Grund’s “Tornet”: A Journey Through Unstable Psych-Rock Dreamscapes
Swedish alternative rock ensemble Grund has released their latest single, “Tornet,” a track firm in its unpredictability. Originating from Gothenburg, and composed of Hugo Welther, Sebastian Sandström, John Ekberg, and Rickard Ribbås, the band channels decades of underground influence into a sound shredded equally between hypnotic latter and volatile latter. Impossible to pin down in terms of sonic identity, Grund comes from a variety of projects belonging to Gothenburg’s alternative, post-punk, and experimental rock scenes.
Their music is both guitar-driven and abstract, with an inclination toward dark, almost surreal soundscapes. Tornet is an excellent embodiment of such; a standard formulaic hierarchy doesn’t seem quite applicable here, as the track weaves between relaxed ’70s psychedelia to intensity evocative of rock eruptions. The whole thing starts with an eerie, bluesy calm, bringing forth images of sun-faded nostalgia, and swiftly, gasps turn feverish in the brooding offset. Distorted riffs parallel that with shoals of unexpected metrical switches among every additional time signature throughout, creating a sinking uncertainty and buzzing exhilaration stage-like feeling of looking outwards towards some vast oblivion.
Toward the end of “Tornet,” one of Grund's big selling points is the way they contrast the creeps with the groove. There's something about this melodic decay-timing in the harmonic line since it's hovering just out of reach, like on the verge of going home for the day while keeping the listener on their feet, right at the legs of their sofa. This riff-laden idea, somehow imbalanced but spiraled in dread, feels like being inside a dream-very vivid, very shaky. This kind of music would appeal to anyone who enjoys the grittiness of psych-rock but desires the added experimental edge. Fans of Amon Düül II, early King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and Can would find themselves immersed in Grund's swirling, unpredictable energy.
With Tornet, Grund is truly carving a distinct space in the ever-evolving Gothenburg rock scene. A close yet avant-garde unpredictability in their sound renders them a force to watch out for.
