“Dynamic Root Rock Experience” is still the best term to describe SIENA ROOT’s music, and that's also exactly what the Swedish quartet’s new double live album Made in KuBa is all about. Named after the location of its creation, Jena, Germany’s Kulturbahnhof (short form: KuBa), the follow-up to the band’s previous, highly-acclaimed live document Root Jam (2011) takes off where its predecessor left off in many ways. Made in KuBa is out now via Perception – a Division of Reigning Phoenix Music.
Recorded during three intimate concert nights in March 2024, the result is, of course, an all-analogue recording which continues the traditional way of capturing the audiophile band’s art. Where many artists would hesitate to bring a full-on tape recorder to a live event, it’s totally given for SIENA ROOT to do so in a no-compromise fashion. Made in KuBa isn’t only another live album but a comprehensive experience in its purest form: no overdubs were added and no tricks were used in the studio afterwards. Once again, the songs you can hear are strictly what’s played and bring the energy all the way from the stage to the speakers of the Swede’s fans. The outfit’s much-loved jams are there, lots of improvisation as well as the whole spectra from light to shade, and to ensure the all-analogue quality control, sound engineer Ove Noring, who’s been working with the band all the way since 2006’s Kaleidoscope, was brought in as tape operator to record SIENA ROOT’s shows at the iconic KuBa venue.
So what’s new? In order to make Made In KuBa no simple repetition of their Root Jam concept though, SIENA ROOT went for a bunch of refreshing ideas with the first one being the scenery. As mentioned, the band travelled all the way to Jena this time, where they found the perfect surroundings at Kulturbahnhof. “We couldn’t have been happier: KuBa was exactly the place to be after we had experienced countless memorable concerts there throughout the years,” they recall. While the musical spine of SIENA ROOT is a quartet -- consisting of long-time and founding members Sam Riffer (bass) and Love Forsberg (drums & percussion), completed by Zubaida Solid (vocals & keys) and Johan Borgström (guitars), who both joined their ranks after the release of Root Jam -- they were also supported by two talented guests for a number of songs to make this special occasion more unique: long-time brother in arms Erik Peterson (keys) and Lisa Isaksson (flute). Additionally, the forthcoming opus consists of songs from the group’s entire catalogue which aren’t featured songs on Root Jam at all, and to thank their loyal fans, SIENA ROOT even involved them in creating the set list. They add: “We knew that not each and every fan from around the world would be able to witness these historic nights, that’s why we decided to have them included by influencing the Made In KuBa track listing.”
In the end, Made In KuBa includes twelve wisely picked tracks which can be enjoyed from October 3, 2025 - brought to the world through PERCEPTION. And it’ll be available in various formats: CD, digital, and - most importantly - vinyl. A version which has always been a crucial factor throughout SIENA ROOT’s career, who even pressed their 2004 debut album A New Day Dawning on the ‘black gold’ when the returning vinyl boom was still in the distant future. The band prefer the traditional way of listening and therefore took extra-care of its execution. Mastered at half-speed, SIENA ROOT technically reflect on the old days in this case. They conclude: “Half-speed mastering’ is a trick of the past that the vinyl junkies out there should be familiar with. It’s just a very delicate yet complicated process of cutting that makes “Made In KuBa” an even more three-dimensional listening pleasure for both you and us!” Enough said: now it's the world's turn to enjoy and to catch the group live during their supporting “Double Live Release Tour” across Europe in October 2025, if you like what you hear!
Order it here online or visit your favorite local record store for the full analogue experience!
SIENA ROOT are:
Zubaida Solid | vocals, keys
Johan Borgström | guitars
Sam Riffer | bass
Love Forsberg | drums, percussion
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