Swedish trio brings attitude to Rednex

Baskery is not quite what you’d expect from a Swedish band composed of three sisters. Billed as an alt country band with punk attitude, Baskery has created an image of adventurous hot chicks that display power, independence and a heavy dose of aggression in their music.

“But in other songs, they’re the opposite. They’re such a unique mixture,” says Duffield promoter Kevin Rimney, who has booked the trio at Morinville’s Rednex Bar and Grill tonight. It’s the trio’s debut show in the Capital Region and is part of a week-long tour throughout the province.

Rimney first spotted them at the Calgary Folk Fest jamming with other international bands and was mesmerized by their act. “Their harmonies and lyrics were great. They were singing country blues with punk. The show was high energy and fun. They were a really good band.”

Always on the lookout for fresh talent, Rimney kick started discussions with Baskery’s management and, much to his surprise, all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

Longtime veterans of the stage, the Stockholm-based sisters launched their careers travelling worldwide in their father’s band, The Slaptones.

The eldest sister Greta, an alpha multi-tasker, handles banjo, drums and harmonica. “She plays the drums with her feet because she’s busy playing banjo with her hands.”

Stella, the middle sister, is the family charmer, playing stand-up bass. And the youngest, Sunnivea, is lead singer, guitarist and the trio’s main songwriter. “She’s almost like Mick Jagger. She stands on the bass drum and does kicks.”

Baskery’s 2008 debut album Fall Among Thieves fostered the alt country vibe wrapped in layers of rock and roll. New Friends, a sophomore album just released this spring, injects a more melancholy blues feel to the mix.

For instance, Beat Up the Blues is carried on reflective notes and Mortal has a blues-rock vibe. “Mortal is deep and thoughtful. It’s more than just bubblegum music.”

Rotten/Boys strikes a blow at relationships and is reminiscent of a person reflecting on their faults even as Throwing a Bone reminds everyone to offer a helping hand to those in need.

For more information, visit www.baskery.com. A video of their music is available at www.kevrimney.com.