Stumbled into another fantastic album and band; by taking a chance. I just love that serendipitous effect! Didn’t expect much from the music from the album cover art; but when I started listening to this I said to myself, “this may be the melodic/progressive rock album of 2021”. Absolutely amazing music, for sure. Surprised and delighted. Please give this a chance.
Cap Outrun is a Swedish melodic, progressive rock band from Sweden. They were formed in 2007. The band is made up of: Chandler Mogel, the lead vocalist; Andrée Theander, on guitars and backing vocals; Linus Abrahamson, on bass; Johan Ludvig Rask, on drums and percussion; and André Egbo, on keyboards.
Cap Outrun also had some special guests perform on this album, including: Erik Gafvelin Wiss, on keyboards and programming; Carl Tudén, on drums and percussion; Hugo Lundwall, on bass on the song, ”Run Before We Walk”; and Sebastian Freij, on cello on ”Our Brightest Day”.
The band has also released a self-produced EP, “Influence Grind”, back in 2008. They have brought back the band in order to meld their progressive and melodic sides into a new, dynamic, genre spanning band. I say, “Mission Accomplished!”.
The opener, “Crazy Enough”, has an accompanying video which is fun to watch. When I saw it, I couldn’t help but see the similarities in the likeness of Chandler Mogel and a young Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. But this music is not Aerosmith, However, they are a similar band, in that they have found a way to combine progressive rock with AOR. (By the way, I will be happy to debate anyone, that “Dream On”, is one of the best progressive rock songs of the 1970s). But this is a great melodic rock song to open the album or any live shows, coming soon.
“High on Deception”, the title track, is one of the best songs on the album. It opens with brilliant piano. Then Chandler Mogel takes over with great singing of the wonderful lyrics, “We had it all, no need to compete. Come take my hand and we will dance in the masquerade. I’m high on deception, won’t you please break on through”. Then, a cool progressive rock guitar and keyboards integrated segment begins. Perfect. The drums are great and the closing keyboards magnificent.
“Disaster Mindset”, opens with a piano solo that could take you back to some of your memories of Queen and Supertramp. Mogel’s heartfelt delivery of the emotional lyrics on this song will have you agreeing with me that this is one of the best ballads of 2021. Then, they unleash those keyboards and an instrumental extravaganza pleases your ears with memories of your favorites. The guitar solo that follows is also perfect. It is such a wonderful thing, when everything comes together so perfectly in a song. I imagine it is very difficult to do, but this band accomplishes it often on this album.
“In the Shade of the Masquerade”, has a later era Saga feel to it. Maybe, the Behavior, era. The keyboards are perfect, as are the guitar solos. Plenty to enjoy here along with great vocals and lyrics.
“Shadows on the Wall”, opens with deep, cool keyboards and electric guitar. A Styx kind of opening that turns towards Saga. Very impressive opening. The drums are killer. This is an epic track, at over 9 minutes, compared to the others that clock in around 4 minutes. So, this is their progressive statement and it is powerful. A commentary on the state of the world…a changing world…for sure. Mogel sings, “Oh, can’t you see it? The truth surrounds us all. Or is it just an illusion. Like shadows on the wall?”, with early Dream Theater-like music flowing all around the soundscape. The song even sounds like a short story about being imprisoned, giving you that progressive influence. Love the keyboards on this track, but the guitar work is also spectacular.
If you had to compare Mogel’s vocals to anyone, I’d say the closest is Kansas’ Ronnie Platt. You can really hear it on “Our Brightest Day’. It is a bright song, like the type Kansas would write and play. Mogel sings a descriptive reason for this band to get back together after their hiatus, “Taking chances without fear. Found a place where we can trust again. Now we’re flying high not afraid to try. The shiny future in our hands. And the brightest day is yet to come”. Whether it is a love song or a statement, I like it for sure.
“My Destination”, opens like a return to the sound of Saga’s Behavior. Cool and relaxed. Mogel sings, “Man, I was born without a manual or a map. But there is one thing I know. My destination, is not too far from here! ”. I think this band will only find a larger audience too.
“Run Before We Walk”, opens with great keyboards, then punching drums and percussion. A song about dealing with life’s expectations. Brilliant guitar solos.
“As Long as You Believe”, is a cool, bluesy tune that will only compliment the band’s ability to expand their pallet beyond just melodic or progressive rock music.
“Dopamine Overflow”, opens with a very cool guitar and keyboard solo that will blow you away! Powerful, gut punching drums and percussion gets this talented, diverse band off and running. This is an instrumental closer present, full of some of the best guitar soloing, drums and keyboards on the album. A chance to show off this band’s dynamic abilities. Just sit back and enjoy. Play at full volume to appreciate all the layers of sound.
This album was a great surprise, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Nice way to end the great year of 2021, and start 2022. Not a bad song here. Found another fun band to follow, early in 2022. Go out and get this one. If you could combine Saga, Dream Theater, and Kansas, you might have this band. Anyway, you will not be disappointed.
Track List
- Crazy Enough – 4:50
- High on Deception – 4:18
- Disaster Mindset – 4:37
- In the Shade of the Masquerade – 4:02
- Shadows on the Wall – 9:15
- Our Brightest Day – 3:56
- My Destination – 5:01
- Run Before We Walk – 4:36
- As Long as You Believe – 6:42
- Dopamine Overflow – 5:57
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