A PLACE IN THE QUEUE

While I really disliked it at first listen, I have to admit that this extremely derivative album has clicked on me. It seems like it is a prog supergroup Unfortunately, the singer is not very good, but I have to admit that the rhythm section is the same one as the Flower Kings' Space Revolver, which is a great combination. Also, the keyboard player is a Wakeman/Bodin hybrid that also experiments with wild hammond organ runs, although his synth tone selections sometimes are disappointing.

In Earnest begins the album with a strong note and is the most enjoyable song of the album. It begins with the best vocals of the record and a beautiful melancholic piano. The music unexpectedly explodes into prog rock bombast and has some amazing hammond organ playing in spots (it can even lead me to rewind over and over to hear that particular riff and solo in minute 5). "nineteen forty fiiiiiive" ... man, that singer can be awful at times though. Anyways, expect to hear great musicianship and good songwriting in this epic, and plenty of moments where you think "Where have I heard that before?". 8/10

Lost in London is a very jazzy piece. While not very complex, it holds my interest and is nicely composed. The melodies are good here despite the weak vocals, and the hard-edge bursts are well done. 7/10

DIY Surgery is an unusual jazz-fusion track with bizarre vocals. It reminds me of Van Der Graff Generator, so I don't like it a lot. 5/10

GPS Culture: Another epic with a fantastic intro: a rocking hammond organ switching time signatures every measure (I think). That theme is repeated during parts of the epic, which is excellent and a highlight of the album. It is similar in style to the opener, but it doesn't sound similar. I say similar because it makes you think of a thousand bands influences. 7.5/10

Follow Your Leaders is a fast-tempo rocker with prog elements and Jonas' bass at his best. Good track. The keyboardist sounds like Charly Garcia here, and is really good. 7/10

The Sun in My Eyes is a fun disco-pop track and the catchy spot in the album. There are references to Yes' Ritual with "nous sommes du soleil" and "We Love When We Play" 7/10

A Place In The Quene is harder to get into, but it is a moody song that feels more like the One "Epic" of the album. It really has that epic-feel and goes through many moods. The songwriting and singing is on par with the opener, but I prefer the musicianship in The Earnest. Still, this is a very satisfying 70s sounding epic that deserves to take 1/3 of the album's length and close it. 7.5/10

So, this is an album to recommend if you don't mind retro prog. It is very good, and now Im intrigued that the guitar player of this band used to be none other than the man of Sweden: Roine Stolt himself! Anyways, after he left, they did a good job at not focusing a lot on the guitars and makings the fan miss the virtuosity of Roine. This album is dominated by rhythm, organs, flutes and saxophone.

Highlights: In Earnest, GPS Culture, A Place In The Quene

Let Downs: DIY Surgery

My Grade: C+

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