TARDIGRADE

After reading a review written by my PA friend Erik Neuteboom about Simon Says second album I knew I had to listen to this band. After all, anything that sounded like early to mid period Genesis might be good at least. Well, I could not find their early stuff, but I happended to be able to get their latest release, called Tardigrade, which I did not heard anything about but decided to take my chances anyway. I put the album on my CD player and I was quite surprised how good the music turned out to be. While there is obvious strong Genesis and Yes influences, their symphonic prog is quite original and exciting.

Thsi conceptual album has many moods and colours, with a generous use of 70´s sounding Hammond Organ and mellotron. From bombastic outburts of keyboards and guitar to delicate acoustic pieces, from epic 25 minute tracks to short instrumental interludes this album has everything to satisfy the classic prog listener. The songs are very well crafted, the musicians are masters of their respective instruments and the songwriting is superb. Daniel Fäldt voice took me some time to get used to, but it is good and versatile enough for this highly demanding style. Most important is the energy and conviction in which the sound is delivered: those guys really love what they´re doing. Credit should also be given to the right production and mixing.

If youré into classic symphonic prog music, strongly 70´s rooted, this is the CD for you. One of the best releases of 2008 already. Highly recommended.