Fresh off their recent collaboration with American trio Hawktail, the Swedish duo Väsen return with Vågor. 

Taking its name from the Swedish word meaning waves, the LP finds

Olov Johansson (nyckelharpa) and Mikael Marin (bass viola) presenting a faux suite imbued with thematic concepts that reappear across its 13 instrumental tracks. 

Lack of words and sparse music notwithstanding, Väsen has a lot to say to those willing to listen to a keyed violin and a low-down viola. 

At turns regal (“Godnatt alla djävlar”) and whimsical (“Dampeboviken”) Johansson and Marin move from the respective cathedral and playground to conjure elegant chamber music (“Brudmarsch till Kristin och”), a subtle waltz with “Gerds födelsedagsvals” and symphonic music on “Byriln.” 

Ride the waves, or, rather, the Vågor; it’s a worthwhile trip.