INFLUENCE GRIND

Cap Outrun was a Swedish of young talents Andree Theander and Erik Wiss, formed in November 2007 and launching their only independent album ''Influence grind'' the following year.Actually this was 6-track EP, clocking at about 30 minutes.

A multi-influenced album with an obvious mood for striking melodies, accesible vocals but also irritating and adventurous arrangements, ''Influence grind'' sounds a lot like Fredrik Larsson's FREDDEGREDDE, although there is not so much intensity or instrumental density coming out of this effort.But the music is inspiring, well-crafted and intricate all the way with influences from Pop, Heavy Rock and Jazz, featuring lots of jazzy patterns on piano, superb guitar riffs, bombastic keyboard parts and overall a generous offer on instrumental depth.Vocals are split between the two musicians and each track demands either more harmonic or more expressive vocal lines, Theander and Wiss have done an excellent job here as well.I can even detect some slight Hard Rock and AOR vibes throughout, which stick well with the heavy-pounding atmosphere and the lighter tunes.And there is also touches of a DREAM THEATER-esque Prog Metal in the process with some good breaks and rhythm changes, while the production and mix of the album are up to the highest of standards, very clean sound all the way.

After his experience with Cap Outrun Theander formed his own band The Theander Expresion, moving towards more AOR-oriented paths.Wiss works as a producer and sound engineer at the Peakroom Studios near Malmo.

Pop-flavored Heavy Prog along the lines of A.C.T., FREDDEGREDDE or VIRTUEL.Strongly recommended for its very tight arrangements and memorable melodies...3.5 stars.