A Secret River é uma banda sueca de rock progressivo, formada em Gotemburgo no ano de 1995, composta inicialmente pelo baterista John Bergstrand e pelo multi-instrumentista Andreas Alov. A banda passou por um longo período de gestação antes de finalmente lançar seu álbum de estreia em 2014. Essa espera prolongada que se estendeu por quase duas décadas, pode sugerir uma maturação artística minuciosa. Imaginar esses músicos experimentando e refinando suas harmonias e letras ao longo dos anos parece ser uma jornada de aperfeiçoamento em busca de uma identidade sonora única e significativa. Mas não é bem isso.
Acontece que a formação da banda só se completou em 2012, quando a dupla lançou um EP e recebeu a adição do guitarrista Mikael Grafstrom, especializado em música folclórica, e do tecladista Bjorn Sandberg. O álbum de estreia, Colours of Solitude, chegou em 2014 oferecendo um vislumbre do seu estilo progressivo, que para alguns fãs ávidos e desafiadores do gênero, pode parecer faltar audácia para criar sonoridades intrincadas e progressões de acordes surpreendentes. No entanto, isso não significa que a música não seja de qualidade; apenas sugere uma abordagem mais suave e menos experimental.
O álbum traz uma nova formação com a adição da vocalista Elin Bergstrand, que imagino ser irmã de John Bergstrand e a saída do guitarrista Mikael Grafstrom. Os músicos restantes são os mesmos do disco de estreia: Björn Sandberg nos teclados e Andreas Ålöv, que, além de sua função de baixista e vocalista, contribuiu com algumas guitarras rítmicas e teclados. Os notáveis solos de guitarra são oferecidos por três músicos convidados: Johnny Lennartsson, Andreas Allenmark e Lars-Olof Johansson, embora não haja especificação nos créditos em quais faixas cada um contribuiu.
A faixa de abertura, “Celestial Fields”, é envolvente e melódica, com duetos vocais encantadores que adicionam grande charme à peça. Elementos jazzísticos são incorporados de maneira sutil, com destaque para o baixo e teclado. A sonoridade etérea da música realmente faz com que o ouvinte sinta como se estivesse flutuando por um campo celestial. “The Bridge” começa com acordes suaves de guitarra, com os vocais emergindo antes dos demais instrumentos e estabelecendo um ritmo médio. O refrão é melódico, mas a música ganha intensidade após o primeiro refrão, com uma instrumentação densa. A seção rítmica também se destaca, proporcionando uma sonoridade mais pesada e inesperada em sua conclusão.
“Moments” é introduzida por notas elegantes de piano e que são seguidas pela entrada dos outros instrumentos e um solo de guitarra que remete ao tema do piano. A faixa apresenta uma mistura de hard rock e outros momentos mais delicados e melancólicos, com boas linhas de baixo. A faixa-título, “Mirror Universe”, inicia-se com uma base confortável de piano e baixo, permitindo que a voz doce e etérea de Elin brilhe. A guitarra e a bateria entram para criar um ritmo médio, e então a música ganha mais intensidade após o primeiro refrão. A seção rítmica se destaca novamente, e o solo de órgão adiciona um toque jazzístico à faixa, que termina com o tema inicial.
“Beyond My Fears” apresenta uma predominância dos trabalhos de guitarra, oferecendo uma sonoridade tranquila e otimista, com uma melodia cativante e arranjos bem elaborados. A guitarra adiciona um solo breve e intenso, destacando-se dentro da simplicidade da peça. “The Pain You Didn't See” é completamente instrumental, começando com um piano melancólico que rapidamente evolui para um ritmo médio conduzido por uma guitarra melódica. As linhas de piano e a seção rítmica são trabalham muito bem, mas a guitarra se destaca com suas nuances e texturas emocionantes, criando uma rica tapeçaria de sentimentos. O álbum encerra-se com “Billions of Souls”, um épico de quase 16 minutos que destaca a riqueza musical e a habilidade da banda em explorar diversas emoções e atmosferas - algo que poderia ter feito durante todo o álbum. A faixa faz uma homenagem à tradição do rock progressivo sueco, lembrando o som do Flower Kings. Conforme a peça avança, todos os músicos têm a oportunidade de brilhar, contribuindo para um senso coeso de direção e propósito. Próximo dos 10 minutos, a música parece chegar a um final falso com um acorde de piano, mas rapidamente retorna com uma seção mais transcendental, onde os arranjos se tornam etéreos e expansivos. Cada nota carrega um significado profundo, evocando uma sensação de serenidade e contemplação. O final é surpreendente e poético, encerrando o disco de forma cativante.
