ET EX

For a lot of GOSTA BERLINGS SAGA fans this is the album that pushes the boundries a little too far for comfort. Electronics dominate this album combined with mellotron, clarinet, Fender Rhodes and "rock" instruments. I have so much respect for this record and like the cover it is dark electronics for the most part. Problem is that they go places I am not that into which you kind of expect with an album that is so radical. The Post-Rock vibe is strong at times. We get some guests like Swedish guitarist Henrik Palm co-writing "The Shortcomings Of Efficiency" and "Fundament" the two longest tracks on here and he plays guitar on both. Singer Michael Berdan adds some yells late on "The Shortcomings Of Efficiency" and this man is no stranger to Electronics. Lars from SOEN adds sax on that incredible song "Capercaillie Lammergeyer Cassowary & Repeat".

I'll start with the one top three track I haven't mentioned yet and that's "Over And Out" with that mellotron! Come on you Swedes! And thanks. The Fender Rhodes and just so much going on in this monstrous soundscape of ghostly mellotron creating the base for the "rock" instruments to standout. Killer tune. My favourite though is "The Shortcomings Of Efficiency" and Henrik's guitar. Outbursts of sound come and go with spacey synths and a beat before it kicks in bringing a smile to my face. Uptempo and sounding great. Check out the bass! Guitar after a minute and it's a highlight. I like the calm with the urgent drumming nonetheless and how it builds. A lot of Post Rock references on this one. More amazing guitar after 4 minutes as the two guitarists trade off. So good! Our singer comes in late as Post Rock guitars dominate.

The opener "Veras Tema" and "Square 5" both have their moments that's for sure but there are some sections that I'm not that into. The layering of sounds on "Artifacts" is pretty cool and "Brus Fran Stan" works with the acoustic guitar and humming. So reminding me of? Not sure. Sequencers on the closer but top song number three is "Capercaillie Lammergeyer Cassowary & Repeat". That sax and deep moving powerful sound brings Zeuhl to mind for me as it swells and recedes. Some driving music on this one too before 1 1/2 minutes with the Electronics dominating. The final minute is so good as it turns powerful again.

Gotta go 4 stars here despite some ups and downs for me personally when it comes to my tastes but man how can you not be blown away at the inventive ideas as they blaze new territories.