South O.C. gets sonic glimpse of the Abalone Dots

This story was posted on O.C. Register Web site: Oct. 7, 2009.

World music has taken on a new twist, thanks to the Abalone Dots.

The all-female quartet from Sweden will bring its fusion of pop, bluegrass, rock, alternative country-Western sounds to south Orange County for two shows this weekend.
The Abalone Dots will perform at the Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 and at the Mission Viejo Civic Center in Mission Viejo at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. Admission to either show is $25.

Those who miss the group at these relatively small concert venues will have one more chance to see them, amid 30,000 or so fans Sunday at the Joshua Tree Music Festival.
The Abalone Dots have released several albums, including 2007's "From a Safe Distance" and 2008's "Traveler."

Since forming earlier this decade, the group has received rave reviews for musicianship as well as soaring vocal harmonies. The Dots recently performed at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tenn., and received a standing ovation at one of Americana music's most distinguished forums.
Among the highlights on the Abalone Dots' most recent disc ("Traveler") are the country-styled "Craighead County Sky" and "A Simple Song," as well as the emotional ballad "Lost" and the bluegrass-tinged "Break the Silence."

The Abalone Dots feature Rebecka Hjukström, 22 (guitar, banjo, dobro, vocals), Sophia Hogman, 24 (mandolin, cello, keyharp, vocals), Louise Holmer, 25 (bass, piano, vocals), and Elin Mörk, 24 (fiddle, vocals).

Though they have been playing together only about six years, the Abalone Dots are top sellers on RCA Sweden and, thanks to appearances at events such as the South by Southwest music festival in Texas, the four musicians from a small town on the outskirts of Stockholm may soon be a top draw on this side of the Atlantic.

For more information on the performances, visit www.LordOfTheStringsConcerts.com.