HIMLABACKEN VOL. 2

This long-awaited 5th album from Swedish progressive pop-rock band Moon Safari comes ten long years since their last album, Himlabaken vol. 1 (2013), but it is just as wonderful as their previous albums, and in some ways even better. Known for their multi-part vocal harmonies, bright effervescent songs and melodies, and complex rhythms and time signatures, they deliver a soaring, joyous album, with a definite nod toward bright 80's pop on several songs. The album keeps getting better as it goes along (some of the early tracks cling a bit too much to that 80's pop sound), with the obvious highlight being the 20+ min epic track Teen Angel Meets the Apocalypse, a magnificent multi-section stunner that has everything you could ever want in a Prog Epic and more (one of the great epic tracks, and probably the best song of the band's career). But there's much more here (70 minutes of brilliance), with the band even showing a bit heavier side in a few songs, as well as virtuoso musicianship, amidst the vocal sweetness. A most welcome release, sure to be enjoyed and played over and over. it's great to have some new Moon Safari back to enrich our lives. 4.5 stars.