Baltimoore, the Swedish hard rock merchants are back with album
number eight in 'Kaleidoscope' and the follow up to last years
superb ‘Fanatical’. For the first time in Baltimoore history
band leader and vocalist Björn Lodin has kept the same line-up as
on the previous release and this has really paid dividends in all
departments. First of all the production is slightly thicker than on
‘Fanatical’ with ‘Kaleidoscope’ having a darker vibe to it, that said I
prefer it. Any top bands chasing the ideal hard rock tone call Bjorn
Lodin! The guitar tones of Mankan Sedenberg and Stefan
Bergstrom have bite, detail and superb projection and are even
better than the tones on ‘Fanatical’. This tied in with the rock solid
rhythm section of bassist Weine Johansson who approaches the
instrument in the finest tradition of the 60 and 70's greats such as Tom
Bogert and Jack Bruce alongside drummer Hempo Hilden (Don Dokken/John
Norum fame) who keeps the bottom end solid as a rock but with deft
touches is an integral part of the present day Baltimoore sound.
Anyone that
heard the bands last album will instantly be able to get in
‘Kaleidoscope’, but for you readers new to the band then imagine a mix
between the finest Bon Scott era AC/DC with more musical sophistication
and rip roaring vocal melodies that will stick in your head for days.
The guitar team of Sedenberg and Bergstrom work superbly well playing
off each other reminiscent of the classic guitar tag teams such as Perry
/ Whitford, Young / Young or Gorham/Robertson. Thankfully never falling
into the unimaginative “both guitarists playing verbatim” syndrome so
many twin guitar line-ups do. This adds depth to the music and allows
each part to become more personalised with the listener.
Opener ‘To
The Bone’ gives a good indicator of what to expect with its big
riffs, upbeat delivery and infectious hooks. ‘Journeyman’ is
slightly heavier yet eases off for a glorious vocal delivery from Lodin,
working superbly over the sustained chords, be sure to listen to also
listen out for Hilden’s superb drum work here, simple yet driving the
track on all the time. ‘Familiar Stranger’ is slower in tempo
and also darker in nature with a divine chorus which sees Lodin playing
vocal tennis with his lines. Stefan Bergström solo is superb with bite,
restraint and nice melodic lines mixed with great vibrato. ‘Fix My
Sin’ is an obvious single choice with its upbeat delivery and huge
chorus. Opening with a mix of drum and bass laying down a groove before
Lodin and the rest of the band kick in working the verse before the
stunning pre-chorus sees vocal and guitar intertwine before the god like
chorus sees Lodin’s earthy vocals working with Bergstrom’s slide work,
probably the most accessible track on the album and begging for radio
play. ‘Wellaway’ is another darker track yet is very original in
its progressions and Lodin again works his magic with the lyrics, and
also adding quite a lot of soul in the track. Not one of the most
accessible tracks on the album but repeated plays sees it stand out as a
highlight, and be sure to check out the excellent video at the bands
website. ‘Take
Me To The Power’ is a high tempo rocker where the energy levels
reach boiling point, another excellent pre-chorus builds to the anthemic
main chorus and in a few ways the track has the same sort of feel,
albeit slightly more up-tempo, as the title track on Fanatical.
‘Plug And Play Me’ is another totally infectious track that demands
the volume on your stereo be dimed, great verse, great bridge and chorus
coupled with superb guitar work from start to finish. ‘How Sick Is
Ok’ (great title) sees the mood slow down for a blues drenched
track, guitar work is quite traditional yet Lodin’s melodies give the
track its own unique flavour. Another great chorus coupled with that
guitar tone…heaven. ‘Crybaby’ is one of the more commercial
numbers on the album, and has an approach that even modern skate punk
fans could get into, suitably the track contains some cool wah work from
Bergstrom. ‘Timepiece’ with its rolling riff reminded me a little
of Zakk Wylde meets early Sabbath yet there is more variety here vocally
and musically than what Ozzy would come up with. ‘Miracle’ is
what you would call the ballad of the album and it’s a stunner,
predominantly acoustic led which really allows Lodin’s vocals to shine
through the terrific melodies and lyrics, if this where to make
mainstream radio I have no doubts the band would have a big hit on their
hands. ‘In The Name Of Love’ begins with some finger picked
chord work (reminiscent of ‘Gimme Shelter’ by the Rolling Stones) before
the track kicks in, and it kicks in hard. The track has a few different
personalities as it progresses from verse through to chorus which is
another blinder and a nice way to wrap up the album.
As you may
have gathered ‘Kaleidoscope’ is a killer release that is as good
as ‘Fanatical’ in most departments and better in the remaining ones,
simply said Hard Rock has a band here that deserves your attention,
deserves your money and deserves to be more well known than the band
currently are. This is an essential slice of hard rock that
simply isn’t being done in this style anywhere else including the big
guns. In short, "addictive as hell".
