1. Pointless Living
2. After the Storm
3. The Harvest
4. The Grand Event
Year: 2008
Label: Progress Records
To get this review started, I’ll give you some information on the band
itself, because perhaps many of you haven’t heard of Brighteye Brison
yet. Luis Kase, a fan of prog-rock of the 70s, studied at the Royal
Academy of Music in Stockholm from 1996 to 2000. It is at the Academy
where he met Kristofer Eng, bass guitarist who just like him was the fan
of Yes-like sounds. Their common interests and fascinations led them to
form a group in 2000 which apart from the above mentioned musician
included also Daniel Kase – a drummer. A guitarist – Johan Oijen joined
in the same year and in 2006 a key-board player Per Hallman. In 2007
Eric Hammerstron replaced Daniel Kase as band’s drummer
In 2008 the band recorded its third album called „Believers and
Deceivers”. There are only 4 songs on the album, however, it’ s enough
to have a look at their times and everything becomes clear. Each
consecutive track is longer and more complex from the previous one and
„The Grand Event” which closes the album lasts for more than 34 minutes
(!!) The structure of the album is planned out in a very interesting
way. To my mind it resembles getting through stages in a game – as you
progress the tracks become more difficult and recquire from you more
commitment and attention. Each consecutive track consumes more time and
you can’t „win” easily just after one try.
Those who miss the atmosphere of the 70s in present-day prog-rock should
have a try on this album as soon as possible. „Belivers and Deceivers”
is a tribute to such groups as Genesis, Yes and ELP. You won’t find any
electronic intricacies, the band does not draw on modern technologies.
Delicate sounds of analogue instruments get to the forefront, there are
some intriguing vocal parts arranged for a few voices, spacial,
psychodelic keyboard sounds which are close to improvisation add to the
atmosphere of the 70s. From time to time the band gives us some crazy,
twisted jazz pices, there are some heavy guitar lines, sometimes it’s
melodious, sometimes in the jungle of sounds you have to search for the
melody. The album is rich in acoustic guitar lines, sounds of saxophone
and pipe organs. Thanks to the wide variety of instruments used on the
album, talented musitians and their ideas, the album will definately
fascinate those who love prog-rock music of the 70s. I must admit that
it’s not an easy album, it’s not possible to comprehend it even after
you’ve heard it several times. Although an opening track „Pointless
Living” is quite an easy piece, each consecutive track is a
challenge…but is there anyone who does not like challenges…?
especially if you consider that on another try the album will reveal
some more of its secrets…
8/10
Piotr Michalski
translation: Gosia Michalska
