When something gels immediately upon the first few spins, you get that feeling that the whole experience takes on an entirely new meaning. So it was with a band I had not heard before now called Liquid Scarlet who hail from northern Sweden.
Sensible songs with sensible lyrics go a long way to help a band forge their way through the mire of so many wannabees that it is refreshing to hear something so instantly likeable. Diversity of arrangements and a bold and challenging way of piecing together their songs helps to separate this band from the norm. Throughout the album, you can appreciate some Steve Hackett style guitar in those parts that suit the format or some tricky little bits here and there that remind me of Yes / Gentle Giant / King Crimson and even some latter day bands like Anekdoten, Anglagard or Landberk. When those influences have been exhausted, some tried and true Steve Howe guitar takes over to round out the sound. The keyboards on the brilliant fourth, instrumental track remind me very much of some older mellotron heavy, 70's bands such as Druid and Kestrel as their vintage sound comes to the fore so well. For a band whose average ages is around 20, these guys sure have some convincing ideas.
Thankfully, for those whose preference is for lyrics sung in a convincing manner and with little perceivable inflections or accents, you can breathe a sigh of relief as their command of English is very good. Featuring lashings of great guitar riffs, underpinned by some tasty keyboards and all manner of accompanying instruments such as clarinet, tin whistle assorted percussion together with that grinding sound of the Hammond organ, this band has all the right moves. Melding melody when needed with some slightly dissonant sections also keeps things interesting without the songs falling over in disarray. Liquid Scarlet is definitely a name to watch out for in the future as I can see positive times ahead for a band with such a clean and polished approach to their craft. A class act!
Track Listings:
1. Greyroom
2. Hesitating In The Foyer
3. Citta Nuova
4. Molok (Instrumental)
5. Talking In Ashes
6. Comes Near, Lingers Far
7. The Red Stairs
8. One Last Masquerade
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