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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: 2Timer on December 22, 2010, 04:27:05 PM
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If you've heard them, congratulations! If you haven't, you need to. They have all their songs posted on Youtube (though some of them are too long for the whole songs to be on there).
I think the best thing to call them would be progressive pop, but there are so many influences, and no two songs sound alike. If you like catchy melodies and ridiculous harmonies, give them a listen.
Discuss!
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I thought this thread was about the Air album by that name :( (btw that's a fantastic chillout album if anyone wants to check it out)
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Hmmm...where to start. I absolutely LOVE everything.
If you like Kansas-ish stuff, listen to Methuselah's Children. Definitely listen to Bluebells. The a cappella section is to die for.
The Ghost of Flowers Past...Other Half of the Sky (half hour long, but lyrically mindblowing...way better than anything DT have ever done IMO.
Check out A Kid Called Panic too.
Matter of fact, here are some links to the album reviews I did about them on progarchive. I think that might be the best way to go about it.
Their first album...https://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=340749
Second... https://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=340771
Latest release... https://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=340864
This band is a real journey, but if you put some real time into listening to everything they do, you'll probably have a new favorite band.
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IIRC, Veronika sent out one of their songs on Track of the Day a few rounds ago. I remember it being pretty awesome.
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Progressive pop? :lol
If something sounds good or pleasing to you, that doesn't mean that it's "prog".
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Discovered this group yesterday after a recommendation on another thread. The vocal harmonies are magnificent.
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IIRC, Veronika sent out one of their songs on Track of the Day a few rounds ago. I remember it being pretty awesome.
Yes, that's where I heard them first, and after that track clicked with me it made me want to hear more. After I heard that whole album one time, I instantly had a new favorite group.
Progressive pop? :lol
If something sounds good or pleasing to you, that doesn't mean that it's "prog".
There's really no other simple way I could describe them. My definition of prog is when a music is so complex that it takes multiple listens to get everything out of it that they put in it, even more so when the music gets better and better with each listen. If you check these guys out, I'm sure you'll agree.
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IIRC, Veronika sent out one of their songs on Track of the Day a few rounds ago. I remember it being pretty awesome.
Yes, that's where I heard them first, and after that track clicked with me it made me want to hear more. After I heard that whole album one time, I instantly had a new favorite group.
Progressive pop? :lol
If something sounds good or pleasing to you, that doesn't mean that it's "prog".
There's really no other simple way I could describe them. My definition of prog is when a music is so complex that it takes multiple listens to get everything out of it that they put in it, even more so when the music gets better and better with each listen. If you check these guys out, I'm sure you'll agree.
I know Air well enough. Their music isn't that complex. I mean, there's a lot of stuff going on (like in All I Need for example), but sometimes the simple things are what makes the music beautiful like in Alone In Kyoto.
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Lol, this thread isn't about that band. The band's name is Moon Safari. I thought that was pretty clear from the discussion thus far, but I know there is a lot of confusion from the name. See my post about five or six posts up from this and check out the reviews of the albums. You really should give these guys a listen.
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Ah shit, sorry man! :lol
You've got to admit though that calling Air progressive pop gets an Air fan weirded out. :D
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I never actually listened to them. I guess maybe I should. Are you going to check out the band?
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I never actually listened to them. I guess maybe I should. Are you going to check out the band?
I listened to a few of their songs on youtube, and I can see why this is a "special" band. But it's really not my style anymore..
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I'd listened to this band before, based on recs by TAC and rogerdil. I find them to be a bit Genesis-like, but less quirky and more contemporary-sounding vocals (think Flower Kings). Sorta like retro prog with an updated pop sensibility.
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Blomljud is an amazing album.
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Yeah, that's the album that I heard first. Now I have all three, and I think they're all amazing, but in different ways.
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I got Lovers End, and It was awesome.
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Yeah it is. It was totally different direction for them too. I think it really showed how versatile they are.
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Time to plug my vid again - Moon Safari after their gig at this year's Prog Résiste in Belgium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkGfKK_994E
:tup
I love this band. Besides the music, they are GREAT guys, too!
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IIRC, Veronika sent out one of their songs on Track of the Day a few rounds ago. I remember it being pretty awesome.
