THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES
Communion
I think this latest album from Swedish progressive rockers TSOOL is a concept album. Over the course of Communion’s double CD expanse, this formidable group presents completely mind-altering tracks which seem to be linked by some kind of spiritual lyric theme that I have yet to fully “get.” What is immediately obvious is this band’s continued skill at presenting layered and interesting songs using a pretty conventional rock band set-up. Singer Ebbot Lundberg has one of those friendly sounding voices that he actually sings with, rather than just emoting, unlike many of his contemporaries. TSOOL handily deliver 24 tracks that alternately rock, rumble, sail and thump at all the right times—strokes of colorful paisley underlie their eclectic take on pretty discernible pop structures. The Arthur Lee tribute track “The Fan Who Wasn’t There” and the Stones-y rocker “Thrill Me” are initial standout tracks. The rest, as they say, will grow on you like rainbow fuzz. (Yep Roc, www.yeproc.com) Jeff Monk
Winnipeg music & culture since 1989