THE OTHER SIDE (AS JONAS LINDBERG)

Emerging out of the new wave of Swedish progressive music, JONAS LINDBERG & THE OTHER SIDE present their EP 'The Other Side'. Due to the craftsmanship of the musicians, the refinement in songwriting and production, this is a stunning release. All performances are expressed with emotion and conviction to blend in a high-quality symphonic prog brew, travelling along the borders of AOR-style. Being a multi-instrumentalist, Jonas Lindberg shows his skills on bass, acoustic and electric guitars, keys, mandolin, back vocals and programming. The lead singer Jonas Sundqvist is reminiscent of Mark Truesak, albeit there're occasions where I think of Colin Blunstone too. Drums are played by Jonathan Lundberg, guitars by Calle Stalenbring, keyboards by Michael Ottosson. The whole offer has five songs, approx 30 minutes in duration: from subtle inflections to fast-paced pieces. 'Lies' is a great opener, immediately affirming the patent sound with floating melody lines backed by tantalizing keyboards and vibrant bass. Aussie band Unitopia is a good point of reference. Alan Parsons Project is another comparison. The sparkling title track easy could have been on any Moon Safari CD. Elements of Yes and Genesis prevail in 'Where to Begin'. It reminds about 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart' but the whiffs of Tony Banks permeate the second half of composition. It's followed by 'Little Girl', a sensitive ballad which makes the content go out like a night candle. And to spice up the recipe, 'Line No. 18' is the longest song (8:23) fusing elements of Yes, Toto, Kansas and TFK. Here, the vocals aren't a million mile away from Chris Squire himself. I'd say that this is a fine conclusion to the consistent release... These talented guys are pros in every sense of the word, delivering far more than one would expect from a melodic progressive outfit. My hope now is that Jonas Lindberg and his crew will find some inspiration to give us a full-length album without waiting too long.

Jonas Lindberg is a solo project that ended up becoming a full band, especially for this new EP called The Other Side (2013).

Created in Stockholm, Sweden, the band is formed by Jonas Lindberg (bass, keyboards, electric & acoustic guitars, mandolin, programming, compositions and vocals), Jonas Sundqvist (vocals), Michael Ottosson (keyboards), Calle Stalenbring (guitars) and Jonathan Lundberg (drums). But as the name indicates, the band is really a solo effort of Jonas. He recorded pretty much all the backing tracks, wrote the material, produced and also did the artwork. And let's not forget that The Other Side (2013) was also released by his own label called ModeMusic.

The Other Side (2013) has a strong influence of AOR (like Toto) and bands like The Flower Kings and Spock's Beard. Right on the first track of the EP 'Lies' we can see that influence. And what an amazing song! It has all the great hooks that a band needs and yet many details for you to get lost in. Great early 80's mood too. On the second track 'The Other Side' we have some great riffs that really reminded me of Spock's Beard music, but at the same time the multiple vocals and keyboards 'scream' of The Flower Kings! Amazing work!

Third track brings Toto to the picture with 'Where To Begin'. For me, the weakest track on the EP. Curiously if you look to the time of the three first tracks they have 5'27, 5'26 and 5'28 respectively. This shows a way of writing that really fits AOR. The following song on The Other Side (2013) is 'Little Girl'. Here the acoustic side of Jonas comes forth in a very melancholic song. I just think that it misses something here, maybe some kind of 'explosion'. The track pretty much follows the same pace through the whole 4'38.

'Line No18' is the last song on the EP and also the longest. And I will dare to say that it's the most Prog of them all too, besides the big amount of AOR in it. I have to mention the good job that Jonas Sundqvist did with the vocals, always pushing some really nice vocal melodies all along the album. After the middle part we have some really great guitar solo, some very good keyboards and an excellent 'kitchen' with bass and drums. Brilliant!

The Other Side (2013) is a really great effort by the Swedish Jonas Lindberg. Amazingly well produced and written and also with superb musicianship. Another thing to notice is the strong AOR sound he brought back to the Prog scene. Another case of a Swedish band bringing back different sounds (the other one being Dynamo Bliss).

A great EP to check out, and now!

(Originally posted on progshine.net)