Yet again another Swedish gem arrives for your listen pleasure. Brighteye Brison's third release Believers & Deceivers is great example of full-fledged symphonic rock. The band consists of two keyboard players (grand piano, hammond organ, mellotron, rhodes, wurlitzer, pipe organ, clavinet, cp-70 and synthesizers), guitar, bass and drums. They also use saxophone, trumpet, mandolin, theremin, and xylophone to add to their full body sound. Three of the band members sing so you are provided with some very nice vocal harmonies and they each take turns singing lead vocals. Overall their sound has a positive feel that hearkens back to the 70's and at the same time sounds fresh and modern.
The CD consists of four tracks, the first being the shortest at just over five minutes long. This track reminds me a bit of A.C.T. with some very nice vocals and an up-tempo feel. Even though this is their shortest track there are some nice changes in it and a long instrumental passage. The second track is little longer at seven and a half minutes long. Here we have a song that has a Flower Kings feel to it. I also hear a little bit of Bruford (Jeff Berlin vocal era). This song has a very active bass line that changes through the song, with multiple keyboard sounds and a strong guitar solo. The next two tracks are two epics at twenty minutes and thirty-five minutes and this is where the band really shines. In these songs you will hear influence from Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Pink Floyd, Soft Machine, Caravan, Camel, Supertramp, IQ, Spock's Beard, Flower Kings and more. Both these tracks have many tempo and mood changes; spacey, somber acoustic, majestic all the way to hard rocking parts. The band really does a good job of making everything flow smoothly with all these changes. As an added bonus you get to hear some real pipe organ on these tunes.
I have to say this is one of the best CD's I have listened to this year. What I really enjoy about this album is how the band use their influences to make it sound familiar, yet at the same time sounds exciting and new. What else could you ask for- great musicianship, strong compositions, a variety of vocal arrangements, and interesting lyrics all in a positive sound. I am a Believer.
Track Listing
1. Pointless Living
2. After The Storm
3. The Harvest
4. The Grand Event
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