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The record begins with a the countdown
from a spacecraft and takes you on a sonic journey of musical
perfection. Reminiscent of the earlier recordings of the Flower
Kings, the opening section begins with the Retropolis era
Rhythm of Life and we
"Check In"
with a sweet piano piece by Tomas
Bodin to the Hotel and meet its many different guests --
"Monsters and Men"
Is a Prog epic about “religious,
cultural and political indifferences in the world today (including
the sad endless religious wars, etc.) and seeing that we all
are so much alike, and that we are ONE, but we constantly
try to "make up" conflicts as if it is the “nutrition” that
we need to stay alive.” The epic is an instant classic anthem
for today’s overwhelmed society. Tomas Bodin’s keys speak
a truth as only he knows how to enable them, while Roine Stolt’s
guitar sings with passion. Hasse Froberg’s voice is powerful
and full of conviction. Roine is the perfect compliment especially
when they harmonize-- Two beautiful voices become one! Marcus
Liliequist’s drumming bangs out a rhythm that is appropriate
and never harsh or overpowering. Jonas Reingold is, as always,
the bass master, as he plays his guitar with classic ease
and grace. He and Marcus are the ultimate rhythm section of
Prog -- bar none! This song has everything you could possibly
hope for in a Prog epic. Massive mellotron, sweeping solos,
heavy and soft sections, meaningful lyrics and most of all
HEART! 5 out of 5 stars for this song alone!****
The Paradox Hotel is full
of a lot of unlikely inhabitants…
"Jealous Boy":
which begins with all instruments
played by Roine and is sung in a sweet falsetto. The beauty
of his voice is betrayed by the lyrics which are sung by a
devil who revels in the pain and suffering of others. But
you can’t help but feel sorry for this lonely and cold jealous
boy…
"Hit Me With Your Hit"
Is an amazing off beat tune that
hits you in the gut with it’s “less is more” mantra of today’s
typical music industry moguls. Empty and hollow this song
is not, and it should be a hit!!! And contrary to the top
forty ethic, it breaks into a sweet jazzy passage with an
amazing Jonas Reingold bass riff and an awesome guitar solo
that is sure to piss off any major record label executive!
Go get ‘em, boys!
"Pioneers of Aviation"
Is a sweeping epic, written by
Roine Stolt, that take you on breathtaking journey high above
the clouds and never lets you down! This gorgeous instrumental
opens with classic Bodin and Stolt innovations (a la Stardust
We Are). An exciting bass solo by Jonas leads into leads the
epic which takes flight with a stunning guitar work by Roine
and never ever touches ground as it soars with classical influences
and lots of rhythmic majesty.
"Lucy Had A Dream"
Is a touching story of a young
woman, sung by an emotional Roine, about a woman who is lost
in a world of loveless men and broken dreams. The music echoes
the sentiment, especially Tomas keys which give the impression
that she is puppet being manipulated by the men in her life
-- but the music tries hard to set her free!
"Bavarian Skies"
Is Roine singing with a "formant"
processing device that makes his timbre sound different and
lower. His voice is eerie and compelling, as he sings from
the point of view an exiled dictator who has taken refuge
at the Paradox Hotel. It is a chilling look inside the thoughts
of a man who is only virtuous in his own mind. He dreams of
past glories as he lies on his deathbed.
"Selfconsuming Fire"
An acoustic guitar solo opens the
next song, a ballad about a business woman who is consumed
by the Self-Consuming Fire. This song is sung by Roine in
a soulful voice about how this woman is working her life away
in search of power. She is another lonely soul who seeks refuge
in the hotel. Powerful and poignant and masterfully done,
this song is another winner among the many.
"Mommy Leave the Light On"
Is an acoustic ballad where Roine
sings with the childlike innocence of a youngster who is afraid
of the dark. This is a beautiful song in all of its sweet
simplicity.
"End On High Note"
Concludes disc one, and is an instant
classic TFK inspirational piece reminiscent of The Flower
King, Church of Your Heat and There Is More To This World.
Its positive message of living life to its fullest and enjoying
every moment demands that this song be sung as the encore
at every show! End on a high note, indeed!****
Disc two begs to ask that
you imagine taking "Minor Giant Steps" in the world.
Hasse sings this one in a vibrant
voice. This song is another instant Prog epic in the vein
of the Truth Will Set You Free and Love Supreme, with wicked
solos by master Stolt and Bodin. “Einstein me, please” if
people don't enjoy this one!
"Touch My Heaven"
A soulful tune written by Tomas
that could’ve easily been found on a Pain of Salvation record!!!
This quirky rocker, sung by Hasse, is about a tortured soul
who is apparently overdosing in one of the many rooms at the
hotel. This is an incredibly delicious piece with its masterful
use of reverb and effects to project a mystical eeriness which
is broken by a luscious guitar solo by Roine at the end. This
song is a masterpiece in and of itself! Amazing!****
Next we have a funky "The
Unorthodox Dancing Lesson"
In the tradition of Unfold the
Future’s Too Late for Tomatoes. This jazz inspired piece is
proggin’ good, with lots of interesting bits to feed the ever
challenging Progressive Rock genre. The band breaks new ground
as they explore a new world of sounds, but yet still manage
to keep it rhythmic and grounded. Funky and fun is the only
way to describe this one! ****
"Man Of The World"
Is a song with music written by
Jonas and words by Roine about a business man whose life is
rushing by as he travels from place to place. This song is
constantly in motion as Hasse sings with an impassioned voice
accented by harmonies with Roine. Jonas also lends his voice
very nicely to the backing vocals of this track. Solos pepper
this very sweet and moving ballad which should be the mantra
of every traveling businessman.
"Life Will Kill You"
is a heavy hitter written by our
very own Hasse Froberg! It is a very quirky, funky, Zepplin-ish
and enjoyable tune that gets you singing along with reckless
abandon in no time! This one is KILLER, complete with a Wall
Street Voodoo-like solo from Roine.****
"The Way The Waters Are Moving"
Mournfully sung by Roine in remembrance
of the victims of the Tsunami. Tomas pounds the keys as if
he could change the sad outcome, but unfortunately we know
that there is nothing that could’ve stopped the disaster from
happening. Sorrowful and deeply poignant, this song resonates
and stays with you.****
An African type rhythm begins this
touching song, another classic Prog ballad,
"What If God Is Alone"
This song is another collaborative
masterpiece with music written by Jonas, lyrics by Roine and
with Hasse adding additional words for the chorus. The song
is about the isolation we feel in this technological day and
age and how we have become so much more alone even though
we are all connected somehow. The song is powerful and positive
with the uplifting message that we can rise above the difficulties
and be one with the world.****
The title track, "Paradox Hotel"
Is a rocker that would fit perfectly
on a Deep Purple record with its catchy rousing chorus which
gets you up and chanting in no time! This is a classic Rock
gem that deserves major radio airplay! Bring it on!****
The last song "Blue Planet"
Is a Roger Waters type reflection
sung by Roine about seeing how peaceful the Earth looks from
space, and how beautiful and united it all seems, without
borders, being just one big unit floating gently in space.
It’s a sweet dream that calls for a gorgeous theme. Roine
plays a sorrowful guitar solo that you wish would never end…
And so we end with a view of the
earth from a spacecraft… royal blue and bright white…and peaceful…
All in all, Paradox Hotel is a masterpiece
consistent in theme, musical integrity and powerful songwriting.
The genius of the Flower Kings shines through on this record
which is the culmination of all their years combined of creating
incredible music. We are all truly blessed to be graced with
these musicians in this day and age!**** GRADE - A
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