Yup, that was me pimping Scandinavian bands as always :P They are awesome (and thanks again 2Timer for reminding me their new album had been released). Only listened to Lovers End twice, and that was in the car (darn holidays interfering with my music listening habits) so haven't made up my mind about it yet, other than I think I'm gonna love it! Blomljud is beautiful, I still haven't met anyone who didn't like it after I played it for them.
...waiting for A Doorway to Summer to arrive in the mail, if cdon didn't lie when they said they could get it for me... hmmm.
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IIRC, Veronika sent out one of their songs on Track of the Day a few rounds ago. I remember it being pretty awesome.
Yup, that was me pimping Scandinavian bands as always :P They are awesome (and thanks again 2Timer for reminding me their new album had been released). Only listened to Lovers End twice, and that was in the car (darn holidays interfering with my music listening habits) so haven't made up my mind about it yet, other than I think I'm gonna love it! Blomljud is beautiful, I still haven't met anyone who didn't like it after I played it for them.
...waiting for A Doorway to Summer to arrive in the mail, if cdon didn't lie when they said they could get it for me... hmmm.
That's the way LE started for me too. Better with every listen, though.
And if you don't get Doorway let me know. ;)
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Time to plug my vid again - Moon Safari after their gig at this year's Prog Résiste in Belgium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkGfKK_994E
:tup
I love this band. Besides the music, they are GREAT guys, too!
I wonder if I can get them to do that for me when I see them this spring...actually what I'd really like to see them do is the a cappella section of Bluebells. Unbelievable stuff.
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If they do that I'll be really angry with you :P That would be in my top three concert wishes ever (if you don't count "seeing all the members of Gentle Giant playing drums at the same time" and stuff like that since they don't exist anymore).
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Then you will probably be VERY angry about this. The Facebook conversation went like this...
Melinda Hamilton:I see a repeat in our future ; )
Moon Safari: Yeah, but with a new venue and a new bar for the singing afterwards! ;)
Brandon Barnhart: Will this bar be announced to the public? I'd love to be there if I'm allowed?
Moon Safari: Brandon, you'll be there. ROSfest is a big family and everyone is invited everywhere ;)
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*hmf*
*stomps out of thread*
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I think the best thing to call them would be progressive pop
That makes me think of Frost*. Are they close to Frost* at all? I can't check these guys out now but I'd like to soon, hopefully tonight.
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I think the best thing to call them would be progressive pop
That makes me think of Frost*. Are they close to Frost* at all? I can't check these guys out now but I'd like to soon, hopefully tonight.
I haven't heard of Frost, I'll have to listen to them. I think they're like a poppier, lighter, catchier DT.
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Are they close to Frost* at all?
Well, yes and no* :P It's great poppy prog, both of them*, but Moon Safari have more of the "old sound" prog in them*. Both Frost* and Moon Safari can make you really happy*. Moon Safari have some great vocal harmonies* (Check out the link earlier with them singing Bluebells a capella) which reminds me a bit about Gentle Giant, and lots of interesting stuff in their songs* just like Frost* do, so.
*IMO
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Doorway has arrived! :D First listen now. So far it feels as "nice" as Blomljud, summery and fresh.
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Dunno, bought one of their albums at the RosFest a few years back, but didn't do anything for me. To be blunt, it had a bit of a boy-band angle for me.
rumborak
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Doorway has arrived! :D First listen now. So far it feels as "nice" as Blomljud, summery and fresh.
We Spin the World takes multiple listens, but what an amazing song! I love A Sun of Your Own too, and I just put up a recording of me playing the intro to Beyond the Door on Facebook if you have an account.
Dunno, bought one of their albums at the RosFest a few years back, but didn't do anything for me. To be blunt, it had a bit of a boy-band angle for me.
rumborak
What album was it?
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We Spin the World takes multiple listens, but what an amazing song! I love A Sun of Your Own too, and I just put up a recording of me playing the intro to Beyond the Door on Facebook if you have an account.
I do! Found your video, you're good. Nice ear! Obvious el-piano sound though :P
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Yeah, first album is just as good as Blomljud. The latest is really good too; I'd probably rate it lower than first two, but haven't closed the book on it yet.
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Yeah, first album is just as good as Blomljud. The latest is really good too; I'd probably rate it lower than first two, but haven't closed the book on it yet.
I can't compare them, because although it's the same band, I put this album in a different league, if you know what I mean. I love the songs as much as I love all their other songs, but how could you compare AKCP to Bluebells even though they are both masterpieces?
