JAS GRIPEN

This is a Norwegian five piece band, this debut CD entitled Jas Grippen is released in 2007. The music reminds me of their progrock neighbours Anekdoten, because of the melancholical vocals and the dynamics between the mellow parts and fluent rhythms. But Gallery sounds more raw and but not Mellotron drenched, in fact you can categorize it as melodic rock with progressive tendencies.

Gallery plays tight and powerful, especially in the songs with fluent rhythms and propulsive guitar work, accompanied by an adventurous rhythm-section. The guitarplay is tasteful (from relaxed twanging chords to fiery and howling soli) and the keyboards sound functional but varied and pleasant (from piano and organ to even some violin-Mellotron. This band has chosen for tastefully arranged compositions instead of complexity and many soli. If you like melodic rock with progressive ideas, this is a band to check out.

Unfortunately no signs from Gallery after this fine debut effort.