I only discovered this band barely twelve hours ago at the time of this writing, and it's already motivated me to write up a whole blogpost all about them. Just... wow...
Moon Safari are a Swedish band (formed in 2003), and their music is classed under the general heading of progressive rock, like 90% of the stuff I look at on this blog. However, these guys really stand out from the crowd, with their sheer melodic genius. All five members of the band sing on this album in some capacity, something that is a rarity among bands in general. Their harmonies throughout the entirety of the album (just over 100 minutes, incidentally) are simply amazing, beyond anything I had expected when I got hold of the album.
To specify their music would probably involve the words folk and symphonic prog - it's a real eclectic mix of the two, with both elements heavily present.
One of the main draws to the album for me personally is the quality of the melodies and textures employed - I haven't heard anything this refreshing since I got into the Beatles over a year ago, when I began my journey of musical enlightenment... :P
Another important thing to note is that I easily get bored from overly long epics - ie. 15 minutes plus.
However, these guys managed to get me to listen to the entirety of a 30 minute song, and I was actively listening and enjoying it throughout. I have never come across a song that has been that engaging before. I am still in awe that a band has managed to write a song that did that.
If one is to compare Moon Safari to any other bands, I would consider it a blend of the Beach Boys melodies/harmonies and the ingenuity of early pastoral Genesis. There's probably a better equivalent for the "folk" side, but that's what comes to mind when I draw comparisons. In all honesty, though, nothing really sounds like these guys.
One other thing to note is the actual mood of the album. The title, Blomljud actually means "sounds of flowers" in Swedish, and it's certainly a central theme to the album as a whole. I know that that translation will probably provoke ideas of hippies etc. but this isn't really the same. The album is a real pick-upper, but not in a cheesy way, which is really a strange thing, now that I really think about it. There are of course little slight sad undertones every now and then, but overall it's pretty positive when looking back at it. Probably another reason why I had to write a review for it as soon as I could. It's really quite an anomaly among my music collection - non-cheesy positive music. The rest of my stuff is either neutral or depressing, which can get a bit much after a while.
Anyway, I guess I should give a quick run-down of all the tracks now. :P
1. Constant Bloom (1:27)
This is an acapella track, and I personally love the implied chord progressions going on here. I've watched a few vids of these guys performing this live, and I'm very pleased to see that they can actually pull this off. Excellent starter.
9.0/10
2. Methuselah's Children (15:43)
The symphonic element is definitely present in this mini-epic, where synths frequently handle the lead sections. This is also where the prog element in general comes into play, with some unusual time signatures being introduced at will. One section in particular starting at 8:22 highlights this.
8.8/10
3. In the Countryside (5:43)
A rather poppy number, this. It probably comes the closest to cheesy that Moon Safari get - which isn't much, to clarify. However, with a name like that, it's sorta clear what tone the song is. Still damn enjoyable, though. Some nice slide guitar comes into play towards the end of the song, and my favourite part happens to be the outro, which naturally serves as the climax. Beautiful harmonies here.
8.8/10
4. Moonwalk (8:49)
The symphonic element returns again here. Chord progressions are excellent here - love the major to minor changes in songs - they aren't used enough. :P
Incidentally, this happens to be the only instrumental on the album - rather unusual for a prog band, really, considering they like to showcase their abilities more often than perhaps they should. These guys concentrate on actual songwriting, though, which is a huge breath of breath air, along with the general mood that I talked about earlier. Just pure awesome.
8.6/10
5. Bluebell (10:11)
This is a very interesting song from a theory point of view. Most of it is in 5/8 - a challenge in itself to purely keep the flow going, but these guys manage to even write something actually worth listening to. Great song, although I enjoy most of the album more than this. That's got to say something about the consistency here.
8.5/10
6. The Ghost of Flowers Past (9:46)
I freaking love the chord progression here. From major to diminished is a beautiful chord change, and it works amazingly here. Combined with the piano and mellotron, this makes for probably the most somber track on the album.
