Siena Root: Revelation

Now on their 8th studio album, Sweden's Siena Root have firmly settled in with lead vocalist Zubaida Solid (who also adds organ and electric piano), the singer really coming into her own as a force of nature here on their latest album for Atomic Fire Records, Revelation. Though the band have gone through numerous line-up changes across their history, their penchant for delivering psychedelic retro styled classic rock always shines brightly, and Revelation is no exception, so much so that if you close your eyes, you'll swear that any of these songs could have come from the years 1968-1972. The line-up for this album is:

Sam Riffer-Bass, Double Bass & Vocals
Zubaida Solid-Lead Vocals, Organ & Rhodes
Johan Borgström-All Guitars, Vocals
Love �Billy� Forsberg- Percussion

Guests:
Erik “Errka� Petersson-Clavinet
Stian Grimstad-Sitar
Lisa Isaksson-Flute

Blend Grace Slick with Janis Joplin, and that's the commanding presence that Zubaida brings to the table. She soars on swirling, bluesy & psychedelic hard rock fare such as "Coincidence & Fate", "Professional Procrastinator", "No Peace", and "Fighting Gravity", four energetic bangers that kick off the album in succession, drawing the listener right in to their glorious retro sounds. The more atmospheric & lush "Dusty Roads" is a more blues, folk drenched number with haunting Fender Rhodes Electric Piano, flute, and those alluring vocals (Tedeschi Trucks Band fans take note!), while "Winter Solace", with its engaging flute melodies and tuneful acoustic guitars, is a must for fans of Jethro Tull's late '70s output. "Little Burden" adds some mystical, almost Led Zeppelin-styled folky elements, and the haunting blues of "Keeper of the Flame" brings to mind the great British band Free, right on down to Zubaida's potent Paul Rodgers inspired vocals and Johan's tasty sustained lead guitar that is right from the Paul Kossoff school of 'less is more'. Sure, I could do without all the sitar love on "Madukhauns" and "Little Burden", but that's more my issue and not yours if you love the sounds of the sitar. A little goes a long way in my book.

The album really is divided up into two halves, the front end is filled with the more harder rock songs, and the back end more of the acoustic/folk based material. Either style they do quite well, and while my preference would be they go lighter on the folk based material, either way, this is a very strong set from a band that continues to impress.

Track Listing
1. Coincidence & Fate 04:40
2. Professional Procrastinator 03:09
3. No Peace 02:48
4. Fighting Gravity 03:32
5. Dusty Roads 05:59
6. Winter Solstice 02:50
7. Dalecarlia Stroll 03:54
8. Leaving the City 04:53
9. Little Burden 03:52
10. Madukhauns 06:01
11. Keeper of the Flame 04:59

Added: June 3rd 2023
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 745
Language: english

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