Koi: In Tomorrow Hid Yesterday

Koi are a five piece outfit out of Gothenberg, Sweden and formed in 2006. A few years before, Patrick Andersson (vocals, guitar) and Markus Mönttinen (drums) decided they wanted to form a band. Through various school projects the rest of the band took shape. Rounding out the line-up are Eemu Ranta (guitar), Joni Kaartinen (bass) and Roberd Palm (keyboards) and guest musician Pia Henoch graces the CD with her excellent cello playing. It should come as no surprise that another fine young band has come from Sweden.

Koi are not a band that play a lot of solos and extravagant instrumental noodling but prefer a more subtle approach. That is not to say they are not a talented band because they really are and considering their age, the musicianship they display on their debut album In Tomorrow Hid Yesterday is very impressive. To my ears this is moody progressive rock although the band has been labeled with the indie prog tag and I suppose that may be justified. All I know is that I really enjoyed listening to this CD.

The band's music is richly textured, relying heavily on atmospheric soundscapes deeply rooted in dense layers of sound, all wrapped in a shroud of melancholia. Although the band display some heavier moments they never venture into progressive metal territory preferring a more subtle approach. The band shows good dynamic range, often adding quiet-like moodier sections from which the instruments are allowed to build up again. It is all quite enthralling as the band has a sound that can be totally absorbing. This is one of those albums that takes time to grow as the subtle nuances may not take hold immediately but if given time there is much to enjoy here. While listening I was reminded of bands like Porcupine Tree, Opeth, Anekdoten and Liquid Scarlett although Koi never get as heavy as some of those bands.

It begins with "The Rabbit" containing nice acoustic guitar and understated keyboards. The vocals are good as Andersson has a fine voice. Clean mellow guitar chords mark the beginning of "Woodnote", featuring lovely background vocals and quieter moments that allows the symphonic touches to shine. The somewhat forlorn sounding "Terminal Souls" has a Porcupine Tree feel with moody keys and synths. The cello is a highlight here and adds richness to the band's sonic palette of sound. The music gently flows into quieter soundscapes before building back up again. The aggressive wall of sound in "Breaking of the Day" has an Opeth meets Porcupine Tree quality and the pretty "In A World of A Child's Mind" has some gorgeous cello and piano work. The eerie sounding "Navigated to the Blank Undrawn" features heavier riffs and swirling synths amidst a restrained industrial beat.

Although this album is a little sad and I would have appreciated one or two uplifting tunes, there is still enough variety here and the music never bored me in the slightest. Lately, In Tomorrow Hid Yesterday has had a steady home in my player and I am reluctant to take it out any time soon. Whether or not bands like Koi are the future of progressive rock, only time will tell. I for one will be following them closely in the months and years to come.

Track Listing:
1. The Rabbit
2. Woodnote
3. Terminal Souls
4. Navigated To the Blank Undrawn
5. In Tomorrow Hid Yesterday
6. Eventide
7. In A World of A Child's Mind
8. Breaking of the Day
9. Metamorphosis
10. Swaying To Sleep
11. Less Than Abstract

Added: October 31st 2010
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2781
Language: english

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