Ranarim - Till the Light of Day (CD)

All Music Guide

Ranarim's debut album Till the Light of Day unites the vocal talents of Rosenberg 7's Sofia Sanden and Ulrika Boden with nyckelharpist Niklas Roswall and guitarist/mandolin player Jens Engelbrecht on a lively set of traditional Swedish folk songs and medieval pieces. The close harmonies and clever interplay between the singers and players give each song a sparkling vibrance. From the hypnotic, sensual "Fager Som En Ros (Fair As a Rose)" to the sweet, plaintive "I Vantan Pa -- De Tva Konungadotrarna (The King's Daughters)" to the taut ballad "Herr Lager Och Jon (Squire Lager and John)," Till the Light of Day transcends mere prettiness and brings an immediacy to the songs' beauty. The album's liner notes are as entertaining as they are helpful, explaining the stories and heritage behind each piece, adding to the set's fairy-tale quality; "Balladen Om Systern Och Brodern (The Ballad of the Sister and the Brother)," for example, tells the story of a brave sister who rescues her brother fro...m the Black Count, fighting 5,000 men in the process Till the Light of Day is a charming celebration of Swedish music traditions and much more. - Heather Phares, All Music Guide Read more Less