- Like Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile, the teaming up of Dungen and Woods makes perfect sense, as they are similarly complementary in the styles of music they play. In the case of these two acts, you have Swedish psychedelic combo Dungen, a band who have pedalled indie rock with tripped out '60's influences since before Tame Impala and King Gizzard were even thought of. On the same record, we have New York folksters Woods, whose rustic approach also finds parallels with the dreamlike, hallucinogenic qualities of first-wave psychedelia.
So, they sure work on paper, right down to the fact that both bands have spent the last decade-and-a-bit quietly putting out a fairly prolific amount of studio albums to small, but devoted, fan bases. Those very same fan bases will find much to love on Myths 003, a collection of seven songs the bands worked on together; those who aren’t aware of either group would be better served by going back and listening to highlights from these individual acts. It’s not like you have to be in the know to appreciate this record, but its largely instrumental, pleasant whimsy can be seen as a fine line drawing as opposed to a towering mural.
As low key as it is, there are plenty of charms on this record. Perhaps not surprisingly, the most immediate track is one of the two which feature vocals. Turn Around has snaky lead guitar, glowing mellotrons and a catchy folk-pop chorus which sneaks snugly into your consciousness.
The production and arrangement of these tunes is also pretty immaculate. The drums and bass have that warm, caramel feel you hear in all the best ‘70's West Coast rock, while guitars, keys and flute make more expressionistic shapes. There are some fun reference points for the anoraks out there too, such as in the otherwise carefree shuffle of Marfa Sunset which seems to sample the desolate wails from Pink Floyd’s Echoes. In fact, pre-Dark Side of the Moon Floyd seems to be an overriding influence throughout the record, with the two bands’ trippy little musical sketches frequently reminding one of the relaxed diversity of the More soundtrack. And, for better or for worse, this is a record of similar stature – not the definitive work of either band, but a fun and pleasing diversion nonetheless.
- Matt Thrower.