WAIT FOR A LIGHT TO COME

'The Amazing' are one of those current Swedish groups that teeter on the edge of psychedelic Progressive Rock and 'indie' rock. Fronted by singer/songwriter Christopher Gunrup, the band features members from fellow Swedes DUNGEN, amongst many others, making for yet another splinter group worthy of checking out, albeit, a touch on the commercial side. This 2nd offering, an E.P. entitled 'Wait For A Light To Come', offers 6 tracks which showcase various approaches to composition, be it folk, heavy/psych, laid-back, experimental and so-forth. Ranging from more acoustically dominated material, to out-'n'-out acid-psych, this selection is a great way to enter the world of 'The Amazing'. Album opener, 'Evil', is really anything but - it's a sweet, melodic ride through light acoustic strumming along a loose, bouncy rhythm, suggestive of carefree sunny days out in the open air. Reine Fiske adds some delicate lead-guitar lines throughout, giving a light country feel to the piece. Nothing flash, but enjoyable. Gunrup's vocals throughout are fragile, yet confident and fitting. 'And It Looks Like Today' is a straight up, melodic folk-rock track, a light-hearted tune with female backing vocals, again heavily relying on acoustic instrumentation. 'Islands' is a longer piece that's very mellow, with shimmering organ, hand percussion, subtle bass and acoustic guitar. It just goes on and on in a most tasteful way. The best track by far on the first side. Flip-side starts with yet another straight forward song, 'Head Beaches', again laid-back and accessible, Fiske's chordal strumming on electric guitar is quite moving. I think they've made a film- clip to this song. 'Defect' approaches the 7 minute mark, and shows us a heavier piece reminiscent of Dungen, but never crossing over that far into their jammy, improv territory. Here, Fiske is the star and gives us the light we've been waiting to come ! Easily the best track with a groovy backing and shredding psych guitar. The title cut is another acoustic tune with a simple, repetitive melody and Gunrup chanting the album title over and over. It's only brief and finishes off the E.P. majestically. Definitely a recommended introduction to the band, but the following full-length album is stronger overall. 3.5 stars.

Sweden's own THE AMAZING released this under 27 minute EP back in 2010, their second release after the self titled debut the year previous. We get a collection of six tracks ranging from just over 2 1/2 minutes to just over 6 1/2 minutes. There is some variety here but I'd say overall that Folk is where I'd place this recording. Unfortunately I haven't heard the debut yet or the one that follows this one to give some perspective.

"Evil" opens with drums as acoustic guitar, flute and more join in. Vocals too. The drums are interesting. Kind of a whimsical, upbeat, folky track. "And It Looks Like Today" is very much a Folk tune with male and female vocals. It's so well done and while Folk isn't my thing this has grown on me a lot. Seems so simple with a beat, picked guitar and vocals. Violin will help out as well.

"Islands" is my favourite. Strummed guitar, bass, percussion then organ. Such a chill out sound. Vocals just before a minute and I like them. It tuns brighter on the chorus and I don't like it as much. Back to the versus as the organ returns. Contrasts continue until we get this calm at 3 1/2 minutes which seems to come out of nowhere then that sound from before the calm returns but this time violin and piano help out. Interesting stuff as it stays all instrumental to the end.

"Head Beaches" is another one I like with that dreamy sound as the vocals join in. I like the atmospheric guitar from Fiske. "Defect" is an energetic track with some depth to it. The guitar is abrasive but then it settles down when the vocals arrive. Vocals stop before 2 1/2 minutes as we get a really good instrumental section right to the end. 4 minutes worth! Check out Fiske at 5 1/2 minutes. "Wait For The Light To Come" is a short laid back piece with acoustic guitar and vocals.

A good introduction to the band I'd say as they offer up a variety of styles.