Swedish combo Dina Ogon debuted in 2021 with an elegant hybrid of retro-soul, light psychedelia, and breezy indie pop. Initially formed as a collaboration between Stockholm singer/songwriter Anna Ahnlund and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Ogren, theyve swelled to a nimble quartet on Oas, their sophomore LP. Dina Ogons musicianship and attention to detail was apparent from the start, but on Oas, theyve found the perfect balance between organic playing and sophisticated arrangements. Singing in her native tongue, Ahnlunds dulcet vocals flow like spring water, suggesting midsummer drives across the sweet sunny north. Ogrens guitar and keyboard voicings are understated and jazzy, always in service of the song but loaded with nuance. What really sets Oas apart from the bands first album is the addition of Love Orsan (bass) and Christopher Cantillo (drums), a rhythm battery so velvety and tasteful they almost hypnotize. Together, they are truly enchanting, especially on "Vi smalter," a moody bit of 60s woodsmoke and lilac. Even better is the title cut with its sweetly yearning vocals and winsome piano-led arrangement that sounds like every fond summer memory wrapped up in a single soundtrack. To achieve such a convincing level of depth, Dina Ogon rehearsed and honed the songs tirelessly for nearly a year, then entered Andreas Tengblads Studio Gagarin to record all ten tracks in a single day. Vocals and overdubs were finished off at the bands own recording space, yielding a remarkably cohesive final mix. Much like fellow vintage-loving Swedes Dungen, Dina Ogons sensibilities lie in previous eras, but their songwriting and studiocraft feel timeless. ~ Timothy Monger

Rovi