FREAKS

I'm not sure if this Swedish band is still in existence after releasing that compilation album in 2014 of rare and unreleased tracks which almost feels like they are putting a bow on this project. Nothing since but before that they released three proper studio albums starting in 1998 with that SAMMLA styled album. Zany and difficult like the album cover. In 2004 they released "Pyrola" which is where I got on board early in my prog experience. It was that ANEKDOTEN connection as Niklaus Barker added mellotron on that album. "Pyrola" is more retro and less avant when compared to the debut.

In the 90's QOPH played in festivals along side ANEKDOTEN and the like and they clearly impressed their fellow musicians with their energetic and at times difficult music played flawlessly. So on album number two "Pyrola" they get some guests gladly helping out like Barker, Simon Steensland, Joakim Svalberg from OPETH and Mats Oberg from MATS/MORGAN. Then after a long period between albums we get the one I'm reviewing from 2012. "Freaks" is a melodic and fairly heavy album with a new singer with vocals in English.

Probably the least prog of the three but this is such an enjoyable record for me. I just like it. By the way the core trio of bass, drums and guitar have been together since the debut with the rest of the lineup changing plus we get some guest along the way as I've mentioned. Here we get guest sax on two tracks and I wish he was on more of these songs, I like his style. My top three include the opener "Hearts & Sorrows" opening with some guitar feedback then this heavy groove kicks in and here we go! Powerful vocals as well and check out that guitar. We're getting attitude in spades here. Vocals and guitar trade off after 3 minutes but not as impressive as Jagger and Young at Sarstock outside of Toronto in 2003. Guitar solo after 4 minutes as well. Great way to start.

Top track number two is "Ride" with that bluesy vibe with again lots of attitude and heaviness. We get sax here and I love the chorus. The title track is my final top three. Relaxed and trippy early and I love the tone of the guitar. It's building and I have to mention the drumming after 3 minutes. Such a cool tune. A solid 4 stars but beware, fairly straight forward at times. This is just great music regardless.