Mylla - Vanya. 2007 Sweden

Mylla are the house band for Subliminal Sounds and sort of represent an "All-Star" cast featuring, among others, label wunderkind Gustaf Ejstes (Dungen). Recorded on a remote forest island in the Arctic, Mylla’s sound is, appropriately enough, isolated from modern times. Organ, acoustic and electric guitar, flute, and the songwriting and production all recall a 1969 to 1971 vibe. The compositions are all quite lyrical and the overall sound is very Swedish. So a love of the language in song is mandatory for one to have any chance of appreciating this album. Anyone from Träd, Gräs och Stenar to November would be a good guidepost here on the vocal front. Musically, it’s interesting to spot pre-Aqualung Jethro Tull coming to the fore. I’m averse to comparing any rock band with an abundance of flute to Tull, but sometimes it’s unavoidable, especially if the songwriting style is similar. And even though I said earlier how Swedish this album is, the closest album I can compare it to is Finland’s Tabula Rasa circa their debut. Vanya comes recommend for fans of the communal one-with-nature early 70s Swedish psych scene.

Former ownership: CD: 2007 Subliminal Sounds. Jewel case.

1/16/07 (first listen); 8/8/17 (review / new review); 4/26/24