We Spin the World takes multiple listens, but what an amazing song! I love A Sun of Your Own too, and I just put up a recording of me playing the intro to Beyond the Door on Facebook if you have an account.
I do! Found your video, you're good. Nice ear! Obvious el-piano sound though :P
Thanks. I don't think that was my normal piano setting, it didn't sound quite right to me either. MS uses samples too, though, just better ones that mine.
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Yeah, I see what you mean. New album is unmistakenably MS, but it does have some differences as well and is perhaps more concise in a good way. Probably the best three-album stretch to begin a career, at least in modern times.
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I think it's more mature songwriting...or something (on the new album.
Blomljud has a very surreal feel to it, almost like you're listening to a fairy tale at times. But that's the album that made me fall in love with their music.
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Just discovered this band. Great stuff! Makes you happy:-)
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Just discovered this band. Great stuff! Makes you happy:-)
Awesome. They are indeed great.
(Please index this thread)
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This thread made me check out this band. My god they're amazing. Listening to Blomljud right now. :biggrin:
(edit)Jesus, those HARMONIES. Fantastic vocals.
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Btw, the main guy from Flaming Row (Martin Schnella) just published his cover version of "Constant Bloom": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8UlaxrRZIw
:tup
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I downloaded Blomljud months ago... still haven't listened to it.
Blaming Deconstruction for that...
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I downloaded Blomljud months ago... still haven't listened to it.
Blaming Deconstruction for that...
Listen to it. NOW. You won't regret it :D
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Seconded. Lover's End is awesome too, especially A Kid Called Panic.
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Just finished A Doorway Into Summer. My god this band is brilliant. BRILLIANT.
Add Lover's End to the list. Loved it too, albeit a bit less than the first two. Have to say that Blomljud might very well be my favorite progressive rock CD of the past decade, it needs a few more listens though before I'm prepared to admit that. I can see where the vocals might put some off, they're so...I dunno, bright and sunny...but for me the harmonies are the best part, they're glorious. I love this band.
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Lover's End takes a long time to really open up. When it does, though...
Maybe this thread would be a good spot to tell about my live experience with them, when I have more time.
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Lover's End takes a long time to really open up. When it does, though...
Maybe this thread would be a good spot to tell about my live experience with them, when I have more time.
Opened up for me on my third play of it today. A Kid Called Panic is sheer genius. I still like Blomljud better-Other Half of the Sky, Bluebells, and Methuselah's Children are fantastic tracks-but Lover's End is getting to be really good to me. And I can't stop playing A Sun Of Your Own off Doorway, either. That song just grabs me every time I listen to that album. Moon Safari is the only band I've listened to this weekend. Really amazing band.
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A Sun Of Your Own is fantastic.
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Lover's End takes a long time to really open up. When it does, though...
Maybe this thread would be a good spot to tell about my live experience with them, when I have more time.
Opened up for me on my third play of it today. A Kid Called Panic is sheer genius. I still like Blomljud better-Other Half of the Sky, Bluebells, and Methuselah's Children are fantastic tracks-but Lover's End is getting to be really good to me. And I can't stop playing A Sun Of Your Own off Doorway, either. That song just grabs me every time I listen to that album. Moon Safari is the only band I've listened to this weekend. Really amazing band.
It sounds like your favorite tracks are the same as mine. The acapella section of Bluebells is ridiculous! I know what you mean about Blomljud; it was the first album I heard, so it's always going to have a special place in my heart, and yeah, OHOTS...stunning musically and lyrically. Again, wait for me to post the story of the show I saw them play (they played that track live!!!).
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I would give body parts-possibly even my own-to see Moon Safari live. Their CDs are literally the ONLY music I've played since my first comment on this thread on Friday. I truly love this band ;D
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I decided to check these guys out and I'm listening to Blomljud for the first time right now. I wish I got this album during the summer, as it's got that feel. Oh well, it's still 80 degrees by me so it'll all work out. Very happy music, like Yes, but even better.
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Okay, I'll try to make time for me live story right now.
First, they played at Rosfest in Gettysburg, PA, which is about 1 1/2 hours from my house. How cool was that?
We got there late, and a band called Tinyfish was playing. Really good stuff, ended up buying their cd and getting to meet them.
