I’m a little late with this review and the album has been out for some time, but as I’m sure not everyone has heard this wonderful release by Rikard Javerling, let’s explore it now.
Upon first listen to the organic treat that is Two Times Five Lullaby, one cannot help being swept along by the rustic beauty of Javerling’s sparse yet rich creations implementing all the right “oldy timey” instruments that make this release such a heartfelt listen. Immediately, the evidence of master pluckers such as John Fahey, and windy city stalwart Jim O’Rourke’s folkier moments come to mind (check the tune ‘Heavenly Birds Pt.1’), and it wasn’t until I researched the man behind these songs that I discovered he was infact a Swede with an obvious love for the American Gothic with a little Chicago post rock and pastoral folk thrown in for good measure. There’s obviously something in the Swedish water these days, as the richness of it’s folk output really is stunning and a refreshing change to a market that sometimes veers into po-faced sad sack territory.
The album’s highlight at first glance is ‘The Three Sisters’, it’s immediacy and familiarity pertaining to a calm, lazy afternoon lies within it’s circular theme as the track’s instrumentation builds from one guitar, then two, drums and sleigh bells, organ and pipe/flute, all culminating to an unhurried track that demands a repeat play almost as soon as it has sounded out. That’s what makes this release such a warm and enjoyable listen, the structures and moods Javerling lays out for us are never hurried or forced. Add to this the sounds of harmonica, xylophone, trumpet, and organs, tunes such as ‘The Connor Pass’ and title track ‘Two Times Five Lullaby’ come to life in a familiar light, eminating a warmth that all share a common theme (several tracks even reconstructing the same melody lines). The true beauty and honesty within this album made it one of my very favourite releases of the past year and one I think will reward you with it’s command of repeated listening in a variety of settings.
Lyndon Pike
