A TIME OF DAY

The least I can say, is that Anekdoten is not a very prolific band. This is only their fifth album in a period of almost fifteen years, being a short one in the current standard of the industry. But as I have already mentioned, I prefer a short and good album than a long and dull one. So.

The Swedish lads come back again with their powerful yet melodic music. The opening song "The Great Unknown" is seriously Crimson oriented. Fabulous tron of course, but you know by now that I am biased, right?

"30 Pieces" is more complex, hectic. It is a more difficult song to apprehend and needs more listening than other pieces of this work to fully capture it. But even so, I am not fully satisfied nor thrilled. And I guess that if you prefer their melodic/melancholic flavours, a song as "King Oblivion" will suit your ears more. At least, it is my case.

The next one, is a dual song. A dull intro but then.Yes, guys : a sublime mellotron break will almost transport you to heaven. Half a song? Maybe. And what to say about the immaculate beauty of the short "Every Step I Take" ? Breathless, I am.

I have a mixed feeling about this release. I was so anxious to listen to it after their last two studio albums (and their great live one "Waking The Dead") that I might just be too demanding. But songs as "Stardust And Sand" (the weakest here IMHHO) as well as "In For A Ride" (which is only great during the second half with a superb bass play) are not as good as what I had expected from this excellent band.

It is true that I fully appreciated their work with "From Within" and since then, each of their work was an enchantment. Maybe the next one will revert the band in these territories. This is a good album which closes on a dark "Prince Of The Ocean" (somewhat PT oriented). Three stars.

I hope that the musical chair is now over in terms of genre. Anekdoten started in the Art Rock, switched to Eclectic and is now in Heavy Prog. I hope that they won't end up in the Prog Related next time!