THE SANE DAY

This good band from Sweden plays a dark, at times heavy music which needs several spins to catch your attention. No need to tell you that this double album is not a love at first sight, but you will rewarded if you make the effort to listen to this album and discover most of its facets.

Of course, there are some feel of retro prog in here, but it is difficult for a band to escape from these clichés and be fully original. So, let's not blaming them too much for this.

Complex and heavy stuff is combined with short and light pieces of music (''Sun Is The Devil'', ''Love Revisisted''). This is probably not how I like this band most, but this short break allows to breathe and get a more positive feel.

Not that their music is as oppressive as VDGG's one, but it is not truly accessible either. If you're looking for fine melodies and subtle instrumental parts, I'm afraid that you should head for some other type of bands.

There are even some funny moments with ''The Gooberville Ballroom Dancer'' (lyrics wise). Good combination with complex and intricate music at times (also like during ''Tall Tales'' for instance).

There are even some Canterbury feel here and there (the first couple of minutes from ''The Basic Blues''). Of course, this is not the major influence (it turns out quite heavy after a while), but it needs to be underlined as well.

Some more symphonic parts are also available. I have the tendency to like these ones more (''The Summit''). This really shows that Bearfish'' plays a diverse prog which embrace several influences. The whole being thrown in nicely even if tracks as ''Return To Mudhill'' are difficult to apprehend.

Some GG feel as well is available on this album. Just have a listen to ''Waiting Room'' or to ''Mystique.'' to get confirmed. ELP is not too far away during ''Ask Someone Who Knows'' and to complete the picture, Crimson is not absent either (''The Reason Of Constructing.'').

As you have read, references to past giants (legends) are inevitable while listening to ''Beardfish'', but I would say that the band is combining these sources of inspiration with skills and are worth a listen. They would deserve more exposure on such a site.

Three stars.