When these guys write and record their songs, there's definitely a movie playing in their heads.
'Stars Aligned' has been described as the soundtrack to a dark fairytale. The Brothers Von Hertzen as the Brothers Grimm.
The Von Hertzen Brothers are Finland's No.1 rock band with a formidable live reputation. On this, their fourth album, the number of influences they consume and digest, without breaking their stride, is just breathtaking. The whole thing is an extraordinarily rich, intoxicating and often complex mix of styles.
Opener,
'Miracle' sounds like it was written after listening to the
Yes back catalogue while old Turtles' songs were playing on the radio. Then they recorded the heavy rock version, hauling it along on a sinister undertow of grinding guitars and spiralling keyboards, fleshed out with razor edged harmonies and a punchy hook.
A flurry of notes, rattling rhythms and a flourish of vocal harmonies intros
'Gloria'.
And again you're immersed, neck deep, in a fascinating juxtaposition of musical styles. Like Manhatten Transfer fronting
T Ride on a progrock karaoke night, lounge rock spars with spectral choirs, over wiry axework and a soloing squeezebox.
Our roller coaster ride continues with new wave electronica of
'Voices In our Head'.
It's filled with programmed sounds and designer feedback - a blurry, sonic alchemy that morphs into a quasi religious chant. The technological age's version of psychedelia.
First single,
'Angel's Eyes' is no more accessible and is just as challenging as the first three tracks, and it spins on a hint of the user friendly - if slightly edgy - harmonies and shining guitar sounds of the US West Coast bands of the Hippie Era. The age of aquarius come to the age of Prog Metal.
That's a notion underlined by the fragile, high toned, Neil Young like vocals on
'Down To The Sea', another standout track, awash with crystalline guitars and folky splendour.
'Repeat Mode' shows off the popier side of the band, lining them up with quality contemporary practicioners like Coldplay and
Arcade Fire.
Elsewhere, beautifully sculpted guitar and vocal motifs, pinball off in eastern and western directions, ricocheting off India's carnatic rock just as much as the tough as teak riffs of Black Sabbath.
No question,
'Stars Aligned' is painted from a lavish musical palette, often overloading the songs with colour, texture and finely fashioned musical motifs. It takes a while to adjust, to tune in, to get on the right wavelength, but eventually, inexorably, it will turn you on.
Written by
Brian Saturday, February 26, 2011
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