TID ÄR LJUD

Gösta Berlings Saga have given us quite a treat for their freshman album. They have an interesting style, one which hints of Discipline-era King Crimson; although they share a similarity, they're both very distinctly different styles. The Fender Rhodes Electric piano drives this album, and does so quite well. Another thing I like about this band: they don't sing. Instrumentals only (with a bit of speaking in one track only.) The album kicks off with an excellent opening track entitled "Helgamarktz" with a high-energy theme. The beginning reminds me of a crossover of Roundabout (Yes) and Memories of Old Days (Gentle Giant). It starts slowly, with an ambient chord on the organ, and guitars come in. It quickly picks up, however, and this is one of the quickest tracks on the album. 10/10.

The next, Syrenernas Sång, has a crunchy theme on the Rhodes with a wah pedal. I love this track, but the speaking halfway through gets in the way of the cool guitar solo. 9/10.

Aniarasviten starts fast, but actually gets slower as it progresses. The fast opening is great, and so is the mellotron-drenched middle. I'm not too fond of the more static ending, but this is still a great track. 8/10.

Ljud Från Stan is another rocker, rivaling Helgamarktz. It has a nice solo on the aforementioned Fender Rhodes. 8/10.

Tog Du Med Dig Naturen is my least favorite on the album, it's just kind of slow. It's got an alright theme, but it's ten minutes of a theme that never really develops. 5/10.

Knölsvanen has a cool intro on the Rhodes. It then goes into a somewhat twisted melody. 7/10.

The last track, Svarta Hål och Elljusspår starts with lots of tritones. This one in particular reminds me of Discipline. It makes use of many repeated phrases, seeming like minimalism. It goes into a slower middle (with flute!) 7/10.

Well, there you have it. Some really great Swedish prog.