MELLANVÄSEN [AKA: ATTIC THOUGHTS]

In my opinion this album and his debut "Lord Of The Rings" are Bo Hansson's best. How about that proggy album cover too. Very cool. I still prefer the debut to this one but I like how dark and atmospheric this is at times. Again POPOL VUH came to mind quite often while listening to this album.

"Attic Thoughts" opens with almost a minute of this catchy beat with flute, and then it settles down to a very laid back sound. Keyboards and drums become prominant later. Sounds like string synths too. Great tune. "Time And Space" is a short tune that builds then settles late. Keyboards and drums start to lead early on "Waiting..." as synths come and go. Nice bass 4 minutes in.The tempo picks up after 5 1/2 minutes. The rhythm is dark here. "Waltz For Interbeings" does have a waltz-like rhythm at times. "Time For Great Achievements" features prominant drums early. Guitar before a minute. This song changes constantly. I like it best after 2 1/2 minutes.

"The Hybrills" is uptempo with the drums outfront then it settles. "Rabbit Music" opens with synths then it kicks in before a minute. It settles with keys before 3 1/2 minutes before it changes to a more upbeat sound 6 minutes in. "Day And Night" is a top three for me. It's dark with sounds coming and going. A calm 1 1/2 minutes in but it's still dark. I like it. "A Happy Prank" is guitar and drum led with synths. Great sounding closer. "The Crystal Suite" is a bonus track. I don't usually comment on bonus tracks but this is fantastic ! It's divided into three sections.The first part is dark (it's dark throughout) with sparse piano. Flute joins in. It changes 2 1/2 minutes into an even darker mood. The final change occurs before 5 1/2 minutes. It sounds more like the first section with piano only though.

Anyone wanting to check Bo out would do well to start here or his debut.