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Beardfish: Songs For Beating Hearts
 Beardfish's latest masterpiece, Songs for Beating Hearts, surpasses expectations, rivaling their iconic Sleeping In Traffic series. Rikard Sjöblom's collaboration with Big Big Train has infused his songwriting with refined pop sensibilities, blending seamlessly with King Crimson-inspired complexity. This album stands as a testament to Beardfish's growth since their early 2000s beginnings.
The album unfolds with the breathtaking "Ecotone", leading the way to the five-part suite “Out in the Open”, showcasing Sjöblom's keyboard virtuosity, crafting symphonic, dramatic and melodic layers that underscore the band's unique sound. Robert Hansen's bass and Magnus Östgren's drums form a formidable rhythm section, complemented by David Zackrisson's Fripp-inspired angular guitars, particularly in the aforementioned epic 23-minute suite "Out In The Open". Although uncredited, Sjöblom's guitar contributions subtly enhance the album's texture.
Lyrical themes reflect Rikard's recent fatherhood, adding maturity, humanity and compassion to the conceptual narrative. Tracks like "Beating Hearts" and "In the Autumn" exemplify this emotional depth, showcasing Beardfish's ability to craft memorable, yet intricate songs. Standouts include "Ecotone", "Out in The Open", "Beating Hearts", "In the Autumn" and the haunting closer "Torrential Downpour".
Song For Beating Hearts cements Beardfish's status as eclectic progressive rock visionaries, effortlessly blending influences from King Crimson's Red era with their distinct sound. Coherent, beautiful, melodic, progressive, relentless, intricate, memorable and unique, this album is an instant classic. With each listen, its depth and complexity grow, solidifying its place among 2024's best progressive rock releases… highly recommended… cheers!
Track Listing:
1. Ecotone (4:30)
2. Out in the Open, Pt.1 �" Overture (2:23)
3. Out in the Open, Pt.2 �" Oblivion (5:44)
4. Out in the Open, Pt.3 �" Hopes and Dreams (4:23)
5. Out in the Open, Pt.4 �" Oblivion (Reprise) (4:32)
6. Out in the Open, Pt.5 �" Around the Bend (3:30)
7. Beating Hearts (11:00)
8. In the Autumn (5:58)
9. Ecotone (Reprise) (0:43)
10. Torrential Downpour (8:29)
11. Ecotone �" Norrsken 1982 [Bonus Track] (6:13)
Added: December 17th 2024
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score:  
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 1125
Language: english
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Beardfish: Songs For Beating Hearts
Posted by Pete Pardo, SoT Staff Writer on 2024-12-17 19:11:10
My Score:
After 9 years away, beloved Swedish prog outfit Beardfish are back with a brand new album for InsideOut Music, Songs for Beating Hearts. Back are Rikard Sjöblom on keys/vocals (who also pulls double duty in Big Big Train), David Zackrisson on guitars, Robert Hansen on bass, and drummer Magnus Östgren, along with some vocal help from Amanda Örtenhag. Since their last appearance, the Scandinavian prog scene has exploded, but with Songs For Beating Hearts, Bearfish slide right back in like a comfortable old glove, all their trademark characteristics are here as they deliver another spectacular set of modern progressive rock with a healthy nod to the greats of the '70s. The multi-part "Out in the Open" suite is marvelous, full of lovely keyboard textures, silky bass, nimble guitars, and excellent vocal harmonies. "In the Autumn" features a lovely guest vocal from Amanda, and she works so well within these confines that one can only wonder what things would be like if she appeared more with the band.
It's classy stuff all the way here on Songs For Beating Hearts, easily a highlight prog release for 2024, and one that would certainly rank higher for me this year were it not for its late release date as we end another great year for music.
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