MOON SAFARI

Moon Safari can at least claim to have brought something new to the table when it comes to Swedish symphonic prog bands with strong 1970s influences, in the sense that they're really quite handy when it comes to close harmony singing. The Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young of prog? Well, not quite, but there's a lighthearted, carefree air to the album which does at points rather remind me of the first CSN album. That said, I can't say that 100 minutes or so of this sort of material is really something I can listen to in one sitting, and to be honest, even half an hour of it begins to pall eventually. They're a charming little band, but they rather lack bite and verve and their unrelentingly sunny demeanour begins to get monotonous after a while. Never have I heard less emotional range in 100 minutes of music than on here.

The third album from Moon Safari offers up a familiar sound for those aquainted with the band, but is still a bit of a departure from their second effort "Blomljud".

Moon Safaris sound is one of catchy, almost pop-like melodies, finely crafted into a progressive framework. They make use of a wonderful blend of acoustic and electric guitars, piano and retro synthesizers, and on top of it all are masterfully arranged vocal harmonies, the quality of which sets Moon Safari apart from most other bands.

"Lover's End" is an even more vocally driven album than Blomljud. It's a bit less progressive, very melodic. The songs have a clear theme: the album tells the story of a man trying to get through a break up. The lyrics are kind of sad, but the overall sound of the album is happy, but sometimes a bit bittersweet.

Moon Safari sure knows how to craft fine music, and they are also very good performers. One of the best bands currently playing. This album is another triumph for them. Although I prefer their second album "Blomljud" over this one, I still consider it a 5-star album (Blomljud is one of my favourite albums ever).

I recommend this to all fans of the band. If you are new to the band, might want to check out Blomljud first.

I'm really impressed with this group. I met it purely by chance throught this site and I have to say that from now on it will become one of my favs from all time. These guys are awesome. Only by taking into account their vocal harmonies they will worth the best "a capella" prizes, but taking the music as a whole I have to say that they are in the borderline of perfection. I don't know how they compose the music, but I think it's even above the classics in terms of quality and instrumentation. I firmly believe that this is one of the best prog-rock albums so far. You have to listen to them if you are really interested in music, no matter the style or register. Here you have a real masterpiece full of details and love.

Medicine and some exotic cooking have examples of ingredients which in big doses can be lethal but in carefully controlled doses can do wonders. Similarly this album contains ingredients which are potentially dangerous for good prog: it's super-melodic, accessible, with near-poppy melodies, sweet, happy, folky, derivative, regressive, and yet every potentially dangerous element is used just in the right measure and the result works for me to the point that, not without some hesitation, I am giving Moon Safari's Blomljud the highest score.

A sophomore double CD of more than 100 minutes is a bold challenge, even our beloved 70's superbands frequently couldn't help having some filler in their double albums, but Moon Safari managed to fill those 100 minutes with top quality music, nothing feels like filler to me here.

The music is a perfect blend of modern symphonic (think something like the light side of Neal Morse, not the heavy Sola Scriptura but something more along the lines of Lifeline, or Glass Hammer or Simon Says Tardigrade) with clear classic symphonic influences from Yes and Genesis, and tinted with an acoustic folk happy feel. And then the icing on the cake, those trademark wonderful multilayered vocal harmonies all over the place, which depending on the moment can remind of either Queen, Yes, The Beach Boys or ELO. I think that I did not hear such great vocal works since Queen's A Day At The Races.

The abundance of acoustic guitar, piano, sweet vocals and little distortion are deceptive and make the album feel very folky and relaxed on first listens, but when you pay attention the album has much more energy than it initially felt like.

"Methuselah's Children" with its a capella intro "Constant Bloom" are a modern masterpiece, blending energy and sensitivity in perfect balance. "In the countryside" is acoustic and folky, with very good melodies and a lovely final vocal cannon.

"Moonwalk" is a fantastic instrumental, starting with a menacing organ riff and then switching to more melodical forms.

"Bluebells" is again full of acoustic guitar and piano, but it has beat, in some ways it reminds me of Brian May songs in the classic Queen period like '39 and it has also some great vocals sections.

