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LIQUID SCARLET
Tracklist: Greyroom (5.23);
Hesitating in the Foyer (4.39); Citta Nuova (8.32); Molok (5.16); Talking in Ashes (6.42); Comes near, Lingers Far (8.25); The Red Stairs (5.52); One Last Masquerade (8.13)
Liquid Scarlet are a band that formed in northern Sweden back in 1996, initially as a covers band, but soon taking up the challenge of writing their own material. Their biography states that "initially they set
about producing a very mellow brand of music, before heading down the alternative rock route and, from there, taking gradual steps towards a more progressive sound."
The band consists of 5 members: Olov Andersson (guitars, clarinet), Johan Lundström (drums, percussion, keyboards, vocals), Markus Fagervall (lead vocals, guitars), Joel Lindberg (bass) and Frida Lundström
(keyboards).
This eponymous debut album is certainly a fine example of modern progressive music that follows in the footsteps of some of the past masters.
While the band certainly manage to come up with a great sound that is in many ways unique, at the same time listeners can find hints not only of Pink Floyd and King Crimson, both of whom I suspect have influenced the band's writing style, but also of Genesis and Van der Graaf Generator. From start to finish the music flows effortlessly, and follows a wide variety of styles ranging from smooth easy going hazy atmospheric moods to harsher, almost discordant, jazz tinged pieces.
The strong opening of 'Greyroom' shows confidence and defines the quality for what is to follow. The vocals throughout project a sense of calm while musically Soft keyboard work is interspersed with harder
hitting incursions from bass and percussion, which add a slightly sinister edge to the sound.
Although lacking a big finish in the style of neo-prog music, there is nevertheless a progressive build up that leads the track to a satisfying conclusion.
'Hesitating in the Foyer' comes next. This is a very strong track, and one that seems to follow in the traditions of British psychedelia from the 60's. There is a playful, almost quirky mood created by
the vocals, which is accentuated by the slight distortion that is brought into the mix at times.
Things go from strength to strength as we move into the slightly macabre instrumental opening that heralds "Citta Nuova".
Keyboards are played with suitably muted tones, at times the style is reminiscent of The Beatles, while the laid back vocals are more evocative of Pink Floyd. There are some light jazz touches as we move past the mid point but, thankfully, this never gets out of hand and by the final stages of the track the keyboards have taken on a distinctly Genesis sound. Despite all these comparisons, I would stress that the net result is a vibrant and original mix that really stands out from the crowd.
'Molok' is the only purely instrumental track on the album. The powerful, yet slightly discordant intro hearkens back to King Crimsons' 'Court of the Crimson King' album in terms of the style.
The track pushes along without hesitation, and while the listening is not always comfortable, the music is expressive and creative.
Things move down a gear as we are treated to a softer gentler pace in 'Talking in Ashes'. The contrast in tones between this and what has gone before is quite marked initially, with the restful vocals and piano
backdrop trying to create a still relaxed mood.
However a degree of uncertainty is created by the skillful use of keyboards and guitars which, after threatening to break the spell, finally come to the fore only to be stilled once again by a final vocal refrain returning the sense of order.
'Comes near, Lingers Far' starts with a hard hitting jazz oriented opening, which belies the gentler passage that immediately follows it. This juxtaposition of order and disorder, calm and chaos, seems to be
the hallmark of the track. As with 'Molok' this is not initially an easy piece to listen to - but it does have hidden depths and each hearing seems to bring out something new.
'The Red Stairs' is another slower paced track with a more ambient nature. All in all this is a solid track, but apart from the closing section, where things pick up somewhat, there is very little to comment on.
There is an almost melancholic air to 'One Last Masquerade'.
As an end piece for the album, this track really gets it right. Strong guitar work, vocal delivery that's right on the button - while the icing on the cake comes from the marvellous closing passage, played on keyboards with a church organ sound, slowly fading away and leaving the listener to contemplate what they have just experienced…
Smooth vocals, great instrumental work and keyboards that really fit the music without ever flying over the top make this an album that grows and grows on you. With the right exposure, this is a band that will
give the likes of the Flower Kings a run for their money.
For their debut release Liquid Scarlet have produced a remarkably mature work - and one that is even more impressive when you considers that none of the band are yet beyond their twenties. Fans of the traditional style of progressive rock in particular would be well advised to check this album out - Recommended listening.
Simon 23rd May 2004
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