SONGS FOR BEATING HEARTS

A Melancholic Long-Bearded Fish

Beardfish is a Swedish progressive rock band formed in 2001. Their style recalls 1970s prog, but with their own unique energy. The band's best-known lineup included founding members vocalist/keyboardist Rikard Sjöblom and guitarist David Zackrisson, along with longtime drummer Magnus Östgren and bassist Robert Hansen. Over the years, Beardfish has built a loyal following and earned recognition in the European prog rock scene.

Rikard Sjöblom is a prolific musician and multi-instrumentalist who has also worked with other bands like Big Big Train and has a solo project called Gungfly. In Beardfish, Sjöblom is the creative force, responsible for much of the band's writing, keyboard, guitar, and vocals. His distinctive style and versatility have become defining elements of Beardfish's sound.

With nine albums, Beardfish's musical evolution has been impressive. Their early records reflect the influence of Frank Zappa and the Canterbury scene, bringing a playful, complex edge. Over time, they moved towards a more refined, classic prog sound similar to Genesis and Gentle Giant, also drawing from heavy prog styles like Wishbone Ash and Uriah Heep. Sjöblom's expressive vocals add a powerful emotional depth to their music.

I've been a fan of Beardfish since Mammoth in 2011. That album marked a turning point, bringing in a heavier, more metallic sound that culminated in, what I believe is their masterpiece, The Void from 2012.

Their latest album, Songs for Beating Hearts, recorded between 2023 and 2024, returns to their classic prog roots. It feels like a retrospective, drawing on early ideas from Beardfish's career while also embracing folk influences. The production has a warm, analog feel that gives the music a timeless, organic quality.

The album has six tracks, each with its own unique and emotional character. It opens with the dreamy melancholy of Ecotone, setting a reflective tone. Out In The Open is a five-part piece showcasing Beardfish's blend of intricate musicianship and rich melodies. The pastoral, bittersweet epic Beating Hearts, clocking in at 11 minutes, brings a sense of yearning that stays with you. Amanda Örtenhag's vocals on In the Autumn add a refreshing dimension, while Torrential Downpour delivers a powerful, atmospheric closing that has a "prog-noir" feel.

Overall, Songs for Beating Hearts is a strong album with interesting arrangements, epic compositions, and moments of beauty. While it may not be their best work, it's certainly their most emotional. Loosely tied together by themes of love, loss, and friendship, the album feels like a heartfelt tribute to the band's journey and their connection to fans.

Songs for beating hearts is the brand new album from Beardfish, one of my all time favourites since I heard The Sane Day some years ago. It really was quite a surprise to hear back from them after nearly ten years of hiatus and my expectations were in crescendo since I heard the single. It seems that for this new work they are back to the style of their first albums and I would say it sounds like a mix between The sane day and Sleeping in traffic, but without the quirkyness and the Canterbury twists of those. However, this album offers an equally rewarding experience and I am sure is going to be among the best of the year. Glad to listen to this exciting new chapter from this great band!