FREAKS

Swedish band QOPH was formed in the mid 90's, and released one album back in 1998 (Kalejdoskopiska Aktiviteter) and a second in 2004 (Pyrola) before they appears to have hit a spell of inactivity. Come 2012 and Qoph returns again with their third full length studio album, "Freaks", which was released on Swedish label Transubstans Records.

The main basis for the majority of the material at hand this time around appears to revolve around a solid rhythm foundation and strong, distinct vocals. Compelling drum patterns and a mostly dark-toned, somewhat peculiar bass guitar sound that often crafts a distinct underlying atmosphere throughout. With strong, melodic vocals on top as a key feature. Then there's the guitars of course. Sometimes dark-toned and aggressive in a rather Tony Iommi inspired manner, sometimes light in tone and gentler in expression but most of all with a clear and distinct emphasis on distorted delivery in a psychedelic drenched manner whether we're treated to gentler licks, harder riffs or guitar solo excursions. Not psychedelic through and through, but you're never far away from the psych-drenched guitars on this album, that's for sure. And perhaps somewhat peculiar, we're also treated to a few occasional nods in the direction of jazzrock. Not in an overly manner, but more on a subtle level.

With a few detours here and there this is a solid album, although the final two pieces to my ears is somewhat of a downwards slide. The blend of energetic classic rock and lazier, jazzoriented movements on Remedy doesn't really work out for me, and while the initial movements of the following The Devil Rides Out are compelling in a light psychedelic meets jazz kinda manner, the darker toned, almost avant foundation of the main part of this song never really struck home with me.

Those two exceptions aside "Freaks" is an enjoyable romp through a psychedelic laced classic and progressive rock universe, with nods in the direction of artists as different as The Doors, The Beatles and Black Sabbath to be enjoyed along the way. And comes recommended to those with a taste for psychedelic rock that enjoy a bit of variety.

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.