Review

You would not expect a band from Sweden to have a vocalist who sounds Americana bluesy but that’s what you get from Siena Root’s Joe Nash (real name, Jonas Åhlen). Siena Root’s also been labeled stoner rock when the reality is more a blend of Deep Purple and Iron Butterfly, as their press release points out.

Pioneers! is Siena Root’s first album to be released in the United States. It is almost comparable to the band’s wonderfully robust Far From the Sun in 2008 (that album was possibly the band’s best) . It has standout lead guitar from Matte Gustavffason that trades off perfectly with Erik Petersson’s rock organ. Think Blackmore and Lord. Almost to that level.

It’s great to hear Siena Root finally getting a critical release in the States. They have deserved it for some time, and hopefully America recognizes them with Pioneers!

Label: Cleopatra Records