CHRONIQUE / REVIEW
ENTREVUE / INTERVIEW
TRETTIOÅRIGA KRIGET
theSeaside Air
Releases information
Release date: March 14, 2016
Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl
Label: Mellotronen
From: Sweden
8,0
Richard Hawey - Avril 2016
CHRONIQUE / REVIEW
CD
En 2011 le Québec a découvert une perle rare qui a pour nom TRETTIOÅRIGA KRIGET ("The 30-year War"), le tout se passait le 22 mai à la septième Convention Terra Incognita. Cette formation suédoise fut formée en 1970 à Saltsjöbaden, une petite localité touristique située au sud-est de Stockholm. En 1974, T.K. sort son premier album simplement intitulé « Trettioåriga Kriget ». Cette première production nous montre un groupe qui a du caractère et de la fougue. Je me suis poser la question, à quel moment peut-on affirmer qu’un groupe devient un des canons du rock progressif, au même titre que les autres grands ? Personnellement je crois que l’on peut leur donner ce qualificatif sans trop hésiter. Il suffit de regarder leur C.V., avec plus de dix albums à leur actif et cela en demeurant actif, c’est assez pour dire qu’ils ont mérité leur notoriété. Autre caractéristique importante, le groupe est toujours constitué des membres originels, ce qui représente selon moi une exception quasi unique en soi. Au printemps dernier T.K. nous présentait « Seaside Air », leur neuvième album studio. Avec cet album les membres de TRETTIOÅRIGA KRIGET cassent avec une habitude vieille de plus de quarante ans, les compositions sont chantées en anglais. La plupart des sept compositions ont été écrites par Stefan FREDIN (musique) et Olle THÖRNVAL (textes).
Après la trilogie publiée entre 2004 et 2011 qui présentait l’autobiographie du groupe, « Seaside Air » offre quelque chose de différent. L’album présente une nouvelle facette de ce qu’ils peuvent faire, les compositions sont plus accessibles et mélodiques et à quelque part proche des goûts musicaux des membres du groupe. Nous sommes loin de ce que TRETTIOÅRIGA KRIGET a fait dans le passé, en fait je crois qu’ils se sont payé la traite. Le contenu n’est pas selon moi désagréable, au contraire, on reconnait bien le style de ces musiciens suédois. Il suffit d’écouter « Photograph », et sa guitare unique qui nous rappelle clairement le son de T.K. Si on y réfléchi « Seaside Air » est un album que je qualifierais d’estival avec ses mélodies accrocheuses sans prétention que vous écouterez au volant de votre voiture ou assis confortablement sur votre patio en sirotant votre boisson favorite. Le chant en anglais n’est pas dépaysant, il prend sa place sans heurt. Le chant de Robert ZIMA sur cinq chansons et celui de Stefan FREDIN sur les autres est, même dans la langue de Shakespeare, très agréable et convaincant. Les sons que l’on associe au progressif, je pense au mellotron ici, sont toujours présent. Selon Stefan FREDIN les quatre premières pièces forment une suite, que l’on peut référer à l’atmosphère vivifiante des rives de la mer Baltique où est situé Saltsjöbaden. La chanson titre est vraiment dans un style plus pop adulte et elle se laisse écouter sans difficulté. « Forgotten Garden » mérite une bonne écoute, les riffs de guitare et la présence du mellotron est superbe. La ballade « Snow » est introduite au piano de façon solennelle, le chant est simple et efficace, le tout est appuyé par le mellotron. Avec la chanson « Billy », c’est le côté léger qui nous est présenté, celui que l’on connait moins. « Dreaming of Vermeer » offre une longue introduction présentée par la guitare qui s’étale sur près de deux minutes, le chant de Robert s’intègre à la guitare pour donner un duo intéressant. L’album se termine avec le second long titre, « Behold the Pilot » qui est à l’image de ce qui a précédé.
« Seaside Air » est un album qui plaira parce qu’il est différent car il offre à l’auditeur deux façons d’approcher cet album. La première est celle d’un pop rock bien exécuté, la seconde est le côté prog qui coule dans leur veine. TRETTIOÅRIGA KRIGET semble très à l’aise dans ce type son. Plusieurs formations des années fastes du prog n’ont pas su s’adapter mais eux l’on fait de belle manière. Je tiens à souligner l’excellente performance vocale des deux chanteurs, Robert ZIMA et Stefan FREDIN, qui ont su donner aux compositions un cachet tout spécial. Il se peut que les purs et dures soient déçus mais « Seaside Air » saura aller chercher d’autres adeptes car c’est de la qualité qui nous est offert ici. En terminant sachez que TRETTIOÅRIGA KRIGET offrira très bientôt la réédition de leur album publié en 1981 « Kriget ».
Musiciens / MUSICIANS :
- Robert Zima / vocals, guitar
- Christer Åkerberg / guitar
- Mats Lindberg / keyboards, saxophone
- Stefan Fredin / bass guitar, vocals
- Dag Lundquist / drums
- Johan Gullberg / drums
PISTES / TRACKS
1. The Photograph (8:23)
2. Seaside Air (6:43)
3. Forgotten Garden (6:06)
4. Snow (4:35)
5. Billy (5:14)
6. Dreaming Of Vermeer (4:01)
7. Behold The Pilot (8:05)
ENTREVUE / INTERVIEW
Trettioåriga Kriget
With: Stefan Fredin
26 APRIL 2016
Performed by: Richard Hawey
PROFIL - Before starting I want to thank you for your time to answer these questions.
