Beardfish: Songs For Beating Hearts

Beardfish's latest masterpiece, Songs for Beating Hearts, surpasses expectations, rivaling their iconic Sleeping In Traffic series. Rikard Sjöblom's collaboration with Big Big Train has infused his songwriting with refined pop sensibilities, blending seamlessly with King Crimson-inspired complexity. This album stands as a testament to Beardfish's growth since their early 2000s beginnings.

The album unfolds with the breathtaking "Ecotone", leading the way to the five-part suite “Out in the Open�, showcasing Sjöblom's keyboard virtuosity, crafting symphonic, dramatic and melodic layers that underscore the band's unique sound. Robert Hansen's bass and Magnus Östgren's drums form a formidable rhythm section, complemented by David Zackrisson's Fripp-inspired angular guitars, particularly in the aforementioned epic 23-minute suite "Out In The Open". Although uncredited, Sjöblom's guitar contributions subtly enhance the album's texture.

Lyrical themes reflect Rikard's recent fatherhood, adding maturity, humanity and compassion to the conceptual narrative. Tracks like "Beating Hearts" and "In the Autumn" exemplify this emotional depth, showcasing Beardfish's ability to craft memorable, yet intricate songs. Standouts include "Ecotone", "Out in The Open", "Beating Hearts", "In the Autumn" and the haunting closer "Torrential Downpour".

Song For Beating Hearts cements Beardfish's status as eclectic progressive rock visionaries, effortlessly blending influences from King Crimson's Red era with their distinct sound. Coherent, beautiful, melodic, progressive, relentless, intricate, memorable and unique, this album is an instant classic. With each listen, its depth and complexity grow, solidifying its place among 2024's best progressive rock releases… highly recommended… cheers!

Track Listing:
1. Ecotone (4:30)
2. Out in the Open, Pt.1 �" Overture (2:23)
3. Out in the Open, Pt.2 �" Oblivion (5:44)
4. Out in the Open, Pt.3 �" Hopes and Dreams (4:23)
5. Out in the Open, Pt.4 �" Oblivion (Reprise) (4:32)
6. Out in the Open, Pt.5 �" Around the Bend (3:30)
7. Beating Hearts (11:00)
8. In the Autumn (5:58)
9. Ecotone (Reprise) (0:43)
10. Torrential Downpour (8:29)
11. Ecotone �" Norrsken 1982 [Bonus Track] (6:13)

Added: November 10th 2024
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 328
Language: english

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