Jens Gustavson’s new album Vissa dagar, an unsigned digital release, sees the long-running Swedish singer-songwriter leaning even further into a distinctly acoustic, roots-infused palette. Mostly recorded live at Studio Rissna City in Jämtland and shaped by producer Robin Lindqvist, the record blends New Orleans-tinged roots blues, folk, country, European song tradition, and acoustic indie into something raw, intimate, and proudly boundary-pushing. Gustavson, who handles guitars, banjitar, harmonica, piano, and percussion, teams up with Ronny Dahlberg on drums, Göran Backlund on bass, Ulrika Persdotter Dahlberg and Gustaf Ullbrandt on choir, Ulf Wahlström on slide guitar, and Fredrik Ståhl on helicon. After nearly 30 years on the alternative Swedish scene, performing everywhere from Storsjöyran to Urkult, Gustavson continues to carve out his own eclectic, text-driven lane.
Anyway, once Vissa dagar begins, “Humlor” sets the tone with its catchy, head-bobbing groove. Gravelly vocals meet female backing harmonies as jangly guitars and pulsing bass underline Gustavson’s wry, philosophical reflections on humanity’s pointless chase for status. It’s hooky but thoughtful, its folk-rock warmth carrying lyrics about insignificance with surprising lightness.
“Numera” follows with autobiographical fragments, and then the title track “Vissa dagar” arrives as a gentle breath of hope. It opens with glistening, soothing acoustic-guitar plucks, each note like sunlight through trees. Gustavson sings with eloquence and tenderness because even on the rough days, things eventually fall into its natural place. Steadily singing, he shows that he has lived enough life to believe his own reassurances.
Later, “Kanske just det här” wanders like a travelogue, while “Kommer hem” drives along lonely inland roads, blending a literal journey with existential questioning. “Huset” digs into old wounds, stark and unvarnished. Then track seven, “Vals för utmattade,” lands with weary honesty. Over a catchy, minute-long rhythm, Gustavson sings exhaustedly, capturing the heavy sigh of simply getting out of bed. Somedays, it do be like that.
By the time the album reaches “Chant,” a reflection on growing intolerance, Vissa dagar stands revealed as a cohesive, organic, emotionally honest record that balances grit with vulnerability, roots with experimentation, and everyday weariness with just enough hope to keep going.
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Review by: Naomi Joan