TWIN AGE

Influenced by the prog prime time, these West coast Swedes let creativity and quality song writing flow for this record, with a truly intricate result. I cannot resist the progressive pace and swirling sense of 'Twelve Feet Tall'. Instrumental interplay is here at a high where the mellotron background and especially the genoiusly composed keyboard melodies make this song an earboggling epic. 'Famous Last Words' and 'Sign of my Decline' are other favourites, while 'The Pelican Lie' is a bit more repetitive with a higher rate of unmelodic vocals. Overall, the emotional vocals add to the uniqueness of the band's sound, despite lacking rich resonance. But the instrumental parts with distinct synchronous synth and guitar melodies are clearly the best parts of the album, the essence in this rather majestic masterpiece.

How difficult it is to earn a place of respect and acceptance in the world of art music, especially progressive field!

After editing a more than acceptable debut, the band wrote and recorded this excellent album. Which was received with great indifference, considering the quality. Obviously, the band sound wrapped in a diverse and discernible influence of other gender. Beyond that, it sounds dynamic, balanced, flexible, and more originality than other projects that have received much more attention.

This could not better start with Twelve Feet Tall, led by Kilborn prowess on keyboards and the distinctive voice of Johan Hansson. The Pelican Lie is the other track that is over 10 minutes long, and includes good melodies and performances too, a suite with energetic and gentle passages. The remaining songs follow the same pattern, albeit a bit shorter, highlighting Famous Last Words as superior.

Hansson Jorgen's work on drums is remarkable, as guitars executed by Löwenadler. Do not dismiss after a couple of auditions, is an album that I enjoy for more than 10 years and is worth paying attention to.

A decent companion piece to their previous album, Twin Age's Lialim High continues the band's exploration of Genesis-influenced neo-prog with a hint of the distinctive style of IQ. Particular props this time have to go to Carl Johan Kilborn, whose keyboard work is a good evocation of the 1970s sound whilst also incorporating a few modern keyboard sounds in more tastefully than many bands have managed to. Whilst I still don't care for the vocals, they seem to be a bit more confident and self-assured than on the previous album, so they're less of an issue this time. If you like neo-prog at all this is a pretty decent pick.

Twin Age play a style of neo-prog which to my ears sounds closely related to early IQ - heavily influenced by Genesis, with a guitarist who is able to do a nigh-eerie Steve Hackett impersonation and a keyboardist who is able to masterfully evoke the sounds of classic 70s synthesisers; as with IQ, their music tends towards the darker and more mysterious ends of the Genesis sound, and like IQ they are at their best when they get into a long instrumental section in which the guitar and keyboards can play off against each other.

Their weak link, unfortunately, is lead vocalist Johan Hansson, who gives an earnest effort but is rarely better than "lukewarm". Whenever the vocals come in it's a little jarring, and the musical backing to the vocal sections is usually a bit more pedestrian and predictable than in the instrumental passages.

So, I can't say their vocalist is up at the level of Peter Nicholls, and musically they are not the most original crowd on the block. That said, I think on the whole they've produced a more-or-less credible album here and most neo-prog fans will enjoy it for a couple of listens - IQ fans in particular - and yet, I suspect many will find, like me, that it simply isn't a keeper in the long term.

Twin Age is a swedish neo prog band who beggins their career in the early '90's. Lialim high is their second album from 1997 and is made , composed and played in pure neo prog tradition - mid tempo pieces, all of them, clean and smooth vocal parts and lush guitar arrangements. I have the Cd since was released 12 years ago, I've listened couple of times then, but only 5 years ago I decided to give the lalbum a proper chance and relisten since then once or twice a year. My conclusion is made now is a good album but non essential. As other reviewers said , while the music is good and has some shiney moments here and there, they sound like other dozens of neo prog band who apper in that period, thats is not a bad thing. The music is to predictable and doesn't have high points, doesn't burst, is a flat album. The album is a little to long and easely can lose the core if you wan't listen at least couple of times, the pieces flows one to each other, but again they don't burst, not even in places, is a linear album with pleasent vocals. The best piecees, what can I say, all or not one of them, this is kinda of album that you love it or leave it. I will give 3 stars, while is good is miles away from other neo prog albums. Similar bands Jadis or Pendragon.