Moon Safari hit the stage at exactly 9 pm, and it should be said that it was Tobias' (the drummer) birthday. The announcer was trying to introduce them, and didn't even get to, because we all broke out singing Happy Birthday as loudly as we could. You should have seen his smile. This was their setlist (mostly in this order, but probably not exact):
Moonwalk
Lover's End Pt.1
A Kid Called Panic
Dance Across the Ocean
Yasgur's Farm
The World's Best Dreamers
New York City Summergirl, which started with a gorgeous cover of Springsteen's Jungle Land and blended in.
Heartland
Other Half of the Sky
encores:
Doorway
Constant Bloom
Guys, everything sounded exactly like the cd, and their voices were absolutely unbelievable, in their solos as well the harmonies. The sound was great, too, but I wished Simon's mic would have been a little higher in the mix.
I didn't know how much of the crowd knew who MS were, but regardless of that, they got an amazing reception; it was a sit-down show in a small theater, but every single song got a standing ovation. The entire crowd was blown away, and I knew they made a lot of new fans that night. I couldn't have been happier for them.
Afterward, there was a meet and greet, which was free. First at the table was Petter Sandstrom, who writes most of their stuff. I asked him a question, and in answering he just went on and on and on, like he either didn't notice the 30 people behind me or just didn't care. Great guy. Then came Simon Akesson, the main composer and the one who arranges all the harmonies. He was a bit quieter, but still very cool. When we got to Johan Westerlund, bass, I told him I had spoken with him on Facebook and through email. He asked me my name, and I said Brandon, and then he knew who I was and already knew my last name. I was pretty tickled about that. I got to talk to Pontus, the guitar player for a while, and he was pretty cool too. Actually, I was the one doing most of the talking with these guys due to being so excited to meet my favorite group, but they all seemed very understanding and they were all very gracious. The only part that wasn't great was that there was an afterparty, and I didn't understand that it was actually part of the show and everyone was welcome; I thought that was something private, so we didn't go. I later found out from Johan that I could have gone, and he said he wished we would have, because 'there was singing, swimming, and beer'. So I missed my chance to hang out and party with the greatest band in the world, but I got to see them, hear a phenomenal two hour set, and talk to them quite a bit.
Rosfest was a very cool thing to go to, and I hope they book Moon Safari as the headliner again next year.
Definitely the most memorable night of my year.
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Sounds awesome. I was wondering if they could pull off the harmonies live, great to hear they could. :D
Seeing them live is definitely on my list of Things I Will Do Someday.
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Listening to Blomljud right now, and it's absolutely fantastic. Perhaps one of the greatest things I've ever listened to, the atmosphere is just alive and wonderful.
I'm pretty sure this will hit top 20 album status. It's literally so good, I don't even know what to do right now but just smile and enjoy this awesomeness. The vocal harmonies and the melodies = <3 Everything's like, perfectly arranged and everything.
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I'm on my third listen in 24 hours (which is rare for me), and it's still blowing my mind, especially the genius vocal harmonies. I don't usually care about vocals as long as the music is good; unless the vocals are horrible. So you know this is awesome. The instrumentation is amazing as well. On of the best prog albums of the last 5 years.
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I'm still on my Moon Safari kick, and for the past couple of days Lover's End has really gotten the lion's share of the plays. It's really the perfect follow up to Blomljud in so many ways; after an album about nature and the general feel of spring and summer in the music, Lover's End is an album about love falling apart and cities and fall and winter, but with a little hope at the heart of it all. As a result, it's more modern sounding than Blomljud, which really had an analog, 70s feeling to it. Lover's End sounds like a city album, and complements the more pastoral sounds of Blomljud perfectly.
My sister, who listens to a lot of prog rock when we go places together, was wondering about this new band I've been listening to and asked me to describe them. After a few moments, I came up with this: "It's what would have happened if Brian Wilson had formed Yes." :D
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Seconded. Lover's End is awesome too, especially A Kid Called Panic.
Fuck yes, that's one of my favorite songs ever.
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I'm still on my Moon Safari kick, and for the past couple of days Lover's End has really gotten the lion's share of the plays. It's really the perfect follow up to Blomljud in so many ways; after an album about nature and the general feel of spring and summer in the music, Lover's End is an album about love falling apart and cities and fall and winter, but with a little hope at the heart of it all. As a result, it's more modern sounding than Blomljud, which really had an analog, 70s feeling to it. Lover's End sounds like a city album, and complements the more pastoral sounds of Blomljud perfectly.
