LOVER'S END

After Moon Safari´s brilliant second album Blomljud, expectations were high about its follow up. It seems the group decided to concentrate more on their terrific vocal harmonies for this one: in that field they are even more complex and astonishing than ever before. According to another reviewer they have influences from people like Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Beach Boys. With apologies to that person, and bearing the fact that I´m a longtime fan of both bands, I hear nothing like that on Lover´s End. Moon Safari´s new efford is deeply rooted in the european harmony vocal tradition with some strong jazzy overtones on some parts to spice it up. The only track that has some real american taste on it is New York City Summer Girl (the title is self explanatory). Even then, the music here is derived from Rhythm & Blues, not on the country tradition of C.S & N nor on the BB´s california sound of the early 60´s. Not surprisingly, that track is also the least successful in the whole CD. The band is too just european (in a complimentary way, that is).

I can understand some of the criticism they get here on PA: on a superficial level Lover´s End does sound like a sophisticated pop album. However, if you listen more carefully you can hear those great complex arrangements and the symphonic rock roots that were their trademark since the very beginning (70´s Yes in particular). The instrumental parts are just as amazing as (though less original than) their vocal habilities. It is clear that they are then a lot more convincing on their longer numbers than on the short ones, where their instrumental prowness is less obvious. I would like to hear a little more guitar and keyboards solos. Neverthelss, what they bring us here is nothing short of excellency: the two first tracks for exemple are absolute classic stuff and they alone are worth the price fo the CD. The remaining tracks are at least very good, although only the 9 minute Crossed The Rubycon does justice to their potencial as an instrumental band.

Production is top notch. I just loved the use of many vintage sounding keyboards on this record (mellotron, Hammond and mini-moog).

Conclusion: simply excellent! Blomljud was a very hard act to follow, but Lover´s End proved once and for all that Moon Safari is one of the best symphonic prog bands to come from Sweden in the new millenium. If you enjoy great melodies and stunning original vocal harmonies plus excellent songwriting and fine playing, then you should not miss this one. I´m really glad they are featured here on PA. Final rating: 4.5 stars.