BLOMLJUD

I must admit that when I heard that Moon Safari were following their excellent 2005 debut album 'A Doorway To Summer' with a double CD collection, I was a little concerned. My fear was for one of those long overblown Scandanavian prog albums with substandard padding oozing out all over the place. I needn't have worried. In fact 'Blomljud' is particularly impressive because of the tightness of the two CDs, which at just over 50 minutes each would easily fit on the old familiar four sides of vinyl. You can listen to the whole thing quite comfortably at one sitting, without being overcome by the urge to go out and get a proper life! Of padding there is little trace.

The music is in the same style as the debut, though perhaps a little more polished - bright, as fresh as a spring morning. It's a bit like listening to sunshine! Acoustic piano/guitars and strong vocal harmonies are again the foundations on which these eleven songs are built - and well-constructed pieces of music they are.

CD 1 opens with a short acappello piece - but don't be put off. 'Methuselah's Children' really gets the show on the road - a song about a search for deeper meaning in life than the rush and clamour for possessions that is 21st century living. The rest of the disc contains good solid material, especially the instrumental 'Moonwalk' with its strong guitar-led melody and obligatory astronaut sound clip! CD 2 is structurally similar to the debut album in that it is dominated by one long track, 'Other Half Of The Sky'. This is another solid prog outing with nice changes of atmosphere, tempo and style - some of the heaviest stuff on the album ('heavy' by Moon Safari standards that is). The shorter tracks that preceed this are probably the weakest part of the album in my view, though time may change that. 'Yasgur's Farm' ups the tempo - yes, Moon Safari can rock - and 'Lady Of The Woodlands' keeps it going with a whirling, spinning jig of a song - yes, Moon Safari even do folk dance! As if rebuked for such frivolity 'A Tale of Three and Tree' brings us back down to earth with a slow acoustic number filled with the chill and mystery of the forest. 'Sail Beyond The Sunset' does exactly what it says, providing a dreamy exit over rippling piano arpeggios - the perfect end to the perfect day.

If I have one small criticism to make of all this, its that the rustic, woodland-lore nature of the music and lyrics (including the occasional bird chirping in the background) does become slightly irritating. Much as I've enjoyed albums one and two, number three may have to venture into new territory to sustain the interest. This is definitely one of the hidden gems of 2008, though sadly it may turn out to be one of the year's most neglected albums. It is definitely worth hearing with an open mind, and shouldn't take long to persuade you that further listens will be a profitable and enjoyable experience. Don't be put off by the garish artwork or the unpronouncable title - this is quality music.