| The
Review |
Grand
Stand's music is nothing short of, well........, grand. Hailing
from Sweden, Grand Stand plays highly melodic, symphonic prog
ala Flower Kings, and Genesis. In fact, all band members state
Genesis as a favorite band, hence the influence, not emulation.
Grand Stand's second album, 'Tricks Of Time' is definately
a top pick for any prog lovers collection.
In the personnel department, Grand Stand is: Tomas Hurtig-Drums
and Voice; Goran Johnsson-Lead Vocals, Bass, Keyboards; Michael
Rank Jensen-Guitars, Bass, Vocals; Olov Andersson-Keyboards,
Synthesizers, Vocals.
The musicianship on 'Tricks Of Time' is great. The band is
tight, and plays as a unit, not like four guys playing at
the same time. It's refreshing to my ears to hear younger
musicians that play like seasoned pros. However, their musicianship
is only surpassed by their compositions.
Dynamic, and captivating, the tunes on this disc are on a
par with some of the most important prog acts today. The music
takes plently of twists and turns, and has plently on room
to move as well. Some excellent solos are provided by keyboardist
Andersson and guitarist Jensen. Tight drumming, and some atypical
rhythm patterns (that add much to the music) by drummer Hurtig.
One of the bands strongest points is taking a theme and then
twisting it around and moving it in different directions._The
tangents taken on some of the instrumental breaks have a strong
Genesis flavor, and are worthy of the comparison.
Highlights include the 16:00 'Old Man's Tale' , not to mention
the rest of the disc... A must for fans of Genesis and The
Flower Kings, and quality prog in general. A 10 of 10!!
HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED! (review by Eric Louis)
|