"The Ghost Of Flowers Past" is an excellent good prog song, only hampered by some excessively pop-sounding melodical lines for my taste, some sections remind me of ELO.

On to the 2nd CD, "Yasgur's Farm" is a very energetic track showing obvious Yes influences, and the same can be said of "Lady Of The Woodlands" with a verse reminding of Yes "Machine Messiah", great stuff.

"A Tale Of Three and Tree" is mellow and soft, a good contrast to the previous two energetic tracks and with nice lyrics.

Then we have the 31 minutes suite "Half Side Of The Sky", it may not be Supper's Ready but it's actually a great song with a lot to offer if you listen to it carefully. Simply wonderful.

The album closes with the calm "To Sail Beyond The Sunset", which has some overtones of The Lamb's 'The Carpet Crawlers".

If this double album was released in the 70's it would be undoubtedly hailed as a timeless masterpiece. Of course being a symphonic retro album released in 2008 it can never score high in originality or innovation, I don't know if within 30 years it will feel like Foxtrot or A Night At The Opera, time will tell but I still rate it with 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Skelleftea Serenade probably should have been the song that would have made Lover's End a double cd...it would have made sense. However, I've come to the conclusion that they did the right thing in making us wait for it. 2 years after the release of Lover's End, we are brought back to revisit Mary. It's a bittersweet reunion, and they've managed to capture the same dose of melancholy and beauty as in the previous chapters of the story, but they've magnified it somehow. It's definitely a rollercoaster ride of an epic, taking the best melodies of Pts. 1 and 2 and sprinkling them into different sections of this song. It should be said, however, that there is enough fresh and original material in this track that it can't be discounted as a 'rehash' of what they had previously done; all of the melodies are, as with everything else these guys do, infectious...once you hear them, you'll have them in your head for hours to come. Lyrically, as well as musically, it's another work of genius, and the playing...each member brought their best playing to the record, and this time around, they weren't afraid to really 'rip up their instruments.' I find it unbelievable the way that they can capture so much emotion and convey it to the listener via a recording; in one part about 15 minutes into the song, Simon Akesson 'borrows' the flute's melody at the end of Pt. 1, and uses it for his vocal melody line; between the words that he's singing and the passion in his voice, you feel like you are the one who sees Mary on the street after all those years went by. Did you ever come across an old lover that you never got over and stop to talk to her? Remember that chilly, uneasy feeling you had in that moment? Simon takes you right back there, and it has to be heard to be believed. Bottom line...this is yet another masterpiece from a band who is growing by leaps and bounds with every release, and it is really cool to hear what they are growing into. If you haven't heard anything else by them, by all means, don't make this your first...go out and least buy Lover's End first, because the more familiar you are with that album, the more amazing Lover's End Pt. 3 will be for you.

On a side note, I read a review of this release that said 'you have to look past the cheesy stuff', or something like that. I found nothing in this song that would fit that description; when the music is that well-written, the instrumentation is a beautiful as it is here, the lyrics are as profound and witty as they can be, and the whole thing is played and sung to jaw-dropping perfection, there can be nothing cheesy about it. This is 25 minutes of a perfect listening experience. Very well done, boys!

And, continuing in my clearly established vein of poorly written reviews:

This band and song might not be to everyone's taste; but I think that this is really an exceptional release. - This song just flows beautifully; there does not seem to be anything forced about it at all. The arrangement is fantastic, and the lead and harmony vocals and melody lines are wonderful!

I initially got "Lover's End" when I was in the wrong "head-space" for it , and kind of missed out on how good the album is. But thanks to the tip of fellow progger and reviewer dhsuhaka to check this out on progstreaming, I'm really coming to appreciate this record quite a lot.

With part III, I'm sometimes reminded of the Dream Academy, A.C.T, Brighteye Brison, Neal Morse/Transatlantic, etc., but this song certainly stands on its own merit.

My advice: Since you can go to progstreaming and check it out for yourself, you have nothing to lose by giving this song a "test-drive"!!! - You just might be as pleasantly surprised as I was!!!

4.7 to maybe 5 stars - I'm going to round up for this one. (Hey, it might not be "Close to the Edge", but it certainly kept my attention and made me smile!)

