Siena Root - ‘A Dream Of Lasting Peace’

Words by Anselm Anderson 

Siena Root, a collective from Stockholm, has already released ten albums and their latest, A Dream Of Lasting Peace, comes via MIG Records. They’re an eclectic bunch that first emerged in the late nineties and are now considered pioneers of old-school rock. 

The group is mostly known for experimentalism with a plethora of guest musicians, providing a broad spectre of musical diversity over the course of their history. The band tours with vintage equipment, including a full-size track recorder on their most recent live dates.

This album is no exception to the retro sound and improvisation they offer. Opener Secrets begins the journey with mesmerising organ and a driving blues riff, before Sam Bjoro's smooth vocals send you drifting. 

The album reaches its true potential on Going Underground, which reflects a jam session of pulsating rhythm and tight drumming, capped with the impressive organ contributions of Erik Pettersen. This combination works well along with a lulling blues guitar solo from Matte Gustavsson on Imaginarium that produces some solid work.

This harks back to the psychedelic frenzies of the late sixties and early seventies classic rock with a whirlpool of soaring Hammond organ, rhythmic bass and soulful crooning. It soon becomes a journey back in time that's similar to revisiting your oldest favourite LP's.