Blomljud (Blomljud Records, 2008)
Blomljud (meaning flower sound) is a double album by Swedish progressive symphonic rock band Moon Safari. What characterizes this fine band is the use of well-crafted vocal harmonies with state of the art instrumental symphonic rock.
The lyrics are in English and you will find very little solo vocal parts. Instead, all of Moon Safari’s instrumentalists are excellent vocalists as well, creating vocal harmonies with the participation of most of the band members. Their best vocal work is when the musicians go into a complex jazz harmony direction, with a strong American flavor, think of a cappella acts like The Hi-Lo’s, Manhattan Transfer or Take 6. Other times, they shift to classic prog harmonies in Yes or Starcastle mode; and even into a less interesting sweet pop direction reminiscent of the Beach Boys and 10CC.
On the instrumental Sadie, Blomljud is a real treat for progressive rock fans. Moon Safari uses a wide range of keyboards, such as grand piano, organ, synthesizers and mellotron plus special effects and various forms of guitar, including the fabulous wailing sound of the pedal steel guitar. Musical influences range from early Yes to progressive rock-era Genesis and IQ.
In great progressive rock tradition, Blomljud includes several epics, including the impressive Other Half Of The Sky, which is 31:42 minutes long. This ambitious piece and other cuts on the album include excellent arrangements with transitions that flow seamlessly. Moon Safari also combines beautiful acoustic pastoral moments with high energy instrumental passages.
The line-up on Blomljud includes Simon Åkesson on lead and backing vocals, piano, moog synthesizers, mellotrons, Hammond organ, piano accordion, special effects, and choir arrangements; Petter Sandström on lead and backing vocals, 12-string acoustic guitar, electric guitar, special effects; Pontus Åkesson on electric guitars, 6 & 12-string guitars, mandolin, backing vocals; Johan Westerlund on bass, lead vocals; and Tobias Lundgren on drums, percussion, backing vocals.
The album also features several guests musicians, including former member and band founder Anthon Johansson on electric guitar; Anders Pettersson on pedal steel guitar; Andreas Persson on percussion; Måns Axelsson-Ljung on violin, fiddles; and Mona Falk on cello.
Moon Safari was formed in 2003. Their first album was A Doorway to Summer, released in 2005. The album reviewed here, Blomljud, came out in 2008. The third album, Lover’s End was released in 2010. Their latest recording is another double album, this time a live set titled The Gettysburg Address (2012), released just a few weeks ago.
Blomljud is an impressive progressive rock release with all the right ingredients, including a unique vocal style.
Buy the album:
In North America: Blomljud
In Europe: Blomljud
Listen to samples and buy MP3s at:
I am new to Moon Safari, coming aboard as a fan with the Himmelbachen albums and continued to appreciate the groups music and harmonies, now having purchased”Blomljud”. Comparisons to Yes and the Beach Boys are very apt and I have ordered 4 other cds by Moon Safari from Burning Shed. “Door to Summer” I will order from Amazon. Keep up the great music and please include Milwaukee, Wisconsin on your next(?) tour of the States!