TRAIL

When I recently reviewed 'Asleep or Insane' by Bakelit I explained that I have known Swedish multi-instrumentalist Carl Westholm for years through Carptree and Jupiter Society, although others will probably recognise his name more for his time with Avatarium and Candlemass. After I sent out my normal Christmas update email last December Carl asked if I would like to hear the latest releases from his two new projects, Bakelit was the first and Hollingshead is the second. Carl is the only constant between the two bands, and he again provides organ, electric piano, synthesizers, theremin, backing vocals while this time the band is completed by Tony Naima (lead vocals), Johan Niemann (bass, from Evergrey, Therion and Mind's Eye), and Fredrik Haake (drums, Meldrum, Sideburn, God Is My Co-Pilot). There has been a four-year gap between this album and the debut, during which time original singer Gidon Tannenbaum departed.

I have not heard the debut, and a new vocalist often changes things quite dramatically, so I have no idea if this is should be viewed as a continuation or a new direction, but I am aware it is very dark and deep indeed. Is there such a thing as doom prog? If not, then these guys may have invented a new musical form. Imagine if you will, a cross between Atomic Rooster and Candlemass and you may get some understanding of just how heavy this is, with Niemann playing a bass which sounds as if Lemmy and Chris Squire have come together and produced a sound as filthy as possible, yet somehow the music is wonderfully melodic. There is no guitar here, as there is no room for it whatsoever as the bass, drums and keyboards are so tight and all rammed together at the bottom end, but I can almost guarantee the average punter will not realise that as so few listen carefully these days. Then over the top are wonderful vocals which contain emotion when the time is right, not too high in the scale so it all gels together as opposed to clashing.

There will be quite a few progheads who will find this release way too heavy for their tastes, or the organ just too dated, but if ever someone wants some darkness on a bright sunny day, yet not too much to totally overpower the senses then this is it. Carl asked me to give this some time, but I enjoyed it the first time of playing and it just gets better with repeats. Not for the fainthearted though.