LIGHT AGES

Whether intentional or not, the title of the album is actually a very good indicator of what to expect. Back after 16 years, Light Ages essentially sees Wigwam continuing on the same path they left off many years ago. Obviously, Ronnie Österberg isn't here anymore, which is a shame, and Mikko Rintanen had replaced Hessu Hietanen on keyboards, but apart from that, there are not many changes to their overall sound. Sure, the album is quite possibly the "lightest" Wigwam album in many ways, the whole band seems relaxed, and full of "spirit", so to speak. The album has four old Wigwam songs with new versions, and nine totally new tracks. While I thoroughly enjoyed the new versions (especially Tombstone Valentine), I still think those were more or less pointless. I would've preferred to hear completely new material, but I guess we don't live in an ideal world, eh? Some of the new compositions have a slight AOR-ish twist to them (not exactly my cup of tea), but for the most part, this is good old Wigwam playing their very own "deep pop". Mikko Rintanen on keyboards fits the band nicely, and offers some very tasty keyboard solos during the album. Rekku Rechardt - well, no need to mention him at all, he's always superb! Absalom is a downright Wigwam classic nowadays - and for good reason. A couple of the tracks sound a tad uninspired, namely False Alarm and possibly Pleasure Street, but that's just a minor complaint. Overall, Light Ages is surely a good album. While it doesn't reach the level of their masterpieces, it's still a very worthy effort, and brings a smile to my face everytime I hear it. That's all what matters, right?