Review: Per Svensson Psychedelic Sounds ‘Berlin Nights’
Alchemy, nature, and art weave are the essential threads in the music of Gothenburg-based psych acid folk rock singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Per Svensson. Over a career of more than thirty years, he has explored everything, from experimental psych rock and kraut to electronic tunes and acoustic acid folk.
Early in his journey, he focused on electro-visual art, collaborating with talented composers like Michael Esposito and Leif Elggren. He contributed to two albums by The Kingdom Of Evol, alongside the late Freddie Wadling. A crucial moment in his career came in 2002 when he teamed up with Ebbot Lundberg from Union Carbide Productions and The Soundtrack Of Our Lives to create The New Alchemy. This project resulted in three albums, starting with Sound, Art & Random Noise Poetry, which beautifully showcased Svensson‘s innovative approach to creativity.
The second album marked a clear shift towards a more psychedelic and garage-influences. Instead of the raw, stripped-down feeling of his earlier work, we are now immersed in a hazy, sun-drenched road trip where the guitars shimmer like heat waves and the drums pound like a restless heart. It was a crucial step in the evolution. The culmination of this path can be heard in Extra Terrestrial Blues from their third and final album, On The Other Side Of Light. (Sublimal Sound, 2013 ). On this album you can imagine floating weightlessly through a nebula, surrounded by shimmering stardust and the echoes of distant galaxies. It’s a key testament of Svensson’s art.
Following the dissolution of the band, Svensson resumed his solo career, further exploring the sounds he had previously established. Albums like Psychedelic Sounds and Gothenburg Sounds served as sonic manifestos of his artistic vision. His first album under Per Svensson Psychedelic Sounds, Magic Trip, delivers on its promise. These works interweave space rock with acid folk. Lest we forget his work with the magnificent Cosmic Garden Project where he added a layer of depth to his rich sonic world.
Per‘s new album, Berlin Nights, unfolds as a deeply personal journey shaped by two years of relentless dedication and soul-searching. It began in 2023 while he was immersed in his art exhibition in vibrant Berlin, before reaching a peaceful completion in the tranquil landscapes of Sweden. Each track emerges from Per‘s ability to hear beauty in the simplest of sounds, whether it’s the soft rustle of leaves or the cheerful chirping of birds. These everyday moments are transformed into haunting melodies, exploring the cycles of life and death, and the tender return to life. This album stands as a heartfelt tribute to his late parents, a truly poignant act of remembrance.
Through Berlin Nights, you will perceive Per’s passion and grief, beautifully expressed in every note. This collection weaves together the beauty of nature with the depth of capturing through his lyrics the meaning of life. It opens with the title track, Berlin Nights, where the joyful chirp of a blackbird, recorded by Per himself at 3.30am, invites us into his reflective evenings filled with conversation and warmth. The melody carries a gentle sadness reminiscent of Lou Reed, drawing you into a world of contemplation.
weaving a rich, emotional, and transcendent experience that deeply reverberates from beginning to end…
As it transitions into Endless Forest, you are transported to the magical Swedish wilderness, where lush sounds create a psychedelic paradise. The album unfolds gracefully, with intricate guitar work, soothing keyboard melodies, and soft drumming that connects us to nature and one another. On Through The Wall Of Sound, anticipation builds as we wait for the sunset, making the music feel like a shared experience that lingers in the soul.
Philosopher’s Stone begins like a captivating story, transporting us deep into its realm with enchanting sounds. The sitar plays a delicate tune, paired with floral melodies that drift gently through the air. It’s as if the music wraps around you like a warm blanket, inviting you to explore the beauty woven into each note. This opening sets the stage for an incredible journey, blending traditional sounds with contemporary feelings. The harmonious blend creates an atmosphere that is intriguing, making it easy to lose yourself in the delicious tones and vivid imagery.
This leads seamlessly into Sound Transmission, where the promise of stargazing with loved ones becomes a cosmic embrace: ‘A billion years from now, we’re gonna sit back and watch the sky, down on the Milky Way, together, together.’
The album then dives into the rich world of blues with The Magic Key, a celebration of musical essence that resonates deeply. Sun/Son emerges next, infused with tender paternal love, showcasing a slow wah-wah guitar that dances through the air. Finally, the album drifts towards its peaceful end with Stars Of Egypt, where nocturnal keyboards evoke the stillness of a starry night in Egypt. This serene farewell lingers in the air, leaving both peaceful and eager for what lies ahead.
Through it all, his music remains rooted in a mystical trinity, a blending of introspective exploration and cosmic awareness. Berlin Nights stands as a deep testament to Per‘s artistry, weaving a rich, emotional, and transcendent experience that deeply reverberates from beginning to end.
Label: Sound Effect Records
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
