Kebnekajse

Album Overview

"Vi Drar Vidare," meaning "We Move On," marks the sixth studio album from the Swedish progressive rock band Kebnekajse. Released in 1978 under the Mercury label, this album signifies a shift in the band's musical direction. With founding guitarist Kenny Håkansson's departure, the lineup saw significant changes. Violinist and multi-instrumentalist Mats Glenngård took over as the primary songwriter, lead guitarist, and lead vocalist.

New Dynamics

The new lineup included keyboardist Per Lejring, who contributed various keyboards such as the grand piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, Hammond organ, and Moog synthesizer. Thomas Netzler played bass guitar and Moog Taurus bass pedals, while percussionist Hassan Bah and drummer Pelle Holm added depth to the rhythmic sections. This blend of instruments allowed Kebnekajse to explore a more sophisticated sound.

Musical Style

The album represents a transition from traditional Swedish folk-rock to a sound characterized by keyboard-driven symphonic prog and jazz-rock fusion. It features intricate Moog synthesizer runs, classical counterpoints, and polyrhythmic percussion. The fiery duels between violin and guitar draw comparisons to acts like Dixie Dregs, Jean-Luc Ponty, Kansas, and Mahavishnu Orchestra. The arrangement of the songs showcases a departure from simple melodies to complex structures.

Key Tracks

Among the eleven tracks on the album, "Friheten" opens with a strong melodic theme. The composition "Jakten På Vivaldi" pays homage to classical influences, while "Oändliga Möjlighet" highlights the band's progressive rock credentials. Other standout tracks include "Stigfinnaren" and "Jag Väver Av Toner," each featuring the dynamic interplay between instruments that defines this release.

Release Details

"Vi Drar Vidare" was made available in vinyl format, cataloged under Mercury with the numbers 6363 015 and 6316 114. The album's release year of 1978 reflects a vibrant period for progressive rock, allowing Kebnekajse to carve out their unique sound within the genre.