PR - The band released its first album in 1974, the line-up has not changed much since that first album, how do you explain this stability?
STEFAN FREDIN - Probably because we most of us are friends since childhood/early teens and grew up in the same small seaside resort of Saltsjöbaden 15km southeast of Stockholm.
PR - Your music style has changed, especially with the release of the trilogy, these three albums are more melodic and accessible than were the first. What made you change your style?
SF - It was not a concious move or anything. We were just not the same persons as we were when we recorded these first two albums in our early twenties. For me being the main songwriter I feel it is also important to change. To make every album unique and not sounding like the album before.
PR - After the album "Kriget" published in 1981, there was a long break to Trettioariga Kriget, this pause was filled by live albums, several compilations and a few singles and that until 2004 with the release of " Elden Av År ". During this time you thought about ending the group's activities?
SF - Oh yeah…In fact we broke up the band in 1981. We had no thoughts or plans about recording or performing until Stefan Dimle of Mellotronen contacted us and wanted to re-release ”Krigssang” on CD. To celebrate that I, Robert and Dag did an acoustic concert together with Reine Fiske (Landberk, Dungen) on guitar. Cause Chris had even stopped playing guitar during the break. A few years later Olle, our lyricist , convinced us that it was time to reform the band.. We rehearsed for a few years and then went into the studio to record ”Elden av ar” (2004). On that album we used a few leftover songs from the 70s. Even though all but one were re-recorded for the album.
PR - This year we're offering a new album which is titled "Seaside Air," you want to tell us about?
SF - Well…Maybe most importantly it is our first album with English lyrics not counting the pre-debut album ”Glorious War” (recorded in 1970-71 but not released until 2004).It has also more emphasis on vocals.
We are three singers in the band (myself, Robert and Dag) and thought we had not explored that side of the band so much before. That doesn´t mean that our trademark instrumental passages are not present too of course.
The first four tracks forms a min suite with autobiographical roots. ”Seaside Air” is a phrase that could refer to the famously invigorating atmosphere of the bands native Saltsjöbaden, but it could also mean ”a melody by the sea”, full of light and colour.
PR - For the first time the lyrics are in English, why did you decide to sing in English?
SF - Most important reason was that we wanted to try something new. I also think that this change created a positive new energy. Secondly , since we have many fans around the world who don´t speak Swedish, Olle (lyricist) thought it could be nice if they also could have a chance of understanding his words…to be able to enter his world of lyrics.
PR - Are there any plans to promote "Seaside Air" show, promotional tour?
SF - You know….we toured so much during the 70s and beginning of 80s. So we really don’t do long tours anymore. But we will for sure do selected concerts to promote the album.
PR - Are there any bands or artists that influenced you in your music?
SF - Oh..a lot of bands and artists influenced us of course…Firstly The Beatles, but which band are not influenced by them? Without them there would probably not be any rock music. But also King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Yes, Genesis etc. Not forgetting the West Coast psychedelic bands in the late sixties like Grateful Dead, Love, Jefferson Airplane, Doors…..and Cream and Jimi Hendrix of course. I also have to mention an obscure American band called ”Touch”. They only made one album in the end of the sixties, but they influenced us a lot when we started the band.
PR - Is there criticism bother you?
SF - Any artist who says that criticism doesn´t bother him is not honest. Of course all artists and bands are affected by criticism. Everyone want to be loved:):)
No question about that. We too. Then the question is how you handle the criticism….I think it is important that you don’t listen too much to the criticism and keep following your heart. Cause music without heart and honesty can never be touching and moving.
PR - May 22, 2011 you were at the Festival Terra Incognita in Quebec was, I think the first time you came here, how was your stay?
SF - We had a great stay there. We also managed to so some sightseeing. I think Quebec is a really really beautiful city. In some way reminding me of some Swedish cities…Maybe it is because of the similar kind of nature..I also have very fond memories of our concert there!!
PR - In your opinion, what is the album Trettioariga Kriget that any good fan should own?
SF - For sure that is ”Krigssang” (1976) widely regarded as our classic album…But also our come back album ”Elden av ar” (2004). Then i have to say of course our new album ”Seaside air” (2016):)
PR - Compared to the 70s in Sweden, is it easier to make music today?
SF - In some ways …yes.. We got a record deal with CBS (now Sony music) recording our first and second albums without any interference from the label….They heard the albums only when they were done…That could never happen today…..when young artits and bands have to try with singles and guidance from their labels…..we had total artistic freedom right from the very start. That would be impossible today. There were also a loalso could try out new material in live settings….Which today is impossible having the songs on Internet the day after..:)
PR - Is the Internet is a good tool for musicians?
SF - For us Internet has meant everything…It has allowed to be in touch with fans all over the world….having a direct communication. Getting rid of the middle hands…Using it in the right way Internet is a really really good thing for bands.
PR - You have the last word ...
SF - Well…Follow your heart and be true to yourself is a good ending of this interview i think. And of course… peace ,love and understanding... It may sound like a cliche nowadays… But it is more important than ever in this world today!!!!
PR - Thank you Stefan.