Mangrove : A Distant Dream of Tomorrow

Is Mangrove Sweden's answer to Black Sabbath? Maybe! What I would say is that they have been massively influenced by Sabbaths style and approach, which is very evident in the approach that Mangrove has taken recording this album. In the thirty seven minute plus presented here, the band has succinctly nailed the tone and ethos of Sabbath. If you listen closely you can also hear influences of classic rock bands such as Rush and Zeppelin too. Their approach and sound also highlights their love of bands such as Grand Funk, Cream and Mountain. There is no doubt whatsoever that they are passionate about the musical era of the 70's.

The album is nice, and that's the problem, even with their 70's grass roots approach, an era that they seemly profess to love, which would seem obvious with what has been presented here; they haven't created anything that hasn't already been done before. When you scratch under the surface the power trio wear their influences heavily on their sleeves, a homage to their heroes, no more no less. This doesn't make the album bad; it's just that it has all been done before in various guises. The band has put to good use the chugging guitar riffs, some nice lead breaks, pounding bass and drums mixed with all the expected satanic references for good measure. As a sophomore album Magnus Jernström, Fredrik Broqvist, Jani Kataja definitely knew what they want to achieve and have succeeded. It will be certainly interesting to see where they go next.

All in all it is an average psychedelic stoner rock album that has some energy and power, with standout tracks including Black Sun, Mean Woman Bluesand Mean Woman Blues .

Track Listing
1 Black Sun
2 A Distant Dream of Tomorrow
3 Never Again
4 I've Been Seen Upon the Sun
5 Mean Woman Blues
6 Falling Through Time
7 Odd John's Mindtrip
8 Walk Over the Oceans
9 Legend Roads
10 Chant of the Seas

Added: February 13th 2011
Reviewer: John OBoyle
Score:
Related Link: www.myspace.com/mangrovesweden
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Language: english

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