ON THE OTHER SIDE

It has been mentioned already numerous times on this site, Sweden is certainly at the moment the epicentre of progressive rock, and with the guys of BROTHER APE they have another promising act. Their music keeps the midway between melodic progrock of SAGA and IT BITES, the nervous fragments of ZAPPA, jazz-rock and fusion mixed with AOR, in a nutshell the entire 'palette' has been delivered here on an ingenious and musical-technical perfect way. Don't let you discourage by the jazz influences, it's hardly present. Some people will have to get used to this style, sometimes it becomes even poppy or mainstream, but after several listenings it will grow on you and you will discover always new things.

"The Jerk" was free for download on the official site of the record label and illustrates perfectly the genius of the music of BROTHER APE, melodic progressive rock with enough complexity and a nose for composition, vocally on high standards and musically everything in balance. A track like 'Waiting for the sandman' seemed a bit too quiet in the beginning (maybe also because of the lyrics), but afterwards it has become one of my favourites, a ballad passing in the second part into instrumental CAMEL-esk prog. The heavy rocking 'I freak out' has a very catchy refrain, contains a beautiful guitar solo and is mainly driven by the rhythm section. "Railways" is also very original, a train driving through the landscape is simulated by using brushes on the snare drum. Beautifully sung, supported by bass, subtle keyboards and acoustic guitar are making this song very atmospheric and enjoyable.

Anyway, the entire album has a very nice mood, both musically and lyrically, heart- warming between all the other melancholic albums, that are being released in the circuit these days. Sometimes this album reminds, not by coincidence, at A.C.T. like for example the guitar play on "Clockworks", only BROTHER APE has a bit more to offer thanks to the diversity of the musical pathways, they tend to follow. On the acoustic ballad 'This Hour' it is obvious that singer Peter has listened very well to STYX, it's like you are hearing a 'young' Dennis de Young. After this romantic interlude (it came at the right moment) the speed rises in "Unaccomplished", where you can discover influences of UK, as well on guitar as on keyboards, while "Farewell Song" undoubtedly reminds of YES. A second fully acoustic but very short track introduces the longest one on the album, "On the other side". The beginning is surprisingly a mix of DIRE STRAITS and The POLICE, but after 2 minutes the tone is changing into progressive rock 'pur sang', with references to the seventies and contemporary neo-prog. Besides, you can hear, like in the "Farewell Song", that typical interplay between guitar and vocals, like we used to know from the early days of YES. Furthermore, the production and the artwork are excellent, thus this album is an absolute 'must', you have to give it the time to grow on you.

BROTHER APE is not really a newcomer, they have released some years ago an EP, but Progress Records has re-released it (and added some new tracks). After the promising debut of LIQUID SCARLET the Swedish record label has once again acquired a 'diamant'. I'm very anxious to hear these guys live, hopefully they will find the way to our country.

My rating: 9/10

Review by Claude 'Clayreon' Bosschem

Great musicians - guitarwork and solos are word class - vocally it's one of the best in the progressive world IMO, if not THE best - and Brother Ape have their very own sound. I never getting tired listening to this amazing album. 4 stars!

ProgBrainer

It is really unbelievable that BROTHER APE's roots go back in late 70's-early 80's.The band started as heavy rock act in the vein of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin and suffered from many line-up changes as well as changing styles in this 20-years period.Through the 80's they adapted a more symphonic style in the vein of Genesis/Steve Hackett with long instrumental parts,but entering the 00's they were much attracted by the music of BRAND X and WEATHER REPORT.In 2005 their debut ''On the other side'' was finally released.A modern progressive rock album by experienced musicians,who blend fusion/progressive rock with mellow acoustic playing,catchy melodies and even some AOR-moments.The whole result is absolutely fantastic and original.It is as if BRAND X could ever jam with RUSH or SAGA.The vocals are great,the melodies are memorable and the fusion elements dominate the album.A enjoyable and satisfying release for anyone seeking for something different,unique and not highly complicated!