THE QUILL released their debut album in 1995. In their Hard Rock music is a mix of Bluesrock, Heavy Metal and Stoner Rock also included. The seventies influences are clear. In one place it is like ROLLING STONES meets BLACK SABBATH. On other places I feel that KISS meets LED ZEPPELIN. However, the band puts together their very own blend and the group sound most of all as themselves. "Earthrise" is an album that shines of self-confidence and energy, while the lyrics are both philosophical about life, as well as reflect on the society and the earth we live on.
The previous disc ”Born From Fire” (2017) gave us songs like ”Snake Charmer Woman”, the lovely ”Keep It Together” and the heavy rollin’ “Set Free Black Crow”. The last mentioned made me think of BLACK SABBATH, DIO and early RAINBOW. First of all, their biggest hit "Stone Believer" is on this record. That track is absolutely phenomenal and is already a classic. The Swedish group has many good albums in their luggage. Now it is time for number nine.
Singer Magnus Ekwall says about the lyrics on the new production: “They deal with different types of alienation which I see as a rising problem in the world today. Be it on a grander level, in politics and between us as a human race - but also on an individual level with growing problems with social alienation, mental disorders and illness.” On the album cover sits an alien and sees the Earth from a distance. The space perspective for the whole "Earthrise" came rather naturally.
The melody rolls forward in "Hallucinate", a song that grows better and better with time. A thick sound is heard from the string instruments. The drums breathe power. The chorus is quite catchy and already the second time I could not help but sing along. "Keep On Moving" is a good example of the typical, classic THE QUILL-sound. The music is pumping, with a nice push from bass and guitar, which gives the song a pleasant pace. This is Feel good-Rock, which charges your batteries and fills you with energy.
Christian Carlsson is an excellent guitarist and a proof of his skill can be found in "Dwarf Planet", a song in which a lot of things happens. On slide guitar, with a strong echo, Carlsson creates something that reminds us of birds in the background. It is a cool effect and gives an atmospheric depth, which really fits their space theme this time. The first verse is slow, then the music streams out and brings the track up to a mid-tempo. The group consists of musicians with a glowing passion for their work. Here it feels like they are traveling in an orbit in space, which almost pulls you backwards, opens up your mind and lets the thoughts form freely.
The chorus may be a bit monotonous, but something that is extremely cool is the raw, rough bass tones in the intro of "Left Brain Blues". It is raspy, smoky and noisy, like an old exhaust pipe on a car. The middle part is in the 60's, 70's Flower Power style and through most of this tune the guitar sails in like a background singer, in a fine way. One track that makes me elated is "The Zone". The piece contains a delightful depth and dynamics. The music flows slowly forward, as if along a winding road. In the middle of the song, the tempo suddenly increases. The light and fast hits from Jolle Atlagic's drumsticks then turn into a powerful hammering, with rapidly rising speed. A great guitar solo becomes the crown of the work. The last chorus ends with all the men in a common and loud voice.
Wonderful hard rock is delivered in the fantastic composition "Earthrise". The title track is melodic, rough and capturing in a pleasant way. Heavy Rock, skillfully mixed with a little playfulness and a large dose of seriousness. Ekwall has a relaxed singing style with power. He begins "Evil Omen" with gentle and nice singing. The melody slides onwards, light and carefully. Then the string instruments get started in a cool, chewing way. Together with pumping drums, the song goes into a medium tempo, where Jolle’s exquisite playing swirls forward. Only the music itself seems to have a story to tell.
Sometimes the bandmembers find the form for an acoustic song and then they think it is cool to include it. Not on all records, but on "Earthrise" it happened, after bassist Roger Nilsson had playfully tried some things on an acoustic guitar. "Dead River" rounds it all off in a lovely way. Instead of a whole drumkit, it is congas and other rhythm instruments. Except the acoustic guitar, they have decorated with diffuse effect guitars, to build up the psychedelic. Now, do not think that it is something difficult and strange. On the contrary, this material has an inner glow and energy that lights up everything. It is natural and almost a little touching. Thoughts like back to basic, fellowship and together we can do it, emerge. Sometimes the simple is best. It became a differently and positive ending, filled with hope. (Anna)
Bewertung:
8,5 / 10
Anzahl der Songs: 9
Spielzeit: 47:44 min
Label: Metalville
Veröffentlichungstermin: 26.03.2021
