ALBUM REVIEW: Myriad – Gaupa
The city of Falun in Sweden has an illustrious industrial history; originally famous for its copper mine, it performed a vital service in Sweden for centuries. In modern times it has become the unlikely home to a diverse and rich musical scene ranging from power metal titans to luscious Scandinavian folk maestros. Amongst this is the band GAUPA, a progressive stoner band that utilises doom, folk and psychedelic influences to create beautifully celestial and enchanting songs. The quintet gained significant notoriety with their debut album Feberdröm, as the mesmeric and energetic vocals of singer Emma Näslund backed by intricate riffs and atmospheres saw them gain momentum and fans at a significant pace. Their eagerly anticipated sophomore album Myriad sees the band venture beyond the realms of their sound, bringing a new intensity with them. With a remarkable flare, GAUPA deliver a vivid, vibrant and scintillating album.
In Swedish ‘Gaupa’ translates as Lynx, and this often elusive and solitary wild cat is the perfect simile for this band. With their distinguishing pointed ears and white, bear-like tufts of fur on their cheeks, the lynx looks wise and magical. GAUPA are very distinctive and unique band; musical magicians that blur the lines between folk, psych and doom with intricate yet heavy riffs, their music is intensely ethereal, enchanting and earthy. Myriad is infinitely more intense, direct and celestial that its predecessor, whilst maintaining the band’s brooding and moody vibe. With the surrealist lyrics and celestial melodies provided by Näslund enchanting you with relative ease, her vocals guide you through the rich tapestry of music that GAUPA have ornately embroidered. Straddling the line between the past and present, Kulning (ancient Scandinavian herding calls) style vocals sung with a BJÖRK-esque manner are accompanied by diverse atmospherics and soundscapes that grow as tall as the pine tree covered slopes of the mountains. Myriad transports you to a world that is hard to describe, a place filled with intrigue and mystery underpinned by a vehement energy.
Musically, Myriad is a beautiful and shining example of how psychedelic, stoner and doom can be augmented by the likes of folk and prog with wonderful results. As the genre naturally allows space for experimentation and a layered approach, GAUPA have shown a heightened awareness of this and demonstrated incredible artistic talent in their songwriting throughout Myriad. Everything effortlessly flows together, connected by clever melodic runs, evolving vocal harmonies and melodies, and of course the ever-present squeal of feedback from a cranked amplifier. If Myriad was a smörgåsbord is would be made with the freshest, tastiest and most organic ingredients you can get your hands on, such is its authenticity and originality. Each song has its own delicate and delicious flavours, but when they are brought together as a whole meal, your musical tastebuds can’t help but dance frantically with joy.
Opening the album with Exoskeleton, it becomes clear very quickly that GAUPA aren’t here to mess around. A straight to the point riff locks in with a catchy, body-moving groove whilst the magic of Näslund’s vocals get to work on captivating you. Diametrical Enchantress is where things really begin to get going; an old school stoner riff locks in and the band’s new, feisty attitude is revealed. The chorus hook is incredibly catchy due to the short, sharp and layered vocal harmonies that remain a prominent feature throughout the song. Moloken slows things down temporarily as GAUPA venture into the realms of psych. It is an eerie song that erupts into a colossal riff of anthemic proportions. Ra follows on with a swirling lead and steady beat, and vocal melodies once again take centre stage. Even though it is more psychedelic, the groove is the most progressive sounding up until this point, as dual guitar leads bounce off each other to drive the song forward.
Elden is the most esoteric sounding song on the album, as it feels like it is harkening back to the long, dark nights in ancient forests. Magical vocals and uneasy melodies create a tense atmosphere. My Sister Is A Very Angry Man is a balls out, bluesy and grimy stoner song that will no doubt have you head banging ferociously. With everything dialled up to the max and going warp speed this song certainly packs a punch. Sömnen is a surprise; a delicate and haunting acoustic track amongst all this frantic energy is jarring at first but ultimately shows off the mystic nature of Näslund’s voice. Album closer Mammon is an emphatic, rabble-rousing track that finishes the record with a fiery fury.
There is a unique and special majesty to GAUPA; unmatched by their contemporaries they have delivered a stunning album full of artistic flourish and passion, a true myriad of musical delights that leaves you in complete awe.
Rating: 9/10
Myriad is set for release on November 18th via Nuclear Blast Records.
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