Grace and peace,

Cylli Kat

(Note: This review was written nearly four years ago, but not posted on Prog. Archives until now. It has been slightly updated).

Over the last 30 years, "popular" rock and "alternative rock" music have not been particularly fertile fields for me. A few great bands have emerged with U2 leading the way. Progressive rock has continued, but in a limited and obscure manner, centered mostly in Europe (with Neil Morse/Spock's Beard being one great US exception).

Although some truly excellent music has sprung up over the last thirty years from this ongoing progressive rock movement, there has not been anything, for me, that has captured the pure magic of the early years of Yes, vintage Genesis, Gentle Giant; etc., until now!!!!! That CD is "Blomljud" by Moon Safari.

To receive this exalted status, a new CD from a band must be at such a high level that I would have to consider it a MASTERPIECE. I reserve this designation for only a handful of records/CDs over the last 45 years (see the Prog. Archives top 20 of all time).

A new masterpiece for me (equal to the giants of the past) would be a blend of the emotional depth and compositional prowess of 'Yes,' the musical sensibilities and subtlety of 'Camel,' the sweetness of the very best of 'Ambrosia,' along with the genius and philosophy of early 'Genesis' music.

If you could take all of this musical greatness and combine it with the vocal wonders of 'The Association," "Four Seasons" or "Beach Boys,' then you would have musical Nirvana.

And now we have just that! Once again, the band is 'Moon Safari' and the CD is "Blomljud." "Blomljud" is Swedish for, 'the sounds of flowers.'

If ever music was an ever opening flower, this is it! This CD contains 100 minutes (on two CDs) of some of the most blissful music EVER made! And to think that these 'Moon Safari' musicians are only kids (compared to me) in their late twenties/early thirties, from Sweden, takes me back to the early days of 'Yes.' Their music lifts the spirit to dazzling heights!

This is progressive rock music at its finest. You will love much of it immediately but most of its greatness will become apparent over time and after many spins. The lyrics are beautiful, wise, uplifting and even spiritual. Although every piece on the CD is superb, the thirty-one minute epic, 'The Other Half of the Sky' is a true Magnum Opus. Moon Safari's "Blomljud" is what I consider to be near perfect music.

Having seen Yes for the first time in 1972 and nearly 100 times since, along with seeing all of the giants of prog. play live many times back in the 70's, I now listen to and evaluate new music from that exalted perspective.

With Blonljud, (along with the likewise exceptional Lover's End CD, including the recently released Lover's End Part III) Moon Safari joins, in my opinion, Yes, The Beatles, Genesis, The Byrds, Camel, Gentle Giant, Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, Renaissance and U2 as one of my "best bands" of all time. THANK YOU MOON SAFARI!!!!!!

Lover's End (Another Brilliant Moon Safari Masterpiece): "One man's meat is another man's poison." In regards to the Lover's End release by Moon Safari (including the recent addition of the new epic Lover's End III) I offer this warning. For those progressive rockers who prefer their music to sound like the grinding of gears and the pounding of massive machines, without a melody in sight, Lover's End is not for you.

On the other hand, if you are a progressive rocker who delights in the beautiful and melodic moments from the music of Yes, Genesis, Camel, Renaissance (and bands of this ilk) you will love and adore Moon Safari and Lover's End.

In fact, with the recent addition of Lover's End Part 3 (Skelleftea Serenade) added to the original Lover's End CD, Moon Safari have now cemented their position, for me, in the family of the great symphonic progressive rock bands of all time.

Lover's End comes on the heels of Blomjud, a true masterpiece and the best progressive rock CD made, in my opinion, for several years. Lover's End presents a similar musical experience in comparison to Blomjud, but with a different lyrical approach.

Musically, both albums are superb and attain an equally exalted stature in my musical world. Blomjud may seem initially to be more progressive in its approach, but Lover's End is more subtle, understated and controlled. If one does not listen very carefully to Lover's End, the album may seem more "popish" than progressive. Many careful listenings reveal the magic under the "hood."

