ALTER ECHO

This obscure Swedish band was quite a precursor in his own land. Of course, there were already Kaipa, but let's be honest: their fame is highly due now to the presence of R. Stolt and will be only effective in the late nineties while TFK will be on the forefront of the prog resurrection.

The music played by Alter Echo is a fine combination of symphonic (even eclectic) and pop rhythms. The opening song (probably the best and more complex) has a definite Gentle Giant feel (without being irritating). But even when a song sounds more straight forward (Stämman), it remains enjoyable.

Of course, there are times during which the shadow of Genesis is passing by (Eremiten). But it's the Genesis from And Then There Were Three. The mood is tranquil and mainly keyboards oriented. A gentle piece of symphonic music in the prog acceptance of the word.

There are some flaws as well on this album. Innan Strax Före for instance. Funky-jazz-prog? I don't know but it does sound very pleasant to say the least. The album enters into a more pop orientation with Axel I Stan and Tänk Om. It is true to say that it is basic prog music, but the vocal harmonies are more than acceptable and the musicianship pretty good.

The band brings us into better territories with Oleg which is again more complex. The jazz feeling is evident and the interplay guitar / keyboards is fine to listen to. This piece is instrumental and highlights the skills of the rhythmic section. Oleg provides a joyful atmosphere and is one of my fave from this work (together with the opening number).

Another technically good GG emulation is Jordbon. It only lacks the high pitched vocals but musically, it is pretty close. Actually, the definition of Alter Echo's music is a mix of a late seventies Genesis combined with an accessible GG.

I have enjoyed this album as a whole (except two/three tracks of which the closing number). This is not a grandiose album of course, but it conveys some tranquillity. One might need this from time to time. Three stars.