Liquid Scarlet - II (2005)

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Liquid Scarlet - II (2005)

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The passionately played opening piano notes on the first song "Lines Are Drawn Again" suggest a great retro prog rock sound that harkens back to the earliest days of the 70's with a singer whose delivery may sound monotone at first but he will reveal incredible depth and expression with each subsequent track. The languid opening slowly leads into a more adventurous piece as various instruments work their way into mix, ranging from subtle guitar chords, a ferocious yet perfectly fitting bass, and numerous classical instrumentation. By its end, we are already introduced to a tremendously impressive band that has yet to offer a lot more on the following nine tracks.

Early King Crimson traces unite with Mellotron-supported jazz harmonies before multi-instrumentalist Johan Lundstrom throws in some amazing drum beats producing 70's fills during a brief vocal-free intro. Judging by this one long tune, vocalist Markus Fagervall is an intense soul. He really sings the way his heart dictates here, rather than following the song's pattern as on the other tracks. In a way, I had to think of Anders Jansson's expressive vocals on Tomas Bodin's last album I Am. Similarly, Fagervall goes for raw yet extremely haunting vocal expressions, singing desperately over fluent jazz piano which is then joined by some saxophone and clarinet work, not to mention Joel Lindberg's utterly engaging bass playing. The bass shakes you up, shudders and thunders holding everything together, but it is so perfectly placed into the mix that not even for a moment does it take away from the listening experience. The 10-minute piece is finalised with a mesmerizing string arrangement eventually connecting with the other classically influenced track "The Marriage of Maria Braun". Awesome cello and violin work generates an ethereal atmosphere and the song is once again underlied by a textural bass line that is meticulously placed in the heart of the song. Accordions, dynamic guitars, and 4/4 drum beats are followed by Olle Sjogren's sick jazz piano soloing until the final second.

Ropert Fripp-style folk licks are captured on "Rhododendron" where you can also hear a brilliant solo passage for acoustic guitar, as melancholic synths start to float about the track amidst chunks of pronounced bass work and Mellotron effects. Slowly the song develops into a fierce prog anthem where every instrument soars wildly and the composition takes on a cinematic vibe. Footsteps and someone using an old typewriter can be heard in the background if listened attentively, but soon enough, a dirge-like acoustic break is introduced and the song is wrapped up with groovy bass figures. Though most of this album is pretty laidback and dark in nature, the band also knows how to write Beatles style poppy 60's rockers on "Killer Couple Strikes Again" and the happy-sounding "The Thorn in Your Flesh". Some really impressive guitar harmonies are present on the Anekdoten type of song "Everywhere", which also carries a good amount of double bass and classical instrumentation. Although most expressive on the longer songs, Fagervall comes up with the album's catchiest and best vocal melody on the ballad "Just Like You", featuring another awesome orchestral backdrop and crying violin lead.

Great production work is another plus. Lots of proggers who want to hear something different should seek this disc out.

by Murat Batmaz

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Liquid Scarlet - II (2005)

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Liquid Scarlet - II (2005)

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