CD Review

If there’s a band that makes “arena rock for small clubs” the most potent statement on earth, its our favorite over-age Swedes who can rock harder than almost anyone, and somehow look good doing it. While T.S.O.O.L haven’t fully caught on this side of the Pacific, they’re blend of pounding drums, all out rock attacks, and stellar showmanship (the 3rd I can vouch for gloriously) have given them a solid reputation and a loyal fan base.

“Transcendental Suicide” thunders itself out into 70s rock action with heavy hitting drums, one strum rock stops, and Ebbot Lunnberg’s roaring voice. From the accessibility of "Lone Summer Dream," with its straight-forward guitar chording to the chill-out Oasis-esque "Midnight Children," Origins Vol. 1 is more than an introduction to this great band; it’s a 16 week job interview, to use Donald Trump’s famous line. "Royal Explosion (Part II)" opens with rolling drums and a catchy razor-sharp guitar riff before Lundberg’s sprawling, scratching voice joins the fray. The song ends with Lundberg tearing his vocals out with an abrasive scream.

While the beginning of the album is packed with hard-hitting, fist-punching anthems, the albums drags near the end. "Song For the Others" seems more filler than anything else and "To Somewhere Else" sounds like Love caught in a comic book soundtrack. However, for these minor mishaps, Origins Vol. 1 is a fantastic collection of what would have happened if the 70s, 80s or 90s never happened and music had kept the course of the grandiose 60s. Lundberg for President!

For more info see: tsool.net