GREEN ASPHALT

'Excuse me if I ruin your day ...' he's singing on one occasion. Eh, NO, you don't! The multi-faceted Swedish composer and musician Dan Bornemark has the hat on here obviously. Well, composing music for children is another passion for example. Though regarding progressive rock fields he's supposed to be an enthusiastic Gentle Giant fan. Anyhow, don't be afraid of, or just on the opposite, you explicitely should not request a simple clone in this case. The GREEN ASPHALT idea, respectively project, has gradually grown with not less than 17 years in the back now. Finally Bornemark has formed a prolific ensemble to realize his ideas. And it's rather unique music, yeah, so much apriori. Gentle Giant inspired stuff normally needs getting used to, over the course of years at least, even decades maybe (yep, at least my experience). Overall I'd say the seven songs are definitely accessible, at a first glance. Or just trying to express it in another way, the album flow is patiently leading the listener into the targeted complexity, peculiarity, step by step, Well, that's a great attitude, or what?

The initiating title track approaches with a superb canterbury and folk combination. Occasionally you will hear nice ethereal female vocals, predominantly provided by Helena Josefsson, yet also due to the inclusion of Bornemark's daughters Signe and Hjördis. Muh! Exemplarily to note the charming She's A Cow that comes with somewhat naive lyrics. Though actually the execution is tricky on the contrary, again equipped with a distinct canterburiesque flavour. I'm quite sure that everybody who's involved here is delivering the best job of his life. The vocals are a real sensation. During the whole course Genesis and Zappa glimpses occasionally are shimmering through. Suit Yourself still amazes me every time I'm listening. The final Time In Your Face extends to the album's greatest challenge, proves Bornemark's compositional skills as no other. Bravo! There's so much to discover, what an appealing album ...