Kent
Vapen & Ammunition

THE REVIEW

Entirely sung in Swedish, atmospheric, experimental. Essentially, this is the content of Vapen & Ammunition, the penultimate studio work by the Swedish band Kent, dated May 2002. The atmospheres are almost the same that Kent have accustomed us to with Isola and Hagnesta Hill, but in some ways, this album seems less accessible yet equally valid and capable of standing comparison.

From the start of "Sundance Kid" (opening track), both from the very simple drums that form the basis for a compelling bass arrangement that's not intrusive, and (above all) due to the unmistakable voice of Joakim Berg, it is clear that what you're listening to is a Kent album. Energy, grit, determination. This is what comes out of these first 5 minutes of "Vapen Och Ammunition" (this is the Swedish correspondence of the album's title). "FF" shows the band in a very unique dance-rock guise, with typically danceable bass and driving guitars that create a backdrop in a track that, thanks to the accompanying voice of French singer Nancy Danino, takes us back to the typical UNKLE atmospheres. In "Hur Jag Fick Dig Att Alska Mig," the piece stands halfway between Bjork and Sigur Ros, with a very dark electronic sound, softened by the insertion of keyboards present only in certain parts of the track, creating very incisive riffs. In "Duett," however, Kent present themselves in a much more intimate and romantic guise than usual. A bit of piano can be heard again (as in the splendid "OWC") and Titiyo's accompanying female voice, along with Berg's, makes this the best track on the album, a truly memorable ballad, almost on par with "747" or "Sverige." "Elite" is the classic pop-rock track with a few Oasis-Verve-like chords that fit perfectly into a very varied album.
The closing track deserves a special mention because it shows the Swedish band grappling with a sweet acoustic song, "Sverige." Listening to it, one realizes how sweet it is for closing an album, but also for a very sweet lullaby. Just 3 minutes of voice and acoustic guitar that send chills, with arpeggios bringing to life the best piece among the 10 present in this work.