na: hapna
In all the hubbub of yesterday’s new arrivals (Picastro, mostly), I missed out on seeing (and talking about) yet another notable Scandinavian label that has appeared on the site. Everybody, give a warm welcome to Häpna.
Häpna is one of the most happening experimental labels in Sweden these days. They’ve got spiky Hammond organ and drum duets (Sagor & Swing), mesmeric bagpipe (Marcus Schmickler) and unidentifiable (Giuseppe Ielasi) drone albums and that weird brand of Scandi freak-folk galore (Tape, ¾ Had Been Eliminated) .
On one of their latest releases, however, the label allowed ½ of Sagor & Swing, Eric Malmberg to tear it all up and go pop. The results are kinda stunning. Verklighet & Beat is a straight up orchestral pop album…without any vocals. “Min kompis Anton” is the earlier groover, complete with the sort of space organ that you though might’ve gone out the window with Perrey and Kingsley (this organ makes multiple appearances, Malmberg was the Hammond organ portion of Sagor & Swing), while “Milda döden hämtar oss alla till slut” mines a Cinematic Orchestra vibe to epic results. “Styx,” on the other hand, closes out the album in driving style, allowing that bubbling keyboard to lighten the barreling drums. I’m not sure what this thing is doing on Häpna, but I’m sure glad it is.
Also, be sure to check out Hans Appelqvist’s “http://www.naimachat.se,” which uses a beautiful string arrangement and very familiar computer noises for a three minute romp.
awesome. good to see more of these weirdo euro labels popping up here. the only one i’m familiar with is that 3/4hadbeeneliminated, and i can tell you it’s absolutely wonderful.
now work on getting lampse and ektro, k?
Wow.. the Eric Malmberg samples give a real interesting interpretation of orchestral pop and those Italian film soundtrack compilations (Crippled Dick label etc) that have been popping up lately. His organ playing an production give a very different flavour altogether. I think I’ll go after this label on Sunday when my account refreshes.
.tape. are also excellent – ‘opera’ came in yesterday – hopefully more to follow!
I’m hoping some more Hans Appelqvist shows up–the Att möta verkligheten EP is just dumbfoundingly great. And I’m very happy to have access to Sagor & Swing, esp. Orgelplaneten…
Hello
Just to state that Tape (Hapna) is not the same as .tape.
TAPE: http://www.tape.se/
.tape.: (can’t find a url)
So Opera is actually from the Swedish trio TAPE on Hapna – and yes, it is amazing and more will come soon.
b
My Tape recommendation is Rideau, specifically track 2, “A Spire,” one of the most hypnotic, gorgeous things I’ve heard in the past few years.
oh man, this is fantastic news!!!!