Moon Safari is essentially creating a new progressive rock genre. The genre could be called "hopeless romantic, symphonic, choral pop-prog." I can't get enough of it! It's like the Four Seasons, the Association and the Beatles melding with Yes and Camel. My goodness, what a mix!

With Lover's End, Moon Safari have established themselves as the "World's Best Heart Breakers." Where Blomjud is philosophically upbeat, joyful and amazingly hopeful; Lover's End is exactly what its title indicates, the END of LOVE for some desperate soul.

Besides the lyrics, then, what makes Lover's End and Moon Safari music, in general, so wonderful? In a nut shell, Moon Safari are able to blend the very best of soft rock and pop music with the musically sensibilities of the symphonic progressive rock masters. The musicianship is impeccable, the vocals are the best ever and the melodies are absolutely beautiful. The songs are layered with musical and vocal arrangements that are like a "Where's Waldo" picture puzzle (this is especially true for the pedal steel guitar and for the astounding vocal arrangements).

Lover's End is that unique musical experience wherein you love the CD after the first listen and yet it continues to have tremendous staying power. After listening to the album many, many times, I continue to want to hear it again and again. The music is completely addicting! If a CD I listen to continues to thrill me after dozens of spins, it is progressive rock to me. No pop or AOR music has this kind of staying power.

The key elements of Lover's End that keep me returning for more and more are: (1) Phenomenal, yet controlled musicianship. (2) The world's best rock vocal arrangements and delivery, ever, and by a long shot!!!! (3) Incredibly beautiful melodies. They either bring tears to my eyes or hope to my heart! (4) Thoughtful and expressive lyrics, as described above. (5) A fresh and nymph like quality to the music that makes it hard to categorize and also nearly makes me forget Jon Anderson's separation from Yes. Once again, a new genre is appearing before our eyes.

Finally, I can say that I now look forward as much to hearing Moon Safari as I do Yes or vintage Genesis, Gentle Giant, etc. With Lover's End (along with the inclusion of the new epic Skelleftea Serenade) we have a CD that has done the near impossible; it has more than lived up to the absolutely unrealistic expectations Moon Safari fan's had for it. Blomjud came out of nowhere for me and then proceeded to knock my socks off! Lover's End had the Blomjud legacy to live up to and has done so beyond my fondest hopes. I never thought at the tender age of 58 that I would be so giddy for a new band and their new offering. Thank you Moon Safari for the pure joy of it all.

How is it possible that Moon Safari can alter the perception of time?

I was DELIGHTED, a few nights back, to see that "Lover's End 3" was out on the "Progstreaming" web site.

From 11:00 p.m. till four in the morning I listened to it "8" times. I am blessed to own the world's finest headphones and headphone amp which allow me to hear all of the musical nuances of this absolute masterpiece.

As to the perception of time, how is that this 24 minute epic can feel like 4 minutes of actual listening time. Moon Safari are true musical geniuses!!!!!!! The music is completely addictive!

"Lover's End 3" is a perfect blend of "Lover's End 1/A Kid Called Panic" with "The Other Half of the Sky," the two epics from their two previous releases.

With the inclusion of this Magnum Opus to the Lover's End CD, Moon Safari have done the near impossible; they have eclipsed "Bloomljud" (Moon Safari's Second release) as the finest rock music CD I have heard in many years and places them right up there with the great progressive rock music heavyweights of all time.

What splendor, what emotion, what vocal beauty and majesty, what perfect music!!! What else can I say!!!!!!! But that I could only beam myself to Europe for the Moon Safari tour.

INCREDIBLE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moon Safari really returned to their former glory on this one. That's not to say that Lover's End was a bad release, it just lacked the grandiosity of previous releases.

Once again, they have combined the things I love best about summery pop music, cheesy ballads, and wonky prog rock. Their clean production, buttery smooth vocals, and obnoxiously joyous melodies tie together very well in this epic track and make for another phenomenal piece of music.

However, as with much of this band's work, one must be in the right mindset to truly enjoy it. Not only do you have to look past the corniness, YOU MUST EMBRACE IT. If you feel like you're up to this task, definitely check out this EP. It has kept me hungry for more Moon Safari.