LUMINOUS MORNING

This duo makes a very big fusion noise. Arne Jonasson plays guitar, bass and keyboards while Patrik Sundqvist propels their compositions with powerhouse percussion. The album opens at a cracking pace with 'Recipe for a charm'. Drums pound and the guitar squalls until some overdubbed synth smooths the sound a little. It is fast and dense and would be in good company with Alan Holdsworth or Bill Conners (Return To Forever).

By the time we get to the fourth track, 'The Cow' the pace is a little mellower and one can hear some hints of other melodic influences; a few phrases vaguely recalled fellow Swedish instrumentalist Bo Hansson. Indeed the next piece, 'Soaring Woodhelven' seems to reference Tolkein and Hansson's 70's albums. But this is definitely contemporary; the notes tell us the music was recorded in Spring 1997 though the CD sleeve is shy of any other dates.

Title track 'The Luminous Morning' is a more reflective piece which comes as something of a relief after all the flying fretwork. There is also a slow blues '(Blues for the) Keeper of the Possible' that works effectively by way of contrast. The album finishes as it began, with furious drums and virtuoso guitar playing on 'Do you know the colours?'

There is a lot of music on this album: 14 tracks and 73 minutes of it. All of it is expertly played and beautifully recorded. If there is a criticism, it is that one can have too much of a good thing. Although the playing is excellent, ears begin to tire when the sound pallet is mostly coloured by guitar and drums. RATING: Vision & Innovation: 22/30; Playing & Composition: 26/30; Listener Enjoyment: 22/30; X-Factor [cover, variety, reviewer bias]: 6/10. Total: 76/100 -> 3.5 Stars.