SOUND MIRROR

Guldbamsen has sent me at least two private messages encouraging me to check this band out, and both times I checked out some Youtube videos andboth times I felt like "meh" they are alright. David's passion for these guys on the site here though moved me to take the plunge with both studio albums. Damn! He was right again(hehe). I am so moved by this album i'm not even sure what to say about it. The guitar at times reminds me of later ANEKDOTEN and I love that sound, the bass is often fuzzed out big time and the other major plus is the vocals. This album makes me feel so good that it's simply perfect for me. These guys might be from Canterbury but the music certainly isn't Canterbury.

"Garden Of Time" opens with a cool little guitar melody then vocal melodies, drums and more take over. Man I love the sound of the guitar as it settles and the vocals join in. The chorus is awesome as well but man the guitar is very Swedish to my ears. More vocal melodies 2 1/2 minutes in followed by a killer instrumental section that is quite experimental. So good! A top three track. "Hometown Blues" opens with piano as a beat and more joins in then vocals. A catchy mid-paced tune with so much attention to detail. Violin around 2 minutes then it turns fuller again as contrasts continue. "Autograph" is another feel-good, mid- paced tune with vocals. "Anyone out there...anyone at all?" A nice instrumental section with piano and vocal melodies before 2 minutes. It's building until 2 1/2 minutes in when it calms right down.

"What's Your Secret" opens with violin and picked guitar as vocals join in. It picks up before a minute and contrasts continue with lots of violin in this one. "All And Everything" is catchy with vocals to start. Lots of fuzz when it turns fuller, love that guitar as well. "Forevermore" opens with intricate guitar and a light beat as reserved vocals join in. The chorus is fuller with some nice drum work. "Backwardstepping" features acoustic guitar and vocals as the violin comes and goes. A beautiful song. "Chariots" opens with what sounds like processed accordion then fuzz and some manipulated vocals follow. Distorted keys after 2 minutes when the vocals stop breifly. It blends into the only instrumental "Singularity" another top three tune for me. An ominous beginning then a powerful section kicks in before a minute. Check out the guitar, oh my! Kicking some ass here as we get fuzzed out bass as well. "Sink Hole" with guitar, drums and vocal melodies standing out early impresses. Then vocals and a fuller sound follows.

Right now this is the best album I have heard for 2014 but I have quite a few to get through before I decide that. Essential! Thanks Bamsen!