Having last played in Shetland at the Folk Festival in 2010, Väsen are making a welcome return to the Isles with their unique brand of Swedish folk music, playing at Mareel on Friday 20 April!

While deeply rooted in the forests of the Swedish countryside and the centuries-old tradition of the folk music of Uppland, Väsen play more than traditional sound. Three musicians in their 27th year of touring together, a playful yet accomplished interplay that seems to defy the laws of physics, intensity with a great sense of humor, and modernity rooted in tradition. The parts: a five-string viola of sophisticated symphonic taste, an adventurous 12-string guitar, and a nyckelharpa (a “keyed fiddle”). All three, Olov Johansson, Mikael Marin and Roger Tallroth, are instrumental virtuosos in their own right and together form a unique supernatural being.

There's playfulness in their music, joyousness, and a delight in making exciting new arrangements of centuries-old tunes, and new originals inspired by the tradition. Rock, jazz, traditional, and classical influences weave together, making a music that's beautiful but never cloying. You always hear the inspiration and improvisation of the moment and you’ll never know what will happen next.

Tickets are available here, over the phone on 01595 745500 or in person at Mareel.

“Move heaven and earth for a ticket.” - The Herald, Scotland

“Brilliant - an unstoppable force” - Fiona Talkington, Songlines Magazine

“One of the finest musical ensembles playing today” - Mary Ann Kennedy, BBC Radio

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