(The Kora Records)

www.thekorarecords.com

This Swedish band doesn't make a lot known about itself other than a publicity photo showing six members, male and female, and website information that it's a side project by two principals of another Swedish band, The LK - multi-instrumentalist Fredrik and singer Lindefelt. It doesn't really need to, however, since the beauty of its music is evident on first listen.

The gently rocking folk-like songs have lovely melodies and soothing harmonies - one is reminded of "Several Species of Small Furry Animals" from Pink Floyd's Ummagumma, as well as Eno's Another Green World and Sigur Ros. There are extended voiceless passages with Eastern-flavored acoustic arrangements, often using cello, bells, percussion and electronics to achieve a calming, transfixing repetition. The English lyrics often wash over in the soundscape; they can be indirect and obtuse, even archaic, but also intriguing. One can assume from the line "We spoke about our minister/They shot him down" in the song "1986" that it refers to Olaf Palme's assassination. "Black Fur" features the male-female unison singing that was Abba's hallmark - the lyrics even quote "The winner takes it all."

This band has a chance to be progressive-folk stars with its power to enchant, if it wants to raise its visibility a bit and not just be a side project.

Standout Tracks: "Black Fur," "Evil and I" STEVEN ROSEN