WHO'S THE BOSS IN THE FACTORY?

It only matters who's the boss in the factory! This time bass player Jonas Reingold - responsible for the songwriting and production. He's part of a musical family also including members of The Flower Kings, Kaipa, The Tangent and uncounted side projects. Don't know where this album/song title comes from (not that good in interpreting lyrics). I'm quite sure the relationship between those musicians bears more democratic structures compared to a factory. Otherwise it would be hard to explain how they could reach for such an excellent output. Now that I saw them live some weeks ago it's really about time to write my impressions down.

Looking at the core line-up there is only one member I wasn't aware of so far - keyboarder Lalle Larsson. But - no wonder - his contributions are really great too. And this kind of richness also comes from the vast number of friends who contributed to the album I'm sure. When starting to listen to Send A Message From The Heart - including a short intro offered by Reingold's son Alex - you might have the impression that this is another TFK effort. It's the epic song structure, the complete implementation. A cornucopia of impressions including Genesis and Pink Floyd references plus breaks and turns en masse. Starting with marching drums, mellotron, nice vocals ... and of course Reingold's accentuated bass playing showing an impressing bandwith from heavy to melancholic.

Not necessary to emphasize that this is highly melodic. All in all it has the spirit of 'Hotel Paradox'. You won't miss fusion parts dominated by synthesizer and Jonsson's jazzy guitar. But all in all this is a heavier sound. Second track Let In Hollywood is initiated by acoustic guitar but soon develops to an uptempo art rock thing with a harder vibe. The title track is much more epical structured once more. 'One by one, step by step ...' - the catchy main refrain is impressing - inviting for singing along really. Lalle Larsson's diversified work strikes - piano and multiple synthesizer layers and on top of it we are offered a charming bass solo.

Two Blocks From The Edge comes like another shouter so to say with a rocking fundament. Theo Travis manages the saxophone parts - nice, nice. Both parts of Eternally hold Reingold's emotional impact finally, reflecting the loss of his parents. So we have a melancholic piano presence first - later coupled with Reingold's bass and background strings. Then this song developes to a gripping ballad with great vocals by Göran Edman - wonderful!

This is a friggin' killer album - a highlight of the year 2008! Roine Stolt is (nearly) missing here. He's not the boss surprisingly, only appearing on one song but involved in the mixing process anyhow. Not a pure symphonic prog album - it's more - rich of different impressions and approving much experience based on a high level of musicianship and compositorial skills.