Mirror Universe pode não ser um álbum de rock progressivo ousado ou excessivamente complexo, mas isso não representa um problema, pois claramente não era essa a proposta da banda. Apesar de sua abordagem mais discreta, o álbum flui com leveza e elegância. Apenas espero que a banda não demore outra década para lançar seu próximo disco.
================================A Secret River is a Swedish progressive rock band formed in Gothenburg in 1995, initially composed of drummer John Bergstrand and multi-instrumentalist Andreas Alov. The band underwent a long period of gestation before finally releasing their debut album in 2014. This prolonged wait, which spanned nearly two decades, might suggest a meticulous artistic maturation. Imagining these musicians experimenting and refining their harmonies and lyrics over the years seems like a journey of perfection in search of a unique and meaningful sonic identity. But that’s not quite the case.
The truth is that the band’s lineup was only completed in 2012 when the duo released an EP and added guitarist Mikael Grafström, a folk music specialist, and keyboardist Björn Sandberg. The debut album, Colours of Solitude, arrived in 2014, offering a glimpse of their progressive style, which, for some avid and challenging fans of the genre, might seem to lack the boldness to create intricate soundscapes and surprising chord progressions. However, this doesn’t mean the music is of lesser quality; it simply suggests a softer and less experimental approach.
The album presents a new lineup with the addition of vocalist Elin Bergstrand, whom I imagine is John Bergstrand’s sister, and the departure of guitarist Mikael Grafström. The remaining musicians are the same from the debut album: Björn Sandberg on keyboards and Andreas Ålöv, who, in addition to his role as bassist and vocalist, contributed some rhythm guitars and keyboards. The notable guitar solos are offered by three guest musicians: Johnny Lennartsson, Andreas Allenmark, and Lars-Olof Johansson, although there is no specification in the credits regarding which tracks each contributed to.
The opening track, "Celestial Fields," is engaging and melodic, with charming vocal duets that add great allure to the piece. Jazz elements are subtly incorporated, with the bass and keyboards standing out. The ethereal sound of the music truly makes the listener feel as if they are floating through a celestial field. "The Bridge" begins with soft guitar chords, with the vocals emerging before the other instruments, setting a mid-tempo rhythm. The chorus is melodic, but the music gains intensity after the first chorus, with dense instrumentation. The rhythm section also stands out, providing a heavier and unexpected sound in its conclusion.
"Moments" is introduced by elegant piano notes, followed by the entrance of the other instruments and a guitar solo that echoes the piano theme. The track presents a mix of hard rock and more delicate, melancholic moments, with good bass lines. The title track, "Mirror Universe," starts with a comfortable base of piano and bass, allowing Elin’s sweet and ethereal voice to shine. The guitar and drums enter to create a mid-tempo rhythm, and then the music gains more intensity after the first chorus. The rhythm section stands out again, and the organ solo adds a jazzy touch to the track, which ends with the initial theme.
"Beyond My Fears" features a predominance of guitar work, offering a peaceful and optimistic sound, with a catchy melody and well-crafted arrangements. The guitar adds a brief and intense solo, standing out within the simplicity of the piece. "The Pain You Didn't See" is entirely instrumental, beginning with a melancholic piano that quickly evolves into a mid-tempo driven by a melodic guitar. The piano lines and rhythm section work very well together, but the guitar stands out with its nuances and exciting textures, creating a rich tapestry of emotions. The album concludes with "Billions of Souls," an epic nearly 16 minutes long that showcases the band’s musical richness and ability to explore various emotions and atmospheres—something that could have been done throughout the entire album. The track pays homage to the tradition of Swedish progressive rock, reminiscent of the sound of The Flower Kings. As the piece progresses, all the musicians have the opportunity to shine, contributing to a cohesive sense of direction and purpose. Around the 10-minute mark, the music seems to reach a false ending with a piano chord, but it quickly returns with a more transcendental section where the arrangements become ethereal and expansive. Each note carries deep meaning, evoking a sense of serenity and contemplation. The ending is surprising and poetic, closing the album in a captivating manner.
Mirror Universe may not be a bold or overly complex progressive rock album, but that’s not a problem, as it’s clear that wasn’t the band’s intention. Despite its more understated approach, the album flows with lightness and elegance. I just hope the band doesn’t take another decade to release their next record.
