Bolla och Rulla

Album Review

Bolla och Rulla shows Pugh Rogefeldt in transition between the syncretic, playful music of his earlier albums and heavier rock. Containing parts of both these styles, this album also shows how important Jan Karlsson, Georg Wadenius, and their jazz influences had been for Rogefeldt. While there are still attempts at creative arrangements and funky beats, Rainrock, which Pugh formed one year earlier, is far from as dynamic as the former trio. The longer improvisations often feel long, and when the winding melodies and repetitions are not supported by a sensitive backing, they may disappear into nothing. That said, the songs here are not bad, and the lyrics may in fact be among the better Rogefeldt had written so far, or at least less nonsensical than much of his earlier work. In 1973 Rogefeldt was still one of the most innovative Swedish rock artists, and Rainrock definitely didn't lack skills, but they were much better when their noisier qualities were brought to bear, guitar riffs and drums tuned low. There are a few examples of this on the album as well, the best may be the explosive "Hog Farm." ~ Lars Lovén, Rovi