No Rules: Where We Belong

Here's a new band from Sweden called No Rules, who play a symphonic style of prog rock that also has elements of hard rock as well as a gothic flavor. Citing influences as Marillion, Asia, Journey, Camel, Yes, Black Sabbath, Saga, Dream Theater, and Genesis, No Rules actually don't sound much like any of those bands. Instead, they weave rocking arrangements with symphonic keyboards and the uninspiring vocals of Olof Gustavsson, who has a very husky, somewhat gothic voice that gets very annoying after a while. The instrumentation, mostly from Tommy Magnusson (guitar, bass, keyboards) and drummer Martin Nilsson, is actually quite good, especially the Hackett/Rothery inspired fretwork from Magnusson. However, the production leaves a bit to be desired, as the mix is fairly muddy throughout and could have used some brightening.

When Gustavsson lightens up on the monotone gothic vocals, the band is easier to digest, like on "Lost", where they sound like an upbeat Swedish version of Saga perhaps, and the pastoral "Dreams" has some hints of IQ, but the singers lack of range prevents it from being a complete winner. That's one of the main problems here-the vocals are just too weak overall for this album to be considered anything more than mediocre, and that's a shame because Magnusson knows how to write and play some serious progressive rock music. Maybe with a new singer next time around No Rules can rise above and deliver a more cohesive package, as some of the tools are there.

Track Listing

1. Locked In A Soulcage (5:13)
2. Walking With Me (5:00)
3. After The War (4:42)
4. Where We Belong (4:30)
5. Lost (3:21)
6. Dreams (4:26)
7. Just Like A stranger (4:05)
8. Cradle In The Sand (2:58)
9. Papers Bang (3:29)
10. Who's Crying (5:06)
11. Starmoon (4:43)
12. The Light (4:41)

Added: March 18th 2007
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2503
Language: english

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