It has been exactly 10 years since the release of the last album and part one of this work for Swedish Pop-Prog band Moon Safari. “Himlabacken Vol. 2” was in fact released on December 08, 2023 via Blomljud Records and contains 9 tracks including an epic over 21 and a couple over 10 minutes in length. From the opener we can guess the musical direction, with a sound very close to the ’80s and steeped in phrasing between Hard’n’Heavy guitars and melodic synths. Even the vocal parts follow the melodic style that characterises the riffs and above all the rythos, departing from traditional Prog to take us into more Pop territories with hints of Rock. The tracks given their long duration have some more articulate and elaborate passages, while maintaining their linear and song-oriented structure. The vocal parts, always very well interpreted by a precise and dynamic vocalist, add lightness to the tracks, with the exception of the epic suite “Teen Angel Meets the Apocalypse.” Both short and long tracks are well composed and performed, with notable 80s reminiscences, bringing to mind that period when Prog was often contaminated with Pop and with extensive use of synths in the style of Van Halen‘s “Jump“. The longer tracks have an even more elaborate structure, while maintaining catchy choruses and an overall melodic sound. All in all, it is a pleasant listen, far from that Prog in which the long instrumental plots stand out, but reminiscent of a period and a precise style. The vocal parts leave little room for the instrumental parts, but it is precisely this style that demands it, even if in some passages there are more incisive plots. A recommended listen for lovers of 80s-style sounds, with intertwining guitar riffs and synth melodies reminiscent of that period. The mixture of Pop and Prog definitely rewards the more melodic and Pop aspect of their sound, however the album is smooth and well executed.
Tracklist
01. 198X (Heaven Hill) (3:55)
02. Between the Devil and Me (10:38)
03. Emma, Come On (3:19)
04. A Lifetime to Learn How to Love (8:28)
05. Beyond the Blue (2:12)
6. Blood Moon (5:44)
07. Teen Angel Meets the Apocalypse (21:03)
08. Forever, For You (10:08)
09. Epilog (3:22)
Lineup
Petter Sandström / Lead and Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Simon Åkesson / Lead and Backing Vocals, Piano, Organ, Moog
Pontus Åkesson / Lead and Backing Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitar
Sebastian Åkesson / Backing Vocals, Assorted Keys, Percussion
Johan Westerlund / Lead and Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar
Mikael Israelsson (Black Bonzo)/ Drums
With:
Jamison Smeltz / Saxophone (8)
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