IN SECRET PACE (AS JONAS LINDBERG)

The idea of forming a proper band of his own was in the mind of this young musician from Stockholm already from 2008.At the time Lindberg recorded four tracks for some sort of a music exam at the School of Music in Pitea.He had a solid line-up of four musicians on vocals, guitars and drums and a handful of guest musicians in each of the four tracks, while he was the composer, keyboardist and bass player.Four years later he decided to offer these recordings under the title ''In secret pace'' via bandcamp.

The opening ''Time is wasted for no reason'' is very much alike HASSE FROBERG'S MUSICAL COMPANION.A mix of angular Hard Rock with flashy keyboard parts, deep melodies and dynamic vocals, featuring a rich style full of breaks and led by the edgy guitar moves and solos and the power of synthesizers.The biggest suprise comes from the self-titled track, which is reminiscent of FINISTERRE and HOSTSONATEN minus the Italian vocals.Elegant flute lines combine with acoustic textures, atmospheric keyboards and crystalline vocals by Jonas Sundqvist with a great jazzy middle-part, a trully beautiful piece of art.''What a view'' is totally instrumental, however this is the closest track to Neo Prog with a few ambiental lines on the way.Impressive synth flights, dynamic grooves and melodic guitars offer imaginery soundscapes full of finesse and positive atmosphere.The closing ''Overflown vision'' is the only track to feature female lead vocals by Emelie Irewald.This comes quite close to the style of MOSTLY AUTUMN and IONA with plenty of room for Irewald's angelic voice, supported by melancholic piano themes, and a strong MIKE OLDFIELD/PINK FLOYD-ian atmosphere following the intro with Ethnic-styled flutes, scratching electric guitars and angular synthesizers.

This album has a lot to admire it for: Folky overtones, modern Prog aesthectics, sporadic vintage echoes and plenty of passion.Great first step for Lindberg, warmly recommended.