FINDING LOVE IN STRANGE PLACES

The Swedish band Prehistoric Animals creates anything but prehistoric music. No, what we hear here is a fresh and modern prog sound, a creative blend with the power of prog metal, the artistry of neo-prog, the catchiness of a pop song, and the uniqueness of alternative rock. The band's sound often reminds me of another Swedish formation: A.C.T.

"Finding Love In Strange Places," their fourth album, slightly shifts the boundaries of this bold combination towards a bit more power. Meanwhile, the music is still built around the extensive keyboard work contributed by each of the four band members. Also, Stefan Altzar's clear high lead vocals show no inclination to roar or bellow anywhere. That would be completely out of place because the album is essentially about love. "Finding Love In Strange Places" is once again a concept album, this time featuring a number of dystopian love stories. The beautiful cover, a creation by Mattias Noren, feels like a movie poster, and the hyper-melodic music seems to be the soundtrack. They would truly deserve it, the guys play impeccably.

There's a tight rhythm section present in the persons of bassist Noah Magnusson and drummer Samuel Granath. Their play, with its deep bass tones and groovy rhythms, provides a solid foundation. Although this has never been different, they truly shine on the new album. Opener The City Of My Dreams with its delightful 80s vibe, its razor- sharp guitar chords, and its infectious melodies is an atmospheric mini-epic that charms and captivates, leading you into the stories of the upcoming songs.

The album features three short pieces that, with their more subdued atmosphere, form a beautiful contrast with the 'real' songs. There's piano in A Bad Day For The Neon Gods, cinematic music in Strange Places, and acoustic guitar in Come Home. Such pieces are inherent to a concept album, and here too, they provide balance.

The catchy Living In A World Of Bliss and the varied Unbreakable add even more color to the album. Especially Unbreakable is a strong presence with its explosive choruses and its swaying verses driven by percussive drums. Guitarist Daniel Magdic (ex-Pain Of Salvation) also makes his mark. And don't overlook that blissful Jean Michel Jarre- like intro. Creative minds rule half the world.

A remarkable track on the album is He is Number 4, a grim affair. It is characteristic of the band's tempestuous side. The highlight of the album, in my opinion, is The Secret Society Of Goodness, where 80s-tinged keyboard work provides a nice pulse. Here, Prehistoric Animals is entirely unleashed, as if it were the culmination of the concept, and given the reflective nature of the closer Nothing Has Changed But Everything Is Different, that is understandable.

When I first listened to the promo of "Finding Love In Strange Places," I only knew the band by name. I quickly took care of that. Year-end list material, come out of your cave and grab your slate.

Orginally posted on www.progenrock.com