Salander consists of two musicians: Dave Smith
and Dave Curnow, who are work colleagues, and with a very different musical
style in their likings. Dave Curnow is more on Rock and Blues, whilst Dave
Smith in more on the Progressive Rock of the ‘70’s. (Maybe this difference in their music tastes gives that unique "flavour" in the band's sound).
Dave Curnow was looking for
music for his big collection of stories and poems, so they decided to form a band
on 2013. In one year they released no less than 3 albums, with ‘Stendec’ being
their latest and more "mature" one.
The album consists of 7 tracks, and has got a
total running time of almost 65 minutes. As you can understand most of the
songs are long, and the only exception is ‘Hypothesis 11/8’ which is under 5
minutes. Also, there are 3 songs which exceed 10 minutes in length.
The music style can be characterized as modern
Progressive Rock which is flirting with Pop on some occasions, maybe because of
the many electronic instruments which are being used in the album. In my
opinion the most important elements of Salander’s music are the very nice
melodies, and the beautiful guitar sound which gives a different “color” on
each song. The only minor disadvantage to my mind is the absence of a real drum kit. Electronic drums are good, but there can be
no comparison with the sound of an actual drum kit. (Always in my opinion and according
to my music likings).
The album opens with the 13 minute-long ‘Pearls
Upon a Crown’ which is one of the album’s highlights, and up to the 6th
minute I was sure it’s an instrumental one. But I was wrong finally. Another
highlight is the 3rd track ‘Even After’ which is a very beautiful
melody, and my second most beloved song here. But the absolute highlight of the
album is the closing song, the 8 minute-long ‘Zeigeist’. A really great composition
for which I believe both Daves should feel proud for. (As far as I know
lately they did a re-mastered version of ‘Zeitgeist’ which now became even better, and it is
going to be released as a single).
Concluding this review I should say that
Salander definitely deserves more attention and recognition, and they are
recommended to all of you who are fond of a modern sound, “painted” with beautiful
guitar riffs and melancholic and romantic melodies.
You can find their music in bandcamp, and if I’m
not mistaken you can download some songs for free, so give them a try! Check
here: www.Salander.bandcamp.com
I hope you
find this post interesting and informative.
P.S: In the following video you can listen to 'Ever After' in order to have a small idea about Salander and their music. As for 'Zeitgeist', well... you will have to search for it... (And do, because is really worth it!) :)Thank you for reading..
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