Conny Bloom - Game! Set! Bloom!
Solo album review by; DeeDee
Mr Conny Bloom is better known as the lead man with Swedish funk rockers The Electric Boys. But being one of those who is unable to rest on his laurels, he released a solo album back in march entitled ‘Game! Set! Bloom!’. Expecting high energy rock and roll and songs on the groovier side, I was taken aback at the content. It’s off the wall and sometimes tongue in cheek, take the title for example, but it’s also crammed with messages and advice about how society should act in today’s world. Written and performed in his native Swedish, my translations may be slightly wrong, so apologies beforehand.
‘AB Maffiadojjor’ is the first track, off beat and with a gentle pulse; it winds and circulates like a cool breeze. There is simple Jazz guitar and spoken lyrics, all contributing to a mellow and heady introduction to the album. ‘Rulla på’, translates as ‘Roll On’ in English and is again light and fresh, you are strolling carefree in the sunshine. Although the song is about bullying and the effect it has on the most vulnerable. Conny addresses the story of a heartbroken woman on ’Skadad’ (Hurt). Another song that is simple and flows with mindful awareness. We do get an upfront piece of funk on ‘Knegarjäntan Ä Jag’, a jolly number about a Tomboy, maybe from Mr Blooms past. ‘Jag Tror Jag Trollat Bort Mig Själv’ (I Think I Trolled Myself Away) is all about the way you can lose yourself and your true identity in this technical age. It’s a very deep and heavy in parts, but there is an incredible amount of cool guitar that whines and screams with a little feedback and it gets quite progressive towards the end, awesome.
More contrast on ‘Flyttkarl’, which translates as ‘Furniture Removal’! The track has a mass of vocals, Conny has such a wonderful voice, I don’t really care if the song is about getting the bed down the stairs. Song number seven is ‘Dubbelgig’ which translates as ‘Doublegig’, this I think, is one of the best on the album, a groovy hook and melody that mixes with a stunning chorus to make it a head spinner. Lots of low bass during a cool solo and it just glides. ‘Jag Vill Ha Dig’ (I want You) is another with a decent rhythm, pumping and uttering amazing vocals. Gånglåt från kärrträsk’ (Hint From Kärrträsk) is an instrumental. It’s Gypsy Jazz and based on Swedish Folk Music and is so relaxing, soft velvet tones and just a hint of pace with the rhythm section. The guitar is unique and quite clear, making it a tremendously impressive track. ’När ska jag få bli kär då’ (When should I fall in love then), is the last song and a ballad. It does increase in sound and fullness halfway through, then drops to a lovely guitar solo, it’s a decent way on which to finish the album.
Don’t be put off by the fact that, ‘Game! Set! Bloom!’ is in Swedish, as the overall effect is quite stunning. Something different, hard to categorise, but well worth a listen. Released on March 13th through Mighty Music/ Target, see the links below if you want to purchase the album.
3/5
https://targetshop.dk/product/conny-bloom-game-set-bloom-lp
https://targetshop.dk/product/conny-bloom-game-set-bloom-cd
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