FRÅN EN PLATS DU EJ KAN SE

This is the first album by Swedish Prog wonders Beardfish. Having already reviewed their subsequent three albums, all excellent by the way, I thought it was time to give my seal of approval to this one too.

Not quite as good as they would be in the future, nevertheless most of the Beardfish trademarks are in place. The quirky arrangements, the dynamics, the seventies vibe though I don't hear the Zappa influences here that I do on their other albums. The humour doesn't seem to be here so much either though much of the album is sung in their native Swedish so I couldn't say for sure.

It's a bit rougher around the edges sound wise and more consistently heavier and darker sounding than they would be in the future. The melodies here don't quite grab me the way the Sleeping in Traffic albums do for example but there's still much to enjoy. There are those seventies sounding keyboards all over the place for starters, in the main down to the strong Organ presence. Incidentally much of the keyboards here are handled by Stefan Aronsson, this being the only Beardfish album he was to play on, those duties being handed over to Rikard Sjoblom who also contributes guitar and vocals.

Highlights include opening and title track, Fran En Plats Du Ej Kan Se. It really is a powerful opener with one of their heaviest moments in the intro before temporarily settling down for the vocals. At eight minutes it gives the band plenty of opportunity to show us what they're about with their eclectic mix of progressive, mainly seventies influences. Just as good with its forceful Hammond sound and catchy guitar riff is following track Today.

Spegeldans, another eight minute workout is another great track with its driving Bass/Drums and slightly funky guitar riff though plenty of changes are present keeping the track always interesting. One of the best is saved until last, the fifteen minute epic, A Psychic Amplifier. Starting with an excellent two minute instrumental workout it never loses its interest with some great dynamic playing and a strong vocal performance from Sjoblom. Some lovely flute playing adds greatly to the mellower acoustic moments.

my version of the album has the bonus of two extra tracks not on the original release in 2003. They are In Your Room (a particularly welcome addition) and a live version of Spegeldans.

So although this is my least favourite Beardfish album (understandable when the other three are so brilliant), it's still well worth adding to your collection and a very good release, though I'd recommend getting the others first if you're new to the band. Not quite four stars but worthy of three and a half.