It's a very good reference for neo-prog music...

I have known the band for such a long time, dated back in early 2000, I think. But only recently I have a chance to enjoy the music through this 'Lialim High' released in 1997. As this band has been labeled as neo-prog my expectation was to hear a music that shares similar style like Marillion, IQ, Pallas or Pendragon. But when I first listened to the opening track 'Twelve Feet Tall' (11:00) I could not truly believe that I was going to listen to a neo-prog tune because the energetic drum work reminds me to progressive metal kind of music. It's so dynamic and it moves smoothly from one segment to another. Yeah, I finally found the neo-prog characteristics in the music especially when the keyboard and guitar play in intertwined role. This opening track impressed me at first spin as it has all ingredients of excellent composition: dynamic structure where it combines high and low register notes nicely, catchy overall melody, seamless transition of one segment to another and balanced combination of instruments used. Yes, the guitar is quite aggressive but it merges beautifully with the work of the keyboard. One thing that creates excellent accentuation for the song is the dynamic drum work. Johan Hansson also performs his vocals excellently throughout the song. His vocal characteristic is like a blend of Peter Nichols (IQ) and Nick Barrett (Pendragon). I have no doubts at all to rate this track as an excellent one (four stars) because it deserves it.

The second track 'Blinded' (5:58) positions itself as a mellow track demonstrating vocal melody and keyboard work. At first spin I did not find this track interesting because it sounded like an 'unfinished' song as the melody notes did not sound completed, there was something missing in the notes. But with more spin I find this tune is interesting as well. The longest track 'The Pelican Lie' (14:23) also moves in relatively slow tempo, demonstrating good combination of vocal as lead melody, guitar solo and keyboard solo. You might get bored with this song. But if you really enjoy the song in its entirety, you may find that their music is able to create good ambient especially for those who have been familiar with symphonic music.

'Famous Last Words' (7:40) runs in similar vein with previous track but in a faster tempo. The guitar and keyboard contribute significantly to provide fills. 'A Sign Of My Decline' (8:40) starts with an exploration of sounds. The song then turns energetic as it moves in approx two minutes. Carl Johan Kilborn (keyboard) plays important role.

Overall, I consider this as a very good album to have, combining nicely the three components in their compositions: excellent structure, catchy melodies and balanced use of instruments even though keyboard & guitar are quite obvious in interlude or solo. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercymild ? GW

Twin Age is one of the many neobands I'm exploring last few months. And amongst the roundabout 25 I listened to recently this is one of the better of those I didn't know yet. Twin Age is a fairly unknown Swedish neoband but as so much that's coming from this country also this band knows how to play great music. I will review each song below to let you know which are the better and which the lesser ones.

In the Well starts with a vocal part but after three minutes very melodic keyboardtunes take over and this goes on for over a minute, a bit of guitar and then the turn to the vocalist again. Guitar does a larger contribution later on with vocals ending the song. Very good song this appears to be. 4*.

The album contains 6 songs clocking totally 40 minutes divided in three 8 and three 5 minute songs (roughly). This second song (The Majority) clocks 5 minutes and goes on in the same style as the first with dominant vocals and accompaning guitar. Less captivating this one but still good. 3,5*.

Newgate is the second 8 minute track and starts with melodic guitar, a significant feature of Twin Age. After this slightly depressing vocals follow and some atmospheric guitar and organ-like keys. A bit of a melancholic song this turns out to be. But the beauty predominates in the end. 3,75*.

Showpiece in her showroom is a less significant song mainly caused by the lack of great instrumental contributions although a bit of nice guitarplay makes up at the end of the song. 3,25*.

Emily Dawn starts with fast keys soon accompanied by vocals and guitar. The fast keys return later on followed by very melodic keyboardplay. The song is somewhat better than previous. 3,5*.

Marble Island is the highlight of the album and as I already reveal in my comment on the 4th track I like large instrumental breaks and they are plenty there on this third 8 minute track. It has strong hints to Genesis at times but that's for the first time this album. Great song ! 4,25*.

