THE GUARDIAN'S OFFICE

THE GUARDIAN'S OFFICE is the brain-child of FRUITCAKE drummer Pal Sovik. So the drums do take a prominant role here along with the keyboard / organ work of Tony Johannessen who also is the vocalist.

Things get started with "Hit The Ground" and this song is different from all the other tracks on this album. They really let their hair down on this one, as this song would not be too out of place on DEEP PURPLE's "In Rock"album. There is even some vocal yells from Tony that are found nowhere else on the album. The guitar is great as we are treated to some angular melodies. "Dark Girl" is my favourite song on this record. The instrumental passages remind me of a cross between WOBBLER and NOEKK. Even the vocals on this song sound like the WOBBLER vocalist. This is a slower paced song with keys,acoustic guitar and organ leading the way. More angular guitar melodies later. Nice.

"Play Of Your Life" has some crisp, upfront drumming. Again i'm reminded of WOBBLER as I hear the organ playing. I'm sure I hear mellotron in this one. 6 minutes in the sound is heavenly, as organ, acoustic guitar and drums lead the way. "The Room Below" has some great GENESIS sounding keys, although i'm not a fan of the vocal style on this one as he sort of shouts out the lyrics. Some good guitar solos towards the end of the song. "Office Of Hard Cash" is an instrumental. "Loser In The Sunset" is a catchy tune with a good chorus. "Heat Of That Sound" is a good song that is on the heavy side. "The Guardian" is my second favourite song. Opening with what sounds like flute as the vocals start out reserved and get stronger as organ comes in.The song speeds up 5 minutes in.

This is a good record that has me eager to check out some of FRUITCAKE's albums. 3 stars.