SVEN LARSSON - review added 23rd March 2010
Album Review: Sunlight And Shadow (2010)
For fans of: Prog Rock... and cartoon petrol pumps
Swedish singer/guitarist/songwriter Sven Larsson has been toting his wares on the music scene for more than a decade now. He's recorded albums with prog rockers Galleon, Xinema, and a number of releases with the well regarded AOR band Street Talk.
Sunlight And Shadows is Sven's first solo release and continues the style of work he has done previously. It seamlessly blends light prog, Westcoast rock and a few heavier elements. His guitar playing is excellent, although quite different from the more virtuoso style used by some 'big' guitarists. He's quite soft in his approach, and that pay's dividends in giving this album an individual character.
Sven also sings on Sunlight And Shadows, and his voice is a decently mellow affair. Joining him are Thomas Eriksson who adds lead vocals on tracks 9 & 10 and backing vocals throughout, Christian Johansson and Lasse Vänngård on drums, Per Lindström and Björn Lodmark on bass, Fredrik Bergh, Sören Karlsson and Pelle Larsson on keys, and Stefan Zell on backing vocals.
Opener 'Sunlight And Shadow' is a nice airy feel good track. It lacks any real oomph or a big hook, but it's pleasant all the same. The breathtaking 'Eagle' is a blast from the past. The late 1970s chorus is a thing to behold, and the chilled beauty of the track as a whole is superb. 'This Is Not The Right Time' is another inoffensive track that's easy to listen to and equally easy to forget.
The ye-olde-styled 'Daydreamer' is a better effort, although still too understated. 'Fly On By' has some lovely melodies and a few subtle but effective hooks, but again it's all too sweet and quiet. The cool instrumental 'Tube' leads into the excellent 'Bastard'; a much more rocking entry with a great chorus. 'It's Over' is a slow, sad number with memorable moments but, again, an understated whole. 'I'll Turn My Back' has a much better feel than most tracks on the album. It's heavier nature and more pumping rhythms really pay dividends. 'The Neighbour' reminds me of the rockier songs of ASIA. It's got that epic storytelling feel they are so good at. The final instrumental track 'Candy' is actually better than several of the normal entries.
Overall this is a distinctly average album. It has a few really good moments, and none of it is that bad, but much of Sunlight And Shadows is simply too subtle and dare I say boring for its own good. Sven Larsson is clearly a talented guitarist, so it's a shame his debut solo record isn't better than this.
Check out... 'Eagle'. Best song by miles.
Track List:
01. Sunlight And Shadow
02. Eagle
03. This Is Not The Right Time
04. Daydreamer
05. Fly On By
06. Tube (Instrumental)
07. Bastard
08. It's Over
09. I'll Turn My Back
10. The Neighbour
11. Candy (Instrumental)
Label: Avenue Of Allies
Artist's website(s): MySpace
