Customer Reviews

Blomljud

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

anyone that likes early genesis, yes, elp, camel, styx, or rush MUST BUY this album. the instruments are well equalized so your ear is not overwhelmed with crashing cymbals or searing guitar. the vocal harmonies are every bit as good as the beach boys. these guys are obviously a seasoned band rather than just random musicians thrown into a studio. the vibe is very sunny and lively throughout without the super fast runs neo-prog is often guilty of. the lyrics are good for such young singers. warning: some of the songs are 10-20 minutes long but be patient...there is NO filler on this album.

Moon Safari's double CD follow up to the incredible "Doorway to Summer" is more of the same -- which is to say amazing, fantastic, spectacular, etc. This symphonic prog-rock masterpiece, filled with gorgeous harmonies and gleefully anticipated crescendos, engenders euphoric chills of joy.

OK--if you're reading this,then you hopefully stumbled upon the band somewhere online or through suggestion by a prog loving music friend/aquaintance. Here's the deal: Are you a big fan of early 70's prog like Yes,Genesis,Renaissance,or even early Ambrosia or later Beatles? And do you love lots of lush 3-4 part harmonies in your music? Well,Moon Safari manage to cover all this ground and more in their songs.The band writes simply thee most melodic progrock music to come along since..well,any of the aforementioned bands! Sure,there have been many highly-touted comparisons along the way. But these guys are the real deal. Their songs,often very long (one on this awesome double cd is over 30 minutes long!) are NEVER boring and so uplifting,that you can't help but smile whilst listening! But there ARE shorter songs,too. Someone else mentioned a relate to 'Beach Boys' harmonies--not that far off. Couple this with great melodic prog (not heavy,but not acoustic either),lush 70's keyboard flourishes,and great arrangements (yes,even the longer tunes) along with a very positive approach to their music,and you can't help but love this band! you may want to search out a 'nicer' price online,as this IS an import,after all (they're from Sweden). But well worth having, this Blomljud cd (means 'Flower Sound' in Swedish). And I highly recommend their debut titled 'A Doorway To Summer' as well. We've been waiting for decades for a band like this. Check them out & you'll see why! Enjoy, T

For those who know Moon Safari's first album, "Doorway to Summer," this is more of the same, and a whole lot more.

Like "Doorway," "Blomljud" contains the high, soaring male harmonies that will knock your socks off. Granted, some don't like them. And yes, they sound a little like the Yale Men's Glee Club sometimes. But good Lord, are they good.

Imagine the Beach Boys on steroids, and with far superior music.

And as for the music, it is smashing. This album contains all the creativity and unexpectedness of the first--the long, beautifully constructed songs, the amazing playing--and adds a heavy dose of heavy rock.

This album is peerless.

Best of 2008--or almost any year.

My one criticism, and it is a very small one, is the cover art. It was done by one of the band-members, and is beyond lame.

Fortunately, what they lack in art, they make up for in music.

I may have to go out on a limb here and put this on my list of one of the 10 best "symphonic" progressive recordings ever. This project is that strong. There was probably more filler material on "Selling England By The Pound" than there is on this double CD offering. I can't find a weak track. The harmnies are so tight and the enunciation so clear, you can't beleive these lads are from Sweden. You would swear they are from California. Until they start playing. No one can play prog like the Scandinavians! While some may find the harmonies a juxtaposition against the progressive music in the background, I find it refreshing. You almost get to listen to two songs at once. You can either concentrate on the voice harmonies or concentrate on the music. Both can easily stand on their own. Everything you want in symphonic prog can be found on this CD. Great musicianship, songs of various lengths and time signatures, great interplay between guitars and keyboards. My big complaint is against myself that I waited so long to purchase it. (I was cheap and waited for the digital down load)Don't be a fool like me. Add it to your colection.

Another reviewer compared this group to the beach boys and I'd have to agree that vocally, there's some definite similarities in the rich, melodic vocals. However, I'd say not only does this group owe some of it's sound to the Beach Boys and Yes, there's definitely some Flower Kings and early Spock's Beard type of music in their to boot. Overall it's an excellent album, but it does take you being in the right mood for there music as it's a much softer, greener type of prog-music than I'm used to hearing out of a new album nowadays. I'd compare it with "In the presence of" from Yes's Magnification album or even some of the more melodically rich songs from XTC. Definitely not too heavy, but very peaceful, enjoyable prog that is just different enough from anything else I have to be interesting and even a bit unique.

Any fan of symphonic prog with emphasis on vocal melodies/harmonies with a hint of Flower Kings & Yes should enjoy this album quite a bit.