THE STORY OF MR. BOGD PART 1

I cannot be the only proghead who was surprised when Ritual made their presence known in 2020 with the release of an EP, 'Glimpses From The Story of Mr. Bogd' featuring songs from the next two albums. They had been so inspired by working to a narrative with 'A Dangerous Journey' that they decided to take it to the next level, writing music and lyrics based on a story written by band's bassist and main lyricist Fredrik Lindqvist, which totalled 90 minutes and will be released over two albums, of which this is the first. Even though they may have been out of the public view for many years, the band are still the same quartet of Patrik Lundström (vocals, guitar), Jon Gamble (keyboards, harmonium, harmonica, vocals), Fredrik Lindqvist (bass, bouzouki, mandolin, flutes) and Johan Nordgren (drums, percussion).

I am very glad indeed that I listened to this after playing their 2007 album, 'A Dangerous Journey' (which was the previous release) as here they have taken everything they did on that and lifted it to a new level. This never sounds like a band who have come back to the scene after being away for a long time, but rather it sounds as if it could have been released the following year. It is rather like Tolkien, who was asked by his publisher to write a sequel to 'The Hobbit' and came back with something which was obviously very related but also somewhat different, for which he apologised (his letters are well worth reading), 'Lord of the Rings'. The band have not changed what they were doing in terms of their approach, but everything has been amplified ? with no deadlines to work to, or if there were originally they were soon passed by, it has allowed the band to produce something which is sheer class as they have managed to do so without muddying the sound by doing too much. There are times when it is just an acoustic guitar, with other instruments joining, while the use of folkier elements certainly provides a lot of depth and Gentle Giant is never too far away.

This album has been out a few months now and I find it difficult to comprehend that it has only one other review on PA, and none from any other collaborators, yet I am happy to put this in my Top 10 of the year as it is a progressive rock album which is very special indeed. It shines, it soars, and it never seems as if Ritual have been away as we get taken on a wonderful journey which encompasses lots of styles and themes. Even if you have never heard their earlier albums then be confident in getting this as this is prog which has been elevated

Despite the passing of 17 years since this band's last studio album release, their distinctive sound and style of prog is immediately recognizable: delightful blend of folk-infused storytelling not unlike bands like MOON SAFARI, NEEDLEPOINT, THE DECEMBERISTS, RISHLOO, JEAVESTONE, JETHRO TULL, Guy Manning, Khatsaturjan, and even Frogg Café.

1. "A Hasty Departure" (6:28) interesting use of the Wild West-sounding upright "saloon" piano within/beneath the overall weave. (8.875/10)

2. "The Inn Of The Haunted Owl" (4:47) as the music of this album flows and coalesces I find myself filled with this strange feeling that I'm a part of an Ian Anderson-guided Tolkein adventure. Great song, so engaging, with a totally- awesome chorus and great vocal performance. (9.25/10)

3. "Dreams In A Brougham" (3:39) an instrumental interlude that provides a delightful and often hypnotically soothing emotional journey. Why don't more artists make this kind of sincere, honest music? For sure a top three song. (9.5/10)

4. "Chichikov Bogd" (4:19) so they want to bring Gogol into the picture, do they? Admirable! A dynamic song that picks you up and carries you away whether you were ready or not--especially in the GENTLE GIANT instrumental weaves between the vocal verses. (9.125/10)

5. "Mr. Tilly And His Gang" (3:09) a song that bears a remarkable similarity to a BEATLES' song of similar title: Mr. Kite" (8.875/10)

6. "Through A Rural Landscape" (3:03) another travelers instrumental--this time through some open soundscaped, piano-based slow-rolling hills. (8.875/10)

7. "The Feline Companion" (5:40) quite proggy with its heavy bass and thick syrup outpouring of Mellotron, the story continues--here with Patrik performing multiple voice parts. There's quite a little of the presence of vocal legend Freddie Mercury in Patrik's performance here. (8.875/10)

8. "Read All About It!" (4:17) has a pace and styling that is remarkably fitting for such a title and topic. The banks of choral vocals also seems surprisingly appropriate--giving the music even more of a stage musical feel. (8.875/10)

9. "Forgotten Qualities" (6:16) the sounds of stream water flowing with distant cave-played lyre or zither (Jon Gamble's bouzouki and mandolin with Patrik's acoustic guitar) opens this one before Patrik's bard continues to sing the story-- this time with some wistful sadness (despite singing about "a pretty day"). A powerful prog folk song. (9.25/10)

10. "The Three Heads Of The Well" (3:57) I ahve to admit to being quite surprised at the Yossi "Sassi" Saharon/Orphaned Land Middle Eastern direction the music of this song took, I like it! Great vocal from Patrik. (8.875/10)

Total Time 45:35

Though my only other Ritual album, 2007's The Hemulic Voluntary Band, did not receive super high marks in my review from 2011, the album has remained firmly planted in my brain and has received more frequent replays than I would have thought. Back then my Prog Folk ear was still under development (I still have little interest and/or patience for Jethro Tull songs, albums, or music--and, at the time, detested the genius albums of The Decemberists). While my developmentally-challenged brain still remains occluded to lyrics and their messages, I definitely have learned to appreciate the vocal instrument that Folk and Prog Folk artists are so reliant upon. Patrik Lundström is one of the good ones.

Based on the late Finnish cartoonist and children's author Tove Jansson (1914-2001)'s series of novels about the Moomintroll family, The Story of Mr. Bogd, Part 1 definitely runs along as one continuous story with some songs bleeding over into the next (or making their delineation points almost indistinguishable to the listener). Ritual's music has been my introduction to Ms. Jansson's writing and I have to say that getting to know this album has inspired me to start to get to know the Moomin series.

Musically, I truly appreciate the band's wonderful attention to detail and sincere emotional conveyance. I'll ask it again: Why aren't more bands/artists making this kind of music? We should be thankful! We should be rewarding this band!

A-/4.5 stars; a minor masterpiece of progressive music--the kind of music progressive rock should be making. To Patrik and company: I look forward GREATLY to the next installment of the Tales of Mr. Bogd and the Moomins but please take your time: make it as good as this one!