ARTISTS

The Swedish artist Laike will release his debut album on the British folk label Les Cousins Music on the 27 of February. With roots in the British folk songs from the 60's and 70's combined with Swedish contemporary lyrics and influences Christofer Ståhle; the man behind the artist, has composed a moody, melodic album with a faithful psychedelic touch. Mixing British folk with Swedish lyrics is an innovative approach that sounds quite natural to an English speaking person, possibly because of the common origin of the Swedish and English language.
 
Underpinned by deft acoustic guitar or piano in all the songs, the arrangements consist of instruments ranging from the silver flute to overtone singing. Christofer has a light and clear voice with an unusual emotional timbre that is important for the character of the album. With sympathetic arrangements dancing flutes and songs shift from steady groove to atmospheric drone. Laike has made a professional debut that fits well among the best examples of the new psychedelic folk wave that can be heard today.

A review from Terrascope for Laike:

Finally for this trio of retro sounding discs comes the mellow folk/prog/psych of Laike, a one-man operation co-ordinated by Christofer Stahle, who hails from Sweden and is joined a handful of musicians who helped realise his visions.
  With an almost “Lounge” feel, Modeslavarnas Marsch” has a dancing flute filling the spaces left by a sympathetic arrangement, a mellotron adding depth and texture. On the title track, some fine acoustic playing and understated percussion help create the feel of an early seventies acid folk track, a feeling retained on the beautiful “Ser Du Inte Vad Som Fattas”, the flute returning to soften the mood with delightful precision.
  After the sweet delicacy of “Ensamhetens Borg”, a jazz feel creeps into the summery sheen of “GladiatorKamp”, a name I hope translates into something other than a place for budding Romans to spend their summer holiday, the track another beautifully arranged piece that reveals hidden layers the more it is heard. With gossamer vocals and an intimate feel, “Bygger Stegar Upp Till Himmelen” is an excellent example of the sonic detail that has gone into this album, the mix allowing everything to be heard and everything in the right place, the song sounding like it could have come from a Ramases album, containing a cool, relaxed psyche vibe.
  With a piano-led riff,bringing to mind the Canterbury sound, the final track “Tankefabriken” has a bright energetic groove that makes you smile before drifting into a deep forest drone without any warning, great stuff and an excellent way to round off a wonderful collection.