I can't get my arms around Brother Ape, a newly released, but experienced band from Sweden. On The Other Side was recorded during 2002 and 2003 except for the title track which was recorded as a promo years earlier. The band is tight, and you can hear the years of experience, but I haven't been swept up into the music the way I thought I would upon first listen.
"The Jerk" reminds me a little of a Kaipa song, but with much less creative noodling. "Waiting For The Sandman", "Farewell Song", and "On The Other Side" sound a lot like Ambrosia, complete with subtle but expressive David Pack style bass lines. Peter Dahlström plays bass and is the lead vocalist. This combination sometimes makes for one-or-the-other situations. When he sings, his bass seems to regress to eighth notes, but when the song is mainly instrumental, he has good licks. Stefan Damicolas handles the lead vocals on "Unaccomplished" which makes this song standout and sound more complete.
Brother Ape play accessible progressive rock. This CD is recommended for fans of Toto, Saga, and Galahad, and is a solid, if not always spectacular, introduction to the band. After close to a dozen spins I am entertained, but it still hasn't reached out and grabbed me. On The Other Side is just a few hooks short of really breaking through to the next level.
Track Listing
1 The Jerk (5:04)
2 Waiting for the Sandman (4:37)
3 I freak out (4:59)
4 Railways (4:50)
5 Clockworks (5:24)
6 This hour (4:45)
7 Unaccomplished (4:15)
8 Farewell song (4:31)
9 Lucky fool (2:03)
10 On the other side (7:53)
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