Symbio is the Swedish duo of LarsEmil Öjeberget (accordion, kick box) and Johannes Geworkian Hellman (hurdy-gurdy). It’s been six years since they received the “Best Newcomer of the Year” award at the 2016 Swedish Folk & World Music Awards, before embarking on an extensive European tour. Endeavour is their third album release. Geworkian and Öjeberget continue to demonstrate a very symbiotic musical relationship, a mutually beneficial interaction that leads to some very unique instrumental musical conversations.

After studying at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and at the Royal Swedish College of Music, the duo is clearly out to create an innovative sonic kaleidoscope of emotional colors. Multi-layering, programming and sequencing have led to their ability to form panoramic impressionistic sounds with just hurdy-gurdy, accordion and kick box. One can only imagine what heights the music might have achieved in arrangements featuring a few stellar guest artists on vocals, fiddle, flute, strings, bass and/or percussion.  

Tracks like “Amnesty” and “Arrows of Light” are rather mesmeric, while “The Luminary” and “Soul Siblings” certainly captivate one’s imagination. The dynamics of Symbio’s arrangement capture such feelings as friendship, security, optimism, understanding and recognition. Their music is a curious mix of prurient questioning and grateful joy. For all their hard work, Endeavor is an enterprising and enlightened foray that leads to bountiful sonic rewards. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)