När Isen Går

Duo Systrami have built up a reputation as charismatic performers, playing on the intuitive chemistry they have, being twin sisters. They come from the north of Sweden, whose dramatic and mysterious landscapes inspire the music, and many of the tracks here are based on traditional melodies, reflecting some of the stories they grew up with as children, such as the legends of the scary sea monster from the nearby lake. There's a spontaneity and a beauty about their playing – Klara Källström plays cello and Fanny plays violin – but I feel some of their charisma is missing. They’re at their best here during some of the quieter pieces, which are allowed to breathe and which have a greater sense of depth. It's then that we get a sense of the rawness of the tunes and their true nature; we hear the real soul of the players and their relationship to the music. There is an urgency to the title-track and pleasing dynamic contrasts to the album, but if I had to choose between hearing the duo on CD or in an intimate wooden hall, there's no doubt that the hall would win.