PARADOX HOTEL

It took nearly one year and after several rounds and breaks I'm now ready for a review. First of all let me say - this is a big hand for the Hotel Paradox. I'm feeling right comfortable in here, the service is excellent. And I'm going to come back again for sure. THE FLOWER KINGS and especially Roine Stolt with his multiple side projects have had an enormous output during the last years. So one might imagine some wear marks and weaker albums. That's a great fallacy - at least for this one! The concept of 'Paradox Hotel' is thoroughly thought through. Conceived as a guest book the booklet contains nice illustrations and pictures. The songs are devided in two hotel rooms according to the two discs. Good ideas in summary! Lyrics are accessible, full of brave statements and all the other band members are involved to the songwriting process. Musically the album is pretty good with much variety during the two hours, an inspired, modern, fresh effort, sometimes retro with relations to other (symphonic) rock bands. Fröberg's vocals are a good addition and give a mellow appeal to some songs.

First we have a check-in for Room 111 and I'm only able to mention the most noticable fixtures and that's a lot, believe me. Monsters & Men is the first highlight. 'Freedom for the underdog' points out Stolt's first political message and the Kings are marching on with Mellotron in the background. A long monster epic indeed in the typical TFK mood and a mandatory Stolt solo. Tomas Bodin's various keyboard work and also some fantastic vocals are remarkable for this mid-tempo song. Hit Me With A Hit is a hit in fact with some GENESIS reminiscences. Not only musically top-notch but also a hit against the methods of the music industry. The instrumental Pioneers Of Aviation has a psychedelic startup, then changes its character to Fusion and for the rest rocks straightaway, a brilliant combination!

Lucy Had A Dream is a catchy tune, a compelling ballad about a young girl which disappeared from home. 'Is someone missing her?' - the band is spreading a very melancholic mood with electric circus keyboards. Bavarian Skies is a very ambivalent song which makes references to the fascist dictatorship in Germany. Musically not a highlight but very courageous and I hope Roine Stolt never will be told misunderstanding for his lyrics. Mommy Leave The Light On is very melancholic - no, a step further - just depressive about a child which wants to have allayed his fears. With End On A High Note we are checking out Room 111. This uptempo song rounds up the first disc with a positive flavour and Stolt's mandoline and electric guitar solos.

Then we are entering Room 222 which is even more comfortable. Lead vocals are by Hasse Fröberg. With Minor Giant Steps and nice multiple vocal parts Stolt is philosophizing a lot about the development of the human race. Touch My Heaven, written by Bodin, is about 'the white line' with a nice piano intro remembering at the DOORS 'Riders on the storm' and a great guitar solo once again. The Unorthodox Dancinglesson mutates to an eclectic King Crimson lesson, very spectacular. 'Send me over the ocean - I am lonely' is the main chorus of Man Of The World and indeed - this is a nice floating song. Life Will Kill You sounds like a hommage to TOTO collaborating with SANTANA. Carrying two faces, rocking without mercy but also switching to a latin rhythm with beautiful sparkling piano parts - bravo Hasse - another big highlight for me. With the haunting What If God Is Alone TFK are getting very melancholic once more and impressive vocals are remarkable. 'Come live in hell' - the title song Paradox Hotel serves a monster groove sowing the seeds for the gentle closer Blue Planet where Stolt again picks up the main theme of his lyrics.

Now what more is to say? I absolutely recommend to reserve a lot of time to explore this album. Its worth it. In summary including concept, lyrics and the musical output this is a masterpiece and ranks high in my collection in the meantime.

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