Rag-and-Bone "Novice Pioneer" (Independent, 2010)

Second album from compelling Swedish roots-rockers.

Whilst wading through the tide of highly competent but fundamentally unoriginal Americana released every month, it is manifestly apparent that despite the inherently conservative nature of the genre it is in dire need of at least occasional injections from alternative traditions. This is why Americana produced beyond the confines of that continent can be so refreshing, for no matter how closely foreign musicians ape the conventions of American vernacular music, hints of their native forms nearly always slip in. Yet what’s remarkable about this album is, for better or worse, just how little of its Scandinavian origins come across.

Happily there is not a trace of awkwardness in either the diction or lyrics of singer-songwriter Mats Nilsson, and his formidable vocals are one of the album’s strongest points. They’re best displayed miked close on 'Say You Hate Me' which builds steadily into a flawless soul song, all arpeggiated chords and organ washes. Meanwhile, on the fiddle and mandolin driven title track, a song recalling 'Fisherman’s Blues'-era Waterboys, he breaks from a ferocious sneer into a feral howl. This song opens the album as it means to go on, with a robust and forceful sound which combined with Nilsson’s vocals ensure all the tracks have great presence.

You also suspect Nilsson has a yen for early Seventies British blues rock, as 'Reconsideration Boogie' sounds a lot like The Faces, whilst the vaguely Eastern hints and use of mellotron on 'Stench of the Ditch' wouldn’t be out of place on a Led Zeppelin album. However, the interesting harmonic choices on this track ensure that these excursions never grow predictable and such strategies throughout the album tend to compensate for an occasional tendency towards pastiche. Yet despite this lack of real individuality, Nilsson’s charismatic leadership and the full-bodied production ensure the album is an enjoyable experience nonetheless.

Date review added:  Saturday, February 20, 2010
Reviewer:  Kai Roberts
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Related web link:  Artist's website