If ever there was a band that defined the sub-genre ‘Crossover prog’ then it this Swedish trio, who mix pop and prog in equal measures to create something that is beautiful, exciting, enthralling and engaging in equal measures. There is a really clean sound to this as it brings together music in a way quite similar to that of their artwork. If you want to listen to this as a progressive rock album then there are plenty of layers and intricacies to discover, but if you want to just view this as beautifully crafted melodic power pop then there are plenty of hooks. To me this brings together the very best of the Seventies and Eighties but updates the sound for today. Some reference bands would be 10CC (‘Deceptive Bends’ era), City Boy and ELO with Styx and even Jean Michel Jarre also making an appearance.
This really is an album that is totally accessible and enjoyable the very first time it is played, and from there on in it just keeps getting better. There are times when spacey keyboards take centre stage, but at others it is the bass, or acoustic guitar, or lush vocals, or, well you get the idea. It is fresh, it is fun, it is a bloody fine album. Available from Bandcamp as a digital download (name your price), or a CD can also be ordered instead, www.dynamobliss.com.
