SUPERHERO

Carptree are a new progressive rock band to me, but 'Superhero' is their second album. They are unusual in that this is a two man line-up with extra guest musicians. Niclas Flinck (vocals) and Carl Westholm (keys) got together in 1997, having known each other for some twenty years, and released their debut two years ago. This is quite an unusual album to try and describe as they are a keyboard-oriented band that have taken on elements from many different acts yet have managed to create a sound that is very much their own. Imagine Peter Gabriel-era Genesis getting involved with Pink Floyd and then you may have some idea of what this is like, but only some.

It is very much a songs-based album, with the longest being only six and a half minutes long, and it has a great deal going for it. It is extremely accessible and while I have seen reviews on their web site (www.carptree.com) calling them a neo-prog outfit they are in fact quite different to the bands in that scene. Of modern bands I think that the closest I can think of is Jadis, but without the guitar. Overall an immensely enjoyable album that can be listened to closely or also works extremely well in the background.

Originally appeared in Feedback #74, Jun 03