Nyström / Fender Rhodes, Piano, Keyboards
Ola Wolfhechel Jensen / Drums, Percussion