WHO'S THE BOSS IN THE FACTORY?

Swedish groups have been at the forefront of prog ever since its inception with great bands such as Kaipa, the Flower Kings, and Anglagard, to name a few. So when I got Who's the Boss in the Factory by Karmakanic, I had similar expectations. Unfortunately, the album didn't quite meet them. I didn't quite feel the same strong songwriting of the band's I mentioned. There are a few nice melodies here and there, but they're few and far between. I also feel as though many of the songs are aimless and really don't go anywhere.

The opening song, 'Send a Message From the Heart,' is perhaps an exception. It is filled with catchy melodies and exhibits a diverse but identifiable structure, not to mention the musicianship is top notch. But even here the band is prone to some aimless noodling around two-thirds of the way through.

The remaining songs don't really contribute anything interesting. 'Let In Hollywood' and 'Two Blocks From the Edge' are popper songs with catchy hooks, and nice sax work in the latter, but are structurally predictable.

The title track and 'Eternally' just don't go anywhere. There aren't any hooks, and as mentioned, they just ramble.

After numerous careful listens I simply cannot find anything I like in this album, apart from the first song. Usually after five or so listens I am able to do a decent job of memorizing an entire album, but I simply can't with this one. Perhaps it is because of the lack of hooks and memorable melodies. Whatever the reason, there is much better music to be heard from Sweden.

4/10