That was the most intelligent, accurate description of LE I've heard yet. And when you mentioned the 70s...well, to me, everything that was a hit in the 70s was mainly because of a killer melody, which I really don't think any bands provide that strong of a melody in their music anymore. That's what I love the most about MS is their melodies. If you hear any of their songs, you're whistling it for the rest of the day. They're almost too good to be true. Make sure your sister hears them.
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The new live 2-CD from RoSfest 2011 is out now, it's called "The Gettysburg Address". Got my signed copy yesterday, listened to it for the first time today - and it's GREAT! Awesome production and performance. Just to let you know. :hat
Available here, for example: https://www.therecordlabel.net/progressive-rock/moon-safari/the-gettysburg-address/
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Mine is on its way. They actually used a fans pic of the theater for the album cover. How cool is that?
I did preview the album, and the quality sounds amazing. Tell me, did Doorway and Constant Bloom make the disc?
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Definitely interested in getting this. As I'm typing this I'm listening to A Kid Called Panic for roughly the 1000th time, after spending the last couple of days playing Other Half Of The Sky at least once a day. I love the hell out of Moon Safari.
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Tell me, did Doorway and Constant Bloom make the disc?
Nope.
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Definitely interested in getting this. As I'm typing this I'm listening to A Kid Called Panic for roughly the 1000th time, after spending the last couple of days playing Other Half Of The Sky at least once a day. I love the hell out of Moon Safari.
You should have been there to hear both of those songs live. I knew they would sound great, but I wasn't prepared for just how great they were. Like I said before, this was a sit-down concert, and every song got a long standing ovation.
Tell me, did Doorway and Constant Bloom make the disc?
Nope.
Shit! I wonder if there wasn't enough room on the disc.
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Got into these guys recently thanks to LLTWM sending me a song in my roulette. Absolutely love Lovers End, and really dig Blomjud as well. Haven't listened to the first album yet.
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Moon Safari's first album, sadly, is merely...really good. :P
Joking aside, A Doorway to Summer is a really good album, but Blomljud is brilliant (one of my favorite progressive rock albums ever) and Lover's End is just behind it in terms of goodness. Doorway definitely gets overshadowed by those two for me, although A Sun of Your Own is one of my favorite Moon Safari tracks. If you like the other two, you'll like Doorway.
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Moon Safari's first album, sadly, is merely...really good. :P
Joking aside, A Doorway to Summer is a really good album, but Blomljud is brilliant (one of my favorite progressive rock albums ever) and Lover's End is just behind it in terms of goodness. Doorway definitely gets overshadowed by those two for me, although A Sun of Your Own is one of my favorite Moon Safari tracks. If you like the other two, you'll like Doorway.
Well put. I was going to use the word overshadowed as well, but you beat me to it. If Blomljud is your first MS experience, let your love for it fizzle out before you pick up Doorway. It's just not as flashy, but it is their first effort.
That being said, there is a lot of beauty in it; there is a little recurring theme throughout it, and We Spin the World is incredible. Very Beatles-ish at times. A Sun of Your Own is great too, I agree, and Beyond the Door has one of the most gorgeous piano pieces I've ever heard as its intro.
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Poppycock. First album is great.
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Never said it wasn't, it's just up against a prog rock album that I'd rank highly in my all time prog rock albums in Blomljud and my retroactive favorite album of 2010 in Lover's End. Doorway is a brilliant album, it just has the misfortune to followed by a masterpiece and a damn good album. Overshadowed fits it perfectly.
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Right. But it you really listen, it does make some promises about the band that they would more than live up to.
By the way, ariich, which song was in your roulette? I'm curious to know which song hooked you. For me it was Methuselah's Children when Veronica sent it in track of the day.
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I started listening to Moon Safari 2 years ago, and I haven't been able to stop. My first song was Constant Bloom, posted on this very board somewhere. It was like a dizzying kaleidoscope of melody lines that gave my ears an orgasm. Then I listened to Ghost of Flowers Past. Then all of Blomljud.