Another thing to note about this song is the creepy Arabic vibe that takes place in a few sections throughout - something that gives me the chills.
Absolutely stunning dual keyboard and guitar solo as well. Simply put, the chord progressions throughout just put a smile on my face. F***ing brilliant.
9.4/10
7. Yasgur's Farm (8:06)
This is a much more light-hearted song in mood. I put it in the same group as In the Countryside, although, it's on the symphonic side of things, as opposed to folk for Countryside. This is actually probably the weakest song on the album, but it's still damn good, which I can't really get my head around. It's insane.
8.3/10
8. Lady of the Woodlands (3:37)
This gives off a real Irish jig vibe.
... SIT BACK DOWN!
Whether you associate that with "bad" music or whatever, this is an awesome fusion of Irish music with... folk, I guess? I know the two aren't that dissimilar, but it's definitely not one or the other.
The chorus harmonies are a highlight, and it's a nice, relatively short (for once) upbeat song.
8.7/10
9. A Tale of Three and Tree (3:28)
This feels like a ballad, and has a very interesting meandering chord progression. It's the sort that I've always wanted to be able to write, so I'm always fascinated when trying to figure it out. As per custom with chord progressions, it tickles the right buttons for me, personally, and this is probably the peak of harmonising on the album. It's unreal, the melodies in this song.
8.9/10
10. Other Half of the Sky (31:44)
Unlike many massive epics, this song actually friggin properly starts, without any long, drawn-out ambient intro shit. Well, for one thing, it wouldn't fit the determined style, but it's also just so damn welcome. I hate having to wait a few minutes for an actual song to start, to only find out that it's a dull song with no colour.
Thank God it's not the case here, that's all I can say.
I'm guessing that my readers are perhaps getting a little tired of me mentioning chord progressions? :P
Well, too bad, will mention them one more time - throughout this song, they are engaging. Something that many bands could learn from, in my opinion. So many songs are ruined by dull and uninspired melodies and chord progressions.
Just wow... I can listen to this entranced for the whole time, and then it will end abruptly for me. Thirty minutes passes by incredibly fast when listening to this.
I can't believe what rating I'm giving this, for such a long song...
8.9/10
11. To Sail Beyond the Sunset (5:18)
This feels like a sister song to The Ghost of Flowers Past - the tone is similar, and both feature prominent piano. The arpeggios throughout make the song have a sort of swirling quality, and gives it a real dreamy feel. An interesting choice for the closer, but since every song is so close in quality, it makes for a fine choice.
8.8/10
The main thing that simply took me so aback by this album in summary is the fact that I enjoy every single track. That is incredibly rare, if not unprecedented in my book.
Anyway, if you are interested in taking a look, have a listen to The Ghost of Flowers Past and Lady of the Woodlands. If you enjoyed those, then this whole album is definitely your bag.
Overall album score: 8.8/10
Personnel
Simon Åkesson – lead and backing vocals, piano, moogs, mellotrons, hammond organ, piano accordion, SFX, choir arrangements
Petter Sandström – lead and backing vocals, 12-string acoustic guitar, occasional electric guitar, SFX
Pontus Åkesson – electric guitars, 6 & 12-string guitars, mandolin, backing vocals
Johan Westerlund – bass, lead vocals
Tobias Lundgren – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Track listing:
Disc One
1. "Constant Bloom" - 1:27
2. "Methuselah's Children" - 15:43
3. "In the Countryside" - 5:43
4. "Moonwalk" - 8:49
5. "Bluebells" - 10:11
6. "The Ghost of Flowers Past" - 9:46
Disc Two
1. "Yasgur's Farm - 8:06
2. "Lady of the Woodlands" - 3:37
3. "A Tale of Three and Tree" - 3:28
4. "Other Half of the Sky" - 31:44
5. "To Sail Beyond the Sunset" - 5:18
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