NOTA: 7/10
Tracks Listing
1. Celestial Fields (7:50)
2. The Bridge (4:51)
3. Moments (8:49)
4. Mirror Universe (5:44)
5. Beyond My Fears (7:04)
6. The Pain You Didn't See (4:54)
7. Billions of Souls (15:45)
Ouça, "Mirror Universe"
A Secret River is a Swedish progressive rock band formed in Gothenburg in 1995, initially composed of drummer John Bergstrand and multi-instrumentalist Andreas Alov. The band underwent a long period of gestation before finally releasing their debut album in 2014. This prolonged wait, which spanned nearly two decades, might suggest a meticulous artistic maturation. Imagining these musicians experimenting and refining their harmonies and lyrics over the years seems like a journey of perfection in search of a unique and meaningful sonic identity. But that’s not quite the case.
The truth is that the band’s lineup was only completed in 2012 when the duo released an EP and added guitarist Mikael Grafström, a folk music specialist, and keyboardist Björn Sandberg. The debut album, Colours of Solitude, arrived in 2014, offering a glimpse of their progressive style, which, for some avid and challenging fans of the genre, might seem to lack the boldness to create intricate soundscapes and surprising chord progressions. However, this doesn’t mean the music is of lesser quality; it simply suggests a softer and less experimental approach.
The album presents a new lineup with the addition of vocalist Elin Bergstrand, whom I imagine is John Bergstrand’s sister, and the departure of guitarist Mikael Grafström. The remaining musicians are the same from the debut album: Björn Sandberg on keyboards and Andreas Ålöv, who, in addition to his role as bassist and vocalist, contributed some rhythm guitars and keyboards. The notable guitar solos are offered by three guest musicians: Johnny Lennartsson, Andreas Allenmark, and Lars-Olof Johansson, although there is no specification in the credits regarding which tracks each contributed to.
The opening track, "Celestial Fields," is engaging and melodic, with charming vocal duets that add great allure to the piece. Jazz elements are subtly incorporated, with the bass and keyboards standing out. The ethereal sound of the music truly makes the listener feel as if they are floating through a celestial field. "The Bridge" begins with soft guitar chords, with the vocals emerging before the other instruments, setting a mid-tempo rhythm. The chorus is melodic, but the music gains intensity after the first chorus, with dense instrumentation. The rhythm section also stands out, providing a heavier and unexpected sound in its conclusion.
"Moments" is introduced by elegant piano notes, followed by the entrance of the other instruments and a guitar solo that echoes the piano theme. The track presents a mix of hard rock and more delicate, melancholic moments, with good bass lines. The title track, "Mirror Universe," starts with a comfortable base of piano and bass, allowing Elin’s sweet and ethereal voice to shine. The guitar and drums enter to create a mid-tempo rhythm, and then the music gains more intensity after the first chorus. The rhythm section stands out again, and the organ solo adds a jazzy touch to the track, which ends with the initial theme.
"Beyond My Fears" features a predominance of guitar work, offering a peaceful and optimistic sound, with a catchy melody and well-crafted arrangements. The guitar adds a brief and intense solo, standing out within the simplicity of the piece. "The Pain You Didn't See" is entirely instrumental, beginning with a melancholic piano that quickly evolves into a mid-tempo driven by a melodic guitar. The piano lines and rhythm section work very well together, but the guitar stands out with its nuances and exciting textures, creating a rich tapestry of emotions. The album concludes with "Billions of Souls," an epic nearly 16 minutes long that showcases the band’s musical richness and ability to explore various emotions and atmospheres—something that could have been done throughout the entire album. The track pays homage to the tradition of Swedish progressive rock, reminiscent of the sound of The Flower Kings. As the piece progresses, all the musicians have the opportunity to shine, contributing to a cohesive sense of direction and purpose. Around the 10-minute mark, the music seems to reach a false ending with a piano chord, but it quickly returns with a more transcendental section where the arrangements become ethereal and expansive. Each note carries deep meaning, evoking a sense of serenity and contemplation. The ending is surprising and poetic, closing the album in a captivating manner.
Mirror Universe may not be a bold or overly complex progressive rock album, but that’s not a problem, as it’s clear that wasn’t the band’s intention. Despite its more understated approach, the album flows with lightness and elegance. I just hope the band doesn’t take another decade to release their next record.
NOTA: 7/10
Tracks Listing
1. Celestial Fields (7:50)
2. The Bridge (4:51)
3. Moments (8:49)
4. Mirror Universe (5:44)
5. Beyond My Fears (7:04)
6. The Pain You Didn't See (4:54)
7. Billions of Souls (15:45)
Ouça, "Mirror Universe"
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