Hasse Fröberg & Musical Companion: Parallel Life

Hasse Fröberg & Musical Companion released their debut album Future Past in 2010, followed by Powerplay (2012) and HFMC (2015). Their latest disc titled Parallel Life was released in the fall of 2019. If by chance you are not familiar with this project many of you will recognize Fröberg as a long-time member of The Flower Kings, adding vocals and guitar. In the project are:

Hasse Fröberg (lead vocals, guitar, tambourine)
Anton Lindsjö (guitar, vocals)
Kjell Haraldsson (keyboards, vocals)
Thomsson (bass, vocals)
Ola Strandberg (drums, 12-string acoustic guitar, vocals)

The title track opens the disc and it is a truly epic experience. At over twenty-one minutes it encapsulates the band’s sound and is a monumental achievement. Signature builds, mood laden soundscapes, excellent guitar riffs (both acoustic and electric), superb keyboard work (organ is quite prevalent) and catchy vocals (both lead and backing). Kudos to Haraldsson for his excellent keyboard solos. Melodic progressive rock and classic rock sounds abound with constant dynamics between lighter and heavier passages. I think if you like bands like Spock’ Beard, The Flower Kings and Enchant you will love this track. Next is the toe tapper “Sleeping with the Ghost� which has to be one of the catchiest tracks with more superb acoustic and electric guitar and synth solos. The melody is strong with this one with the chorus playing over and over in my head long after the song’s five minute running time. “Time Waits� is another stand out track, a melodic rocker to be sure. Tasty guitar, keys, tempo changes, you pretty much get it all. Again, Spock’s Beard might be the closest reference.

The album’s most tender and personal moment is the acoustic based “Rain� where Hasse says goodbye to his dad. RIP. It’s certainly a beautiful send off. The electric guitar solo in the break might just be the best on the disc.

Parallel Life is one of the most infectious albums I have heard this year. It’s also one of the best. Highly recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Parallel Life (21:46)
a. A Prophet’s Escape
b. To Change
c. You and Life
d. Hand to the Sky
e. An Otherworldly Purpose
f. A Choice Moment
2. Sleeping with the Ghost (5:28)
3. Time Waits (10:40)
4. All Those Faces (4:54)
5. Rain (8:32)
6. Friday (5:51)
7. Never Alone (8:22)

Added: December 4th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1087
Language: english

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