Moon Safari feels like music that was made personally for me. It gets everything right according to all my tastes and preferences, the porridge that's just right. It reminded me of when I first listened to Queen, or Images and Words...it's just so bright, so melodic, yet so complex. The melodies are strong enough to lift a mountain. They're not afraid at all to go overboard with the most tastiest sweetest melodies and progressions there are, as long as it works. I feel a lot of bands always try and either downplay their melodic aspect, probably so as not to sound too "cheesy", or it won't fit the genre... or maybe they just can't write it. The harmonies are rich and layered and like a big comfy bed. You don't get vocal harmonies like these just anywhere, you really have to dig around. The actual writing and song arrangements and structures are brilliant, how they reuse themes in the right ways at the right times (Other Half of the Sky, so clever), and they are also great at writing odd-time sections that sound totally natural. They're also talented at their instruments. I'd kill to talk to them, Simon about his piano playing and vocal arranging and singing, and Pontus about his guitar playing (such a great ear for the right solos).
The production is unusually outstanding, crisp enough to hear all the different things going on in total clarity. The singing is my favourite, soaring strong clear tenors, Simon is up there with my favourites now, but Petter is good as well. I mean, a lot of prog singing is great, but it's a nice change from Roine Stolt/Neal Morse/the dozen super-british neoprog vocalists. I love the lyrics as well, introspective, love, fantasy, hope, but reality, escapism, cynicism, and negativity here and there as well. Moon Safari is not some bubblegum pop put to prog. Lover's End of course does this the most.
So yeah, I think you can tell by this glorifying post how much I love them. LE is definitely more "power pop", I guess, much more modern even in it's production, chimier, more high end. It reminds me of christmas at times, winter, or a cold wet night in the city streets. Blomljud is a folksy masterpiece of prog, top 3 for me, like summer and spring, better than both Doorway (great album) and LE. I can't wait for whatever else they have in store, apparently most of the material for the next one is msostly written. I know they're doing a collaboration album with Syd as well on the side, hope that turns out okay.
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Blomljud is a masterpiece. It's the kind of album that can take you from a sad place in your mind, to a very happy place. Unless you're really, really depressed, this album can brighten your day more than the sun.
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By the way, ariich, which song was in your roulette? I'm curious to know which song hooked you. For me it was Methuselah's Children when Veronica sent it in track of the day.
It was Yasgur's Farm, which he sent in the "Happy" round. :D
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Heard a rumour down at the nightclub... that there was a Moon Safari thread stirring here, so I thought I'd check it out and maybe answer a question or two if anyone is wondering what's up with the band ;)
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How do you guys construct vocal harmonies? I mean, does it take a lot of practice or is it something that comes easy for you?
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How do you guys construct vocal harmonies? I mean, does it take a lot of practice or is it something that comes easy for you?
Hey rogerdil!
When we first formed Moon Safari, it soon became clear that unlike alot of bands, we had five guys (now six) that could all carry a tune and do it pretty well. But singing 5 part harmony is another story entirely.
So, during our long travels across Sweden to get to the international airport (we live 800 km away from it), we spent the time practicing vocal harmonies led by our master Simon Åkesson. Now we're pretty good and getting better. In a live setting there's always the issue of hearing, and since we don't have our own sound engineer nor in-ear hearing some performances are better than others. But I think every band have a bad note here and there, and seeing as we're not even semi-professional musicians in that sense, I think we pull it off pretty nicely :)
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And oh, maybe you wondered how we actually WRITE them? That's Simons gig altogether. He's the master of the harmony as far as I'm concerned, and I'm yet to find someone with a better ear than him.
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That's great info Tobias. I was wondering both things, I guess, how they're written, but also how you execute it so well; it's interesting that you're 800km from the international airport. I guess you travel by bus?
Unless someone else has another question, if I can ask one more question -- what made MS decide to release a double CD so early in your career? It seems like a ballsy move, but I suppose you had a backlog of material and/or confidence in the tunes to pull it off? (Almost a comment disguised as a question, sorry about that).
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That's great info Tobias. I was wondering both things, I guess, how they're written, but also how you execute it so well; it's interesting that you're 800km from the international airport. I guess you travel by bus?
Unless someone else has another question, if I can ask one more question -- what made MS decide to release a double CD so early in your career? It seems like a ballsy move, but I suppose you had a backlog of material and/or confidence in the tunes to pull it off? (Almost a comment disguised as a question, sorry about that).
The distance (damn you, elongated Sweden!) has been a problem for us since the start.
