1+1=OK

Although they are a fairly small country, Finland has produced many great bands, quite a few of which have achieved international success and acclaim. Jeavestone are another group of hopefuls seeking to find their place amongst the stars of progressive rock. '1+1=OK' is the band's third full length, and now having been around for around a decade, they have solidified their sound into something fairly distinctive. I can evidently see that this group avoids many of the conventions of prog rock, yet they look to the 70's for inspiration. While I am all too used to hearing prog bands emulating other prog bands, Jeavestone go for a more straightforward rock sound. The band's sound is a clear homage to classic rock, with that progressive edge to give it a more vital style. '1+1=OK' is a well done album that pays proper tribute to its influences, and while Jeavestone's more streamlined rock approach has some good potential for it, the collection of songs on '1+1=OK' don't move me the way I was hoping they would.

Jeavestone may have a classic rock sound, but they do not forget to put a little bit of proggy technical edge in their music. Although the songwriting rarely seeks to go beyond the waters of five minutes, the instrumentation sometimes works in rather technically accomplished fills. Sadly, this is an exception rather than the rule, and from a personal standpoint, the rather straightforward musicianship can lack the intensity I look for in prog rock. Jeavestone's primary influence appears to be Jethro Tull, minus the overt folk elements. In terms of performance, Jeavestone play their parts well, but I don't see anyone going beyond the call of duty. If there is a highlight to Jeavestone's sound, it is the voice of Jim Goldworth, a name of which I believe to be a pseudonym. He has a dark, yet very melodic voice to him. He is not graced with a particularly stunning range, but he performs his role with skill and talent.

The songwriting is the centerpiece of Jeavestone's product, and it is quite well done, although there are no songs here that particularly grab my attention. The single 'Hot Summer Fun' may turn off proggers from the suspiciously poppy song title, but it's actually a very intelligent, albeit catchy tune. Especially in terms of lyrics, the wordplay is quite impressive. Even after several listens to '1+1=OK', the single was the only song that left an imprint. That is not to say that any music on this album is bad, it's just that Jeavestone's prog-tinged classic rock emulation leaves little to the imagination, past enjoyment of the hooks and some clever arrangements. Perhaps it's largely a matter of personal taste, but while Jeavestone manages to find a different sound in prog than the one that I'm used to hearing lately, it doesn't do anything for me.