Faust is a band of three Swedish folk musicians who celebrated their 10th anniversary with the release of a new album, Vildsint. Alban Faust on Swedish and Dalsland pipes, keyed fiddle and low whistle is joined by Christer Adin on mandolas, accordion and jaw harp, and Anders Adin on hurdygurdy, guitar and vocals. Producer Ulf Gruvberg joins on jaw harp and vocals for track 7.

The CD begins with an amazing traditional Swedish song, "Ack, Ack (Oh Dear)," accompanied by keyed fiddle, hurdygurdy and mandola. The sound of these ancient instruments together with the strange pronunciation of the Swedish words takes the listener instantly to the wide Scandinavian landscape.

Most of the tracks on the album are traditional tunes, but you can also find some modern compositions among the songs. The tunes include different rhythms from the polka, Scottish and waltz traditions, and the only tune that doesn't come from the north of Europe is "Launlaude/La grande bete," a melancholic composition by the French composers J.C. and B. Blanc/G. Chabenat.

Faust composed the hauntingly beautiful hymn "Alla Herrans mojligheter" for guitar and keyed fiddle, which is followed by my favourite track, the mesmerizing Norwegian ballad "Lillebror och Storebror (Little & Big Brother)." Another highlight is the rather exciting lullaby "Skatan (Magpie)."

The CD is a wonderful collection of original folk music from the North and a small booklet provides interesting information about the songs in Swedish and English.

by Adolf Goriup
Rambles.NET
2 September 2006

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