Bakelit: Asleep or Insane

Carl Westholm, a multi-instrumentalist (though primarily a keyboardist) who is probably best known for his stints in Candlemass and Avatarium, has founded a self-described “art rock� band called Bakelit. Their debut album, Asleep or Insane, was released in November.

The other band members are: Öivin Tronstad (lead and background vocals), Cia Backman (lead and background vocals), Lars Sköld (drums), and Ulf Edelönn (guitars). The album has some enjoyable tracks here and there. The drumming is consistently good, and I like Backman’s voice. But the album is marred by dated keyboard sounds and Tronstad’s attempt to ape Fish on most tracks.

Overall, it has a pretty heavy feel, thanks in large part to Sköld with some input from Edelönn. But the latter is underused; his guitars are unfortunately buried in the mix.

If you want to dip your toe into the album, I suggest starting with “Two Living Things,� which sees the band stretching out, and the title track, which sounds like it could have appeared on the third or fourth Peter Gabriel albums. The album was not my cup of tea, but I could imagine many people getting enjoyment from it.

Track Listing
1. The Coolest Place on Earth (4:36)
2. Remember Who You Are (5:07)
3. My Punishment (5:49)
4. Two Living Things (6:06)
5. Asleep or Insane (5:29)
6. This World Belongs to Me (6:39)
7. Silence Is Weakening My Thoughts (5:41)
8. Death Without Angels (6:52)

Added: December 1st 2024
Reviewer: Aaron Steelman
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 234
Language: english

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