Another classic Swedish reissue on the Ad Perpetuam Memoriam label. This one was an ultra-rare progressive rock LP in 1981. Now it has been lovingly remastered for CD with a tremendous bonus track recorded at a MYRBEIN re-union last September. For the most part, the album is a melange of RIO and Canterbury band influences, with the quirkiness of the Samla Mammas Manna "oval-meter theory" (rapid variations in tempo) and liberal doses of Frippian dynamics. Some elements of Zappa's pastiche work also make sporadic appearances on about a third of the album, but the overriding feel is of HENRY COW meets Von Zamla. The oddball line-up of MYRBEIN is Bosse Lindberg (guitar / trumpet / guitar-synth), Mats Kroulhein (piano / organ / clarinet), Anders Lönnkvist (percussion / vocals) and Johan von Sydow (bass / trombone / vocals).
'Ur spar' is one of those enchanting pieces that contains twisted quotes from Zappa's 'Uncle Meat' period. 'Kurt pa taket'; a dense morsel of luxuriant beauty features Arnold Ö Sterlund guesting on violin. The bonus track, a cover of 'Larks' Tongues in Aspic, part II' is quite superb, it begins just like a Crimson concert performance from 1974, enter the Canterbury-esque organ and it feels very different indeed. Perhaps a hint of the Hatfields? The chaotic conclusion is a magnificent tribute to the unnerving energy of the live KC, in fact it's even more emotive than the original studio version! This is a limited edition of 1000 copies. 'Myrornas Krig' would make a fine addition to any collection of Rock In Opposition music, especially for followers of the Scandinavian branch like LARS HOLLMER /VON ZAMLA. And for progressive fans it's a must... Exquisite.