Photo Review: Dungen / Woods at the Ottobar

Photos by Chrissy

Swedish psych enthusiasts Dungen headlined the Ottobar last night, with the lo fi folk pop of Woods opening. Gawk at Chrissy's stellar photo set of both groups above.

Armed with with some pricey vintage equipment, Woods crooned and noodled their way through the set. Jeremy Earl's voice is just as distinct live as on record, a kind of high pitched Neil Young feel with some cave-like echo. The tracks were all elaborated on with some jams that mostly seemed to actually go somewhere. If anyone can explain the microphone attached to the dude's mouth working the pedals, do tell.

Dungen took the stage to a warm welcome, their first show ever in Baltimore. They seemed genuinely happy to have some fans in the Charm City, not at all a hop, skip and jump from Stockholm. They quickly dove into the set rocking out, only to sink back into a handful of more mellow piano based tunes along the likes of Love.

The set eventually eased back into some more upbeat standouts from Tio Bitar and Ta Det Lugnt, and likely didn't leave out anyone's favorite. Even Gustav Ejstes made a point to thank the Ottobar's sound engineer, as the mix of guitars, drums, keys, vocals and the occasional flute were spot on. Overall it was a pleasant Monday evening in Remington, and if these guys ever come around again I'd be sure not to miss them.

Ticket Giveaway: Dungen / Woods at the Ottobar

Killer show next Monday the 17th at the Ottobar, as masters of psychedelics Dungen roll through Baltimore. Channeling some of the best psych projects to see the light of day from Sweden and beyond, this heavy hitter is a blast from the past and something new all the same.

2004's breakthrough Ta Det Lugnt landed them on the laps of music fans stateside, and was instantly recognized as an epic LP.

With Kieth Moon-like percussion, hazy pop-induced keys, and acid rock guitar riffs, most English speaking folk likely forget the lyrics are in Swedish about 2 minutes in. Hell, I'm pretty sure after approximately 197 listens of Ta Det Lugnt that I can speak fluent Swedish too. If this one's absent from your collection, gå köpa den nu!.

The band has since put out two other records, Tio Bitar and 4. Both of these are clearly worth your time, and continue to resurrect a timeless era making use of today's elements. The mastermind behind Dunjen, Gustav Ejstes, writes and records most of the tracks for their records, but generally tours with at least three other members.

Supporting Dungen is NY's Woods, whose Songs of Shame recently dropped via Woodsist. The new LP goes down easy, packed with smooth lo-fidelity folk pop. The majority of the record is easily accessible and likable, but a 9 minute venture of jammed-out noise with Magic Markers' Pete Nolan keeps you on your toes. Should make for a solid opener.

I've got a pair of tickets to give away, so no excuses for missing Dungen roll through our fair city. Send an email to bmoremusicallyinformed@gmail.com, and consider yourself entered. I'll pick a winner the night before the show, check email then.

Click here to access the full song playlist