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Work of Art: Framework

Work of Art (Lars Säfsund – vocals, Robert Sall – guitars & keyboards, bass and Herman Furin – drums)have been around for about five or six years now since the release of their debut album Artwork. Their sound is clearly inspired by such bands as Toto, Giant and Journey although WOA are possibly closer to West Coast AOR at times. WOA guitar player and main composer Robert Sall also plays in W.E.T, the band project with Jeff Scott Soto and Erik Martensson from Eclipse which is a different beast in most ways.

WOA are much less muscular and in particular much less like Whitesnake in the late 1980s, however, this is very much a record rooted in that time period and I dare say that if it had been released back then it would have potentially been hailed of somewhat of a classic. WOA are all about the soaring choruses, in fact there isn't really a single track on Framework which doesn't have one. That said, after a while the album becomes somewhat indistinguishable as each tune is almost insufferably well-mannered and pleasant. Perhaps more edge would have been the way forward - "Can't Let Go" being a prime example of a song which could possible put some off with its inoffensive positivity. Also, it is very easy to argue that Framework adds nothing especially new to its genre and merely rehashes conventions which we have all heard a million times over the last thirty years. I like it but can see why it may well put others off. That said I'm sure the melodic rock target demographic will fully appreciate this album because when they get it right as on "How Do You Sleep At Night?" the album hints at greatness.


Track Listing:
  1. Time To Let Go
  2. How Will I Know?
  3. Shout 'Till You Wake Up
  4. Can't Let Go
  5. How Do You Sleep At Night?
  6. Over The Line
  7. The Machine
  8. Hold On To Love
  9. Natalie
  10. The Turning Point
  11. My Waking Dream

Added: October 4th 2014
Reviewer: Simon Bray
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1993
Language: english

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Work of Art: Framework
Posted by Steven Reid, SoT Staff Writer on 2014-10-04 06:04:06
My Score:

Not content with providing guitar, bass and some vocals for one of, if not the best Melodic Rock release of 2013 (that's Rise Up from W.E.T., if you hadn't worked it out), Robert Säll returns with the glorious Work Of Art and their third album, Framework, to deliver what may well be 2014's best AOR release! This time round Lars illustrates just how mighty a weapon his fret-work is (something merely hinted at previously in this outfit), as he rips up a storm alongside singer/keyboardist Lars Säfsund and drummer Herman Furin.

Debuting back in 2008 with Artwork, Work Of Art immediately struck a chord with the AOR faithful, their undoubtedly and happily admitted Toto-isms utterly convincing. In Progress continued down a similar path, merely upping the standard of the songwriting in the process to hit home even harder - a trick Framework repeats to make this the best Work Of Art album in what is now a trio of near faultless excursions. However what sets this latest outing apart is the aforementioned heftier rush of guitars and the obvious confidence this band now possess. Vocally Säfsund is simply outstanding, his bright, rich tones absolutely perfect for these uplifting outbursts, while Säll positively revels in a slightly more prominent role, creating sparks that burst into a roaring fire of melodic goodness alongside his band-mate's superb keyboards. Furin too puts in an impressive shift and while he may be the under-sung hero in this trio, there's no doubt that his ability to add colour and urgency to songs that in the wrong percussive hands could slip into a more obvious groove, is priceless.

If you're looking for an immediate illustration as to the powers of Framework, then slide up to "How Do You Sleep At Night?" for a pulsating punch of Melodic Rock which has you smiling from ear to ear on the first run through. Cleverly though, repeat visits merely enhance the power and forcefulness of this upbeat, uplifting number, while the guitar solo is to die for. Add to that the latter day Survivor like burn of "Over The Line", where the atmosphere broods and grinds in a remarkably bouncy fashion, or the more tender "Natalie" where piano leads the way through a softer, more heartfelt mood before the guitar steers things towards a more energetic vibe and really Framework has something for any Melodic Rock/AOR fan.

Work Of Art may only be three albums old, but with lauded live performances at the likes of Firefest under the belt and three albums which in recent years have seldom been bettered, then there's no denying they are already elder statesmen of the current AOR scene. Framework crowns their achievements to date and announces in no little style that there's no sign of their momentum slowing. Best Melodic Rock album of 2014? It's going to take something unexpected and pretty spectacular to steal that honour from Framework and Work Of Art.



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