AURUM NOSTRUM

Debut album from the Swedish retro-symphonic rock band Sinkadus. Just like Anglagard, the band sounds like a 90's incarnation of the vintage '71 Nursery Cryme sound, with forceful drums and bass, flutes and thick mellotron blankets. The music is slightly more melodic and folksy then Anglagard, bringing the gentle pleasures of Camel and Genesis to the fore, as opposed to Anglagard's more technical and Crimson elements.

The band has a great sincere emotionality but the vocals are often a weak link. The vocal duties are split between male and female vocals but both suffer from a limited range, an insecure tone and some unremarkable melodies. When they go for more folksy tunes they sound more confident. In my opinion, the opening Snalbast suffers most from the vocals, the melodies aren't very memorable and pale against the often excellent music. The remaining songs seem to uphold stronger melodies and tighter musicianship. The production is perfect, very dynamic, rocking and organic.

Compared to their sophomore effort Cirkus, Sinkadus still sounds a bit ill at ease with their vintage sound. While Cirkus is a sure 5 star album for me, Aurum Nostrum sits a level below that. 3.5 stars.