Runa Viggen – ‘Open Plains’ [Album Review]

Pianist, composer, and organist Runa Viggen recently released her sophomore long player, Open Plains, which was recorded in Los Angeles with Larry Steen (bass) and Chris Wabich (drums).

Viggen explains, “‘Open Plains’ is composed from a conceptual idea of a healing journey, a walk through trauma and old patterns of pain and limitations, and towards freedom and strength. The opening track, ‘Amaranth,’ has the title of a mythical and never-fading flower, a symbol of immortality. The last track, ‘Rubicon,’ comes from the phrase ‘crossing the Rubicon’ and means ‘passing a point of no return.’ So, in between that, I`m trying to tell a story of healing, and how music can transform pain and trauma to beauty and strength.”

Talking about the sound and direction of the album, Viggen says, “When I started this project a few years back, I wanted to compose music without considering the rules of the different genres and just mix all the subgenres that I love. Classical, rock, jazz, etc., and find a way to make them work together. I don’t want to be locked into an idea of what it should sound like or what’s correct – I want to breathe freely through my music and to throw in different ideas, inspirations, and genres without worrying about which category to fit into. I’m definitely taking it one step further [toward] prog rock with this album, though. I feel like I’ve managed to find my own unique musical expression with this project.”

Encompassing seven tracks, entry points on Open Plains include “Amaranth,” which rolls out on gentle, airy notes and then takes on neo-jazz dynamics atop finessed, syncopated percussion from Wabich, who really gives the melody a rhythmic backbone.

The flow of “Ursa Minor” reveals a sonic tension akin to touches of freneticism. Viggen’s ability to infuse pressure into the harmonics demonstrates her connection to the composition. The intro to “Bury Me Standing” shifts into darker colors, more ominous and portentous. The motion of the rhythm offers a rambling edginess and a looseness that crooks its finger at listeners, inviting them into the choppy cadence.

Runa Viggen, photo by Anniken Edesberg

A personal favorite, “Tears of My Mother” rolls and undulates on wonderfully silky tones as Viggen shows off her amazing technique – fluid and floating. As the melody ebbs and rises, interweaving colors form, spill over, and then cascade, giving the tune dovetailing, almost fractal, textures.

“Rubicon,” probably the most upbeat track on the album, brims and bubbles with jazz effervescence and fusion tangs. There’s a delightful feeling of understated joy running through the melody. Once again, Wabich’s stellar drumming – simultaneously tight and casual – supports the melody with superb percussive accents. His feel for where the music is going is uncanny.

Highlighted by overlapping loops and complex contrasts, on Open Plains, Runa Viggen delivers a suite of solid pieces.

Open Plains Track Listing:

1. Amaranth
2. Ursa Minor
3. Bury Me Standing
4. Old Fields of War
5. The Tears of My Mother
6. Rayan
7. Rubicon

Run Time: 40:04
Release Date: February 27, 2026
Record Label: Memento Records