LIGHT AGES

Light Ages was Wigwam's return to the fold after a long hiatus lasting for 16 years. Lots had happened in the meantime, both in band members' lives and in music in general. In 1977, when Dark Album came out, prog was already out and punk in. Neo-prog had come and gone in the 80s, and in 1993 the king of the hill was grunge. Still, Wigwam mainly stuck to their guns and produced another of those 'deep pop' albums of the Pembroke led era.

When one takes a closer look at Light Ages, the most noticeable aspect is the absence of Ronnie Österberg (R.I.P!). The second thing one might concentrate is the slick production and redone versions of some old Wigwam & Pembroke solo tunes. In fact, it's a sad indication of the state of things when the rehashed old songs are best that Light Ages can offer. All the other songs are just quite unmemorable, and to be frank, too slick for their own good. There's not really an angle or edge to hold on, the whole albums is just too smooth. While I do enjoy the new versions of the old songs, I still prefer the original old recordings.

The musicianship on the album is top notch, nothing to complain there. Rekku gives us several good solos, and Mikko Rintanen on keyboards handles his job well. Jimbo and Måsse do exactly what is expected. The only letdown is Jan Noponen with his generic drumming. Österberg wasn't exactly a very technical drummer, but his style was always his own, recognizable, and gave a certain touch to the music. Noponen clearly doesn't have that quality.

To sum it up: Few good new songs (Absalom), and the remakes are nice. It's only the slick, anonymous production and overall genericness that make this album quite forgettable and mundane. 2 stars.