Swedish combo
Dina Ögon return with their third album in as many years. Like its predecessor, 2023's
Oas,
Orion leans into a seductive mixture of soul, psychedelia, and Tropicalia while always emphasizing the band's pop acumen. In the studio,
Dina Ögon have made a habit of honoring the vintage sounds of the 1960s and '70s, though never at the expense of their songs, which sound timeless rather than retro. While this is also true on
Orion, they have clearly taken strides to make something more modern in tone, and to great result. The balance struck on songs like "Det Läcker" and "Glitter" is exquisite, a delicate fusion of past, present, and future. Where
Oas was pastoral and breezy,
Orion is more cosmic with dreamy, unexpected melodies that propel it upward. On "Firad," singer
Anna Ahnlund casts a beguiling spell, weaving her dulcet voice through a backdrop of spectral organs and percussion. Another highlight, "Milton," is more groove based with one of the loveliest melodies you're likely to hear in a pop song. The uplifting title track is perhaps the most contemporary of the bunch with a lilting, infectious bounce. One of the many aspects that sets
Dina Ögon apart is their devotion to feel and musicianship. Their parts intertwine and complement each other in a way that can't be manufactured simply by studio layering. They are talented producers, for sure, but the core of their sound is the live interplay between the musicians, which results not only in a dynamic performance but a sense of compassion and unity. This is an immensely talented band, and
Orion, like its constellation namesake, inspires a sense of wonder. ~ Timothy Monger
