TURBULENCE

'Turbulence' is the fourth album from this Swedish band right now. They originally started as a four-piece band but are stable with three members through the recent years. I only knew some song samples before which appealed to me. So consequently it was about time to check out a full album some day. First of all - if I should define a stylistical category for the music I would completely fail. However - this is one advantage though to state that they sound rather unique.

The damn grooving opener Welcome Future is a great invitation to the album - music which will move the crowd during a concert really. So this one makes out the highlight for me - skillfully provided with sawing and oriental mooded guitar plus classical strings implemented here and there, coming from the synthesizer I assume. As for the rhythm basics this is rather fusion adapted - Max Bergman's excellent jazzy respectively nujazz drum appearance coupled with a deep rumbling bass.

Footprints comes with multi-layered guitar work in a heavier outfit where No More is something mellow silky on the contrary, only presented by synthesizer/piano and vocals. Don't know why, but listening to the next song it immediately reminds me of the 'Manic Street Preachers'. And looking at the song title Who Will Be Next then this even confirms it surprisingly. Is it Damicolas' voice which puzzles me or even more? Well - in its entirety this one appears in a heavier mood though and more tricky.

Leaving the short acoustic interlude Early the band follows a new path with the gripping more jazz rock tinged Turbulence turning into No Return - a long emotional ballad including wonderful guitar presence. Autostrada holds a quite nujazz vibe with interesting percussion attendance and leading synthesizer activity. Finally Lifeprints returns back to heavy impressions with riffing guitar and a special cumbersome rhythm.

As for a conclusion I would say I'm listening to an album which is art and jazz rock bordering - not often to find with such a styling. The more I listen the more I sense the implemented ethno flavour - nice. The songs are presented powerful, melodic and atmospheric. In order to say that 'Turbulence' is essential really I wished they had worked out one or two more high caliber songs on the same level like the opener. Anyhow - this album is a fine effort - an enjoyable one - upward tendency with 4 stars now after some more listening sessions.