BRIGHTER SKIES

Being a busy dad doesn't allow for much web surfing. 5-minute bursts of activity on PA. So I have to pick my pleasure. Out of the myriad I selected, no strong reason, on a whim, Heliopolis and this. While both are prog albums by prog fanatics for prog fanatics, Heliopolis takes a decidedly retro approach, and Fredde updates classic prog with a modern sound. On a base of symphonic prog snippets of everything can be heard, from metal to jazz and country. Yet, despite the occasional punchiness, what I like is that Larsson never loses the playfulness - from his wacky alias to the tinkling synths and warm vocal that wouldn't be out of place on a children's show. But this is no simple record - in fact, it can get quite convoluted at times. Densely layered songs-suits, different parts and instrumental solos whizzing by at an often dizzying speed. Its pretty impressive for what basically is a single-man project, but sometimes you will get the feeling that there is simply too much stuff going on (on top of many layers, there's the busy drumming, which is the only thing that Larsson doesn't do). If you like this, here are some similarly-minded bands to check out - Simon Says (Tardigrade) for the quirky bombast, ACT for the playfulness and Flaming Row for eclectic-ness.