FAUNUS

3.5 stars. MIKROMIDAS' second album is more modern, more mainstream then their very seventies sounding debut. That of course doesn't mean that seventies feel is gone or anything as mellotron is still delivered on every track, and there's lots of Hammond organ as well. To my ears the debut is not only much better than this one, but one of the best albums i've heard in a while.

"Den Dagen Jeg Forsvant" opens with acoustic guitar, but that's quickly replaced by a full sound. The guitar is prominant 2 minutes in. Vocal melodies 2 1/2 minutes in followed by vocals. Organ and drums lead the way 4 minutes in.This middle part of the song is some of the best music on the record. "Virveldans" opens with organ leading the way with vocals joining in quickly. I really like the sound of the organ on this laid back tune.The guitar becomes prominant before 4 minutes. "Sjaelernes Evige Baeven" is led by vocals and organ. It's ok. "Trollmann" is another one that seems uninspired to me, even with the mellotron. It gets better 4 minutes in, and I like the laid back guitar solo 5 minutes in.

"Sultekunstneren" opens with a piano/drum melody. Mellotron before a minute.Vocals follow and strummed guitar. Organ then takes the lead. Mellotron before 7 1/2 minutes. Swirling organ and marching-like drums end it. "Den Gjengrodde Sti" is a short mellotron / piano instrumental. "Englisangen" opens with acoustic guitar as mellotron joins in followed by a full sound then vocals. "Fomle Rundt" is a little more aggressive and heavier. I like the final minute as guitar plays over top of mellotron and drums. "Krigsmann" is pastoral to open as reserved vocals come in. It's building. It calms right down as contrast continues. Nice guitar 3 1/2 minutes in. Mellotron 5 minutes in.

I'm so surprised that this one didn't impress me like the debut did. I think i'm in the minority with this opinion though.