The vocals I mentioned all the time will not be appreciated by everybody equally I'm afraid. It's one of those typical prog voices and well I'd say: listen for yourself what you think of it. And that goes for the whole album of course. The ratingscores can only result in a 4 star overall rating and that's what it will be. But I'm also here pretty sure not everyone will give this 4. In my case it's already rounded up (3,7) but I feel many prog reviewers would give this just two or three. But hey, I'm a neo freak and this is my review okay ?

It's discovering albums like this that make searching for Prog so worthwhile. This is a good example of why I like Neo-Prog so much. The vocals alone move me a lot. Some say he (Johan Hansson) sounds a lot like Peter Nicholls from IQ, and there is maybe some similarity, all I know is that he sings with such conviction and emotion. The music reminds me of early GENESIS and MARILLION with the focus squarely on the vocals.

"Twelve Feet Tall" opens with mellotron and synths with drums arriving a minute in. The mellotron continues. Vocals 2 minutes in.Tasteful guitar follows. The vocals stop 5 minutes in as the synths become prominant. Mellotron before 7 1/2 minutes followed by vocals. The vocals are quite passionate during the final minute. "Blinded" opens with gentle guitar and reserved vocals.Beautiful sound. It's so moving after 1 1/2 minutes and before 3 minutes.The is GENESIS inspired wonder. A tasteful guitar solo as vocals stop before 4 minutes. Vocals return with mellotron a minute later. This is my favourite song on here.

"The Pelican Lie" opens with prominant drums before it settles down with mellotron and guitar, then synths join in. Vocals follow. Great sound 2 1/2 minutes in as guitar takes the lead. Lots of mellotron 5 minutes in and throughout.. Vocals stop 6 minutes in as guitar and drums take the lead. Vocals are back a minute later as it calms down with mellotron. Back to full sound 10 1/2 minutes in.Themes are repeated in this 14 plus minute track. "Famous Last Words" opens with lots of piano before giving way to guitar and drums. Synths follow. It settles as those great vocals come in. I like the drumming when the vocals stop 3 minutes in. Check out the passionate vocals and guitar 6 minutes in. Mellotron late. Nice. "A Sign Of Decline" is led by gentle guitar until the tempo picks up with drums and synths. Vocals follow. Mellotron before 5 minutes. Lots of synths until a calm with mellotron before 7 1/2 minutes to the end. "The Final Decision" is led by solid sounding drums and synths throughout this closing instrumental.

A very solid 4 stars from me for this special album.

With such a great debut and Progressive Rock constantly on the rise again, it was rather a surprise that Twin Age were not picked up by a major label.Maybe because the band was way too creative at this point and followed instantly ''Month of the year'' with another album, ''Lialim high''.The quintet from Goethenburg recorded it at the dawn of 97' again at the Studioljudet in their hometown and released it the same year privately under the Altair label.

If ''Month of the year'' was a really good work, this is simply a killer album, where everything flows in perfection and the performances are trully unmistakable.With a couple of very long tracks, one should expect the group to fall in the trap of numerous bands wanting to create epics, but it was apparently the time of Twin Age's creative peak.Excellent GENESIS-influenced Neo/Symphonic Rock with tons of impressive atmospheres, deepy emotional vocals and melodramatic arrangements, highlighted by a very busy drummer, a superb guitarist and one of the most talented keyboardists ever to meet in such kind of a group.Tremendous solos with deep, symphonic keyboards and rapid changes in tempos and climates, while there is a certain theatrical twist in the process.Excellent use of synthesizers, creating orchestral soundscapes, and you should add doses of flute strings around to offer the needed retro vibe in the work.There are also some very good acoustic breaks with beautiful organ themes around and plenty of delicate piano interludes.The songwriting as a result is pretty amazing.Dense musicianship supported by marvelous singing lines and extended instrumental textures with a wide color palette.Impressive to say the least.

You can't go wrong with ''Lialim high''.Not only among the finest Neo Prog releases ever but additionally among the best album of the whole 90'.Masterpiece status, more than highly recommended...4.5 stars upgraded.

After 'Lialim High', this cd is a great diappointment. Most of the tracks are shorter than those in ' Lialim High', and therefore the band has little opportunity to play to its strengths,namely long,melodic instrumental passages with lush keyboard backing. The vocals, which were the weak point on the previous album, are even worse here. There are one or two longer tracks and the occasional catchy shorter piece, but this sounds to me like a band which has run out of ideas.