PARADISE SQUARE

Greatly recorded/produced/played/written sympho-prog album from Sweden (Scandinavian prog is a synonym of quality for me!) will take you in the world of GENESIS mixed with Scandinavian retro-prog and some modern touches (drum loops and funny keyboards on ocassion). It opens with great half-ballad/half-proghit "By the Water" (imagine a mix of Gentle Giant and Yes ending like Genesis classical tune!) followed by the title track - REALLY GREAT!!! Roaring bass with Hackettesque guitars with mighty organ on the background...after short ballad break the mid-part follows (imagine "Apocalypse in 9/8" played by Angledoten! ;-) ),and then the logical ballad outro (what a wonderful melody!!!). The third track is the weirdest.First I was annoyed by the vocalist voice ("where the hell his emotions?can he sing?he sounds like cheesy 80s pop-singer!"), but later it all took its places.Some Gentle Giant-like pieces scattered through this track and Harold-the-Burrel- like mood makes this epic very memorable! Following ballad is the only song which requires REALLY EMOTIONAL vocals - Daniel is unable to provide them, so the song sounds a bit drained.Short sitar instrumental with modern drums makes you relax before the longest song of the album.Starting with peaceful melody a-la "Supper's ready" intro, "White Glove" progresses with great instrumental parts ending with major part in 7/8 (pure YESism!). Closing "Aftermath" begins with a bit sentimental ballad which turns later into awesome insrtumental coda - Pink Floyd smokes! The only thing you want after listening this album is to listen to it once more!!! Highly recommended for all New Symphonic/Symphonic/Neo/Art-rock fans.It is a must from the recent prog. Comparable in its greatness to DISCIPLINE's "Unfolded like Staircase" and ANGLAGARD's "Hybris"

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