PINUP GURU

Quite a strong debut real debut by Tomas Bodin, the keyboardist of Flower Kings. The album focuses on powerful, sometimes majestic keyboard sounds, advanced playing and less on memorable compositions.

You can hear organ, with a typical colour for Tomas Bodin. Some synths remind Flower Kings. Hammond, Moog and Mellotron are amptly used, the combination of Mellotron and organ is captivating! Piano can also be heard.

The strongest cuts are the first two tracks and the last epic. The first track, an anthem, is very pompeous, majestic and has a clear motive, dominated by church organ. The track is called "Sodium Regale".

The second, much longer number is "What's going on" is not particularly cohesive but it showcases a myriad of styles and instruments from a typical Flower Kings, mid 70's, new age Tomas Bodin, electronic and ending in an equilibristic keyboard, bass, drum evil trio.

Other numbers have occasional light moments but are not memorable and developed enough. They are pleasant to listen to but not adorable enough. Of note is the piano number "My beautiful neighbour" with clever notes.

"The final swig" has a jazzy twist to it and fully show the playing potential of the keyboard/bass/drum trio without any guitar disruptions.

The album is worth exploring but you won't be longing many listenings, likely.