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Brother Ape - Shangri-La : : |
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Band/artist: Brother Ape
Title: Shangri-La
Released: 2006
Label: Progress Records |
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Track listing:
1. New Shangri-La
2. Lunatic Kingdom
3. Umbrellas
4. Inside You
5. Beams
6. Monasteries of Meteora
7. I'll Be Going
8. Tweakhead
9. A Reason To Wake
10. Meatball Tour
11. Timeless For The Time Being
12. Shangri-La
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: : The Players : :
Gunnar Maxén (basses, keyboards, harmony
vocals) - Max Bergman (Drums and percussion) - Stefan Damicolas (lead &
harmony vocals, electric and acoustic guitars). GUESTS: Hansi Cross
(additional harmony vocals track 1, additional synthesizer track 5) -
Viktor Rundlöf (narration track 10) |
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Shangri-La : :
Brother Ape is yet another example of a swedish group playing good
progressive rock. Shangri-La is their second release in two years - but
the group has actually existed under various names since 1981, according
to their homepage.
Which may explain the tight musicianship on this album.
Because these guys play well together as a band, making complex
soundscapes and creating twists and turns in the music all the time -
and still you get the feel that the individual songs were recorded more
or less in one go. At no point during the individual songs do you get
the feel that you're listening to take two day 5 followed by take ten
day 40.
Musically, these guys have managed to create their own little niche in
the world of prog.
The sound of this record technically is contemporary. Well mixed and
produced, it's easy to hear that this is a recent recording. But the
songs, with one exception, all have a strong 70's vibe to them, and you
can at points hear that these guys know their Genesis as well as Yes.
Add some elements of jazz and fusion to the mix, and spice it all with
lots of feelgood moods, and you're close to the "Brother Ape" sound. A
sound which is very distinct and unique. The melodies are catchy,
there's good drive even to the mellow tunes on the album, and the
musical style is uplifting "happy" progressive rock.
I stress the
words progressive rock here. There's no hints of prog metal at all on
these songs, just pure straight progressive rock as played in the 70's,
with a modern tinge to the sound and elements of jazz and fusion
integrated into the individual songs at appropriate places.
As for the individual songs; there's no killer track on this album. All
of the songs here are good, but there's no single track here that will
make you want to push the repeat button a dozen times before continuing
listening to the album. It's "just" a plain good album with good tracks
throughout.
My personal favorite on this release is the one track that sounds a bit
different from the rest; "Inside You". A driving rocker with a rougher
sound than the other tracks, with a bit of a Living Colour feel to it.
So if you'e looking for the brooding melancholic music, the introverted
moods and reflections on the darker sides of life, Brother Ape may not
be to your fancy. But if you're into 70's prog, and like music that you
can hum along to and that'll bring you joy and make you smile, this
release is a must.
Rating: 8 (out of 10)
Reviewer: Olav Björnsen
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
: : Discography : :
Shangri-La (2006)
On The Other Side (2005)
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