UR TROLLKARLENS HATT [AKA: MAGICIAN'S HAT]

Bo Hansson's follow-up to his musical interpretation of Lord of the Rings continued the fantasy theme, albeit less directly. Keyboards are again the major voice with organ and analogue synthesizers dominating. Drummer Rune Carlsson returns, as does flautist Sten Bergman. The musical pallet on 'Magicians Hat' is expanded, however, by the important addition of Kenny Hakansson on guitars. As many of the pieces are quite brief [five of the eleven are under two minutes], there can be a sense of dislocation. Having said that, my experience is that if one can immerse oneself in this other-worldly elf-folk universe, there are delights a-plenty. It is melodious, varied, sometimes twee but always interesting. Much though I revere LotR, I find 'Magicians Hat' a more varied, engaging and ultimately satisfying album. RATING - Vision & Innovation: 24/30; Playing & Composition: 24/30; Listener Enjoyment: 24/30; X-Factor [cover, magic, bias]: 8/10. Total: 80/100 -> 4 Stars.