A gig in, say, Germany would cost us maybe 1000 bucks just to get to the international airport by a rental, and then atleast as much for the flights. If we had lived further south we could've been rich!! ;)
No, but seriously. Since we've grown in popularity, our 8 hour drives have been replaced with 1 hour flights to the international airport so that's like the best thing with people discovering our music :P
Regarding the double album: For Johan and Petter, the only two members that have been really into prog actually, making a double disc was kind of a big deal since it was a prog thing to do, or something like that. And since we had confidence in our material and knew we could've released a triple if we wanted to, it seemed like the right thing to do. And hey, it worked! :)
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It certainly did. Good to hear you have a more manageable travel situation. (Which brings up the obligatory, "are you coming to the East Coast of the U.S. soon?" question too, ;)) That's interesting to hear about the differing musical tastes of the band. Who do you enjoy musically/who have been your influences both as an individual as a band? Who do you enjoy listening to that are contemporaries of yours, Swedish or otherwise?
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It certainly did. Good to hear you have a more manageable travel situation. (Which brings up the obligatory, "are you coming to the East Coast of the U.S. soon?" question too, ;)) That's interesting to hear about the differing musical tastes of the band. Who do you enjoy musically/who have been your influences both as an individual as a band? Who do you enjoy listening to that are contemporaries of yours, Swedish or otherwise?
We're always trying to get to the US. If we could choose, we'd move over there ;)
But during the off years when we've played RoSfest the year before, it's hard to make it work financially. But we're thinking of maybe doing one of those donation kinda things where fans on the east coast or wherever can give what they feel like. That might get us atleast halfway to a couple of US gigs ;)
And where we come from musically is really really diverse. If there's one common ground, it's probably The Beatles. Everyone in the band except me has grown up listening to them. And then our tastes diverge. I've been through a punk phase, a metal phase, a prog phase and so on. Simon is really into vocal groups, of course. Pontus is a metal guitarist at heart.
Me, Johan and Petter also listen to a lot of contemporary music. Alot of both new and old soul. There are alot of young, swedish artists with a nice soul vibe that we've listened to lately.
And I enjoy alot of hiphop as well, mostly because I like the groove. So, we're really diverse but I think that's only positive.
Progwise Mike Portnoy was the guy that opened my eyes to odd-time signatures, but as I grew older I grew tired of his playing style. I would say my favourite prog bands are more NEO. Marillion and IQ, that sort of stuff.
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Yeah, it must be a pain in the neck to do gigs in the U.S., especially non-festival ones, which is unfortunate for people like me who avoided Rosfest because, quite frankly, there are only two or three bands one is dying to hear in a two-day span.
I can see the Beatles influence. Also vocal harmonies inevitably draw comparison to the Beach Boys and even the Carpenters, which I assume Simon is into (?). What Swedish artists are you into specifically? I'm a big fan of Stina Nordenstam (and similar Nordic artists Hanne Hukkelberg and Anja Garbarek) and Mats/Morgan -- and of course there's this forum's predeliction for Opeth, Pain of Salvation and The Flower Kings, among others. Funny about Portnoy -- people on this forum seem to have mixed feelings for the guy, although more positive than negative, so your sentiment is well-supported here. :)
It's good to hear that you like neo too, IQ is cool (Satellite and Pendragon being my favorite neos).
Anyway, sorry more MS fans aren't around. There's usually more traffic around here from 9-12 p.m. GMT.
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Yeah, it must be a pain in the neck to do gigs in the U.S., especially non-festival ones, which is unfortunate for people like me who avoided Rosfest because, quite frankly, there are only two or three bands one is dying to hear in a two-day span.
I can see the Beatles influence. Also vocal harmonies inevitably draw comparison to the Beach Boys and even the Carpenters, which I assume Simon is into (?). What Swedish artists are you into specifically? I'm a big fan of Stina Nordenstam (and similar Nordic artists Hanne Hukkelberg and Anja Garbarek) and Mats/Morgan -- and of course there's this forum's predeliction for Opeth, Pain of Salvation and The Flower Kings, among others. Funny about Portnoy -- people on this forum seem to have mixed feelings for the guy, although more positive than negative, so your sentiment is well-supported here. :)
It's good to hear that you like neo too, IQ is cool (Satellite and Pendragon being my favorite neos).
Anyway, sorry more MS fans aren't around. There's usually more traffic around here from 9-12 p.m. GMT.
Hey man, no problem. I'm a bit of a forum lurker so I'm sure I'll drop in sometime when there's a bit more action ;)
Don't think Simon has listened to those bands. He's more