FLYING FOOD CIRCUS

The name Hasse Bruniusson should ring a bell for every Flower Kings enthusiast. Rising to some fame in the 70s with Swedish avant-garde / progressive-rock group Samla Mammas Manna (also Zamla Mammaz Manna), Hasse later joined The Flower Kings as a frequent guest-musician on the percussions, naturally adding his signature sound to their repertoire.

His compositions are mainly instrumental and tend to lean toward a more humorous and ironic character, yet remain very sophisticated musically and instrumentally, a description quite fitting to Frank Zappa's body of work as well. On this 2002 release Hasse is joined by his Flower Kings band-mate Roine Stolt on guitar/bass and Mats Öberg on synthesizer, each giving this record their personal touch. 'Flying Food Circus' is more focused than most of Hasse's other projects. The compositions are more elaborate and the flow of the entire album experiences fewer playful interruptions than one might come to expect from him.

Starting off with big applause from a fictitious audience 'The Instrument For A Good Dressage' kicks the record off with a simple melody over an upbeat polka rhythm. After this ironic start the song soon constructs it's path toward a more jazz-based temperament. Playful polyrhythmic and more complex harmonious progressions give way to a jam ending in the main theme. 'The Different Kind of Goodness' contrasts the opener quite well by introducing a softer side with a sweet, folkloric melody played on acoustic guitar, reducing the hurried pass established afore.

The record continues in this manner. Some parts strongly Polka and folklore infused, others leaning towards a more jazz-fusion oriented style. Roine Stolt's guitar playing sticks out and gives this record a collaborative sound, lending Hasse Bruniusson's compositions some The Flower Kings edge on the way. The vibraphone passages on 'Erfarenhelt Von Panopticon' and 'Collect Relapses' occur in unison with guitar and will surely spark a fire with every 'Inca Roads' devotee. On 'A Clown's Opinion' the long player presents itself at its most adventurous. Darker vibes underlay embellished synth passages with frantic melody and rhythm changes. It is here the fan of classic progressive rock will feel most at home.

The simple folkloric elements, even though beautifully executed, might dampen the enthusiasm of those who are looking to listen to a full blown progressive-rock journey. Fans of jazz-fusion break-outs on the other hand (think The Flower Kings 'Unfold The Future') will find plenty to enjoy on this candid release.

Expect highly accomplished musicianship, a great variety of approaches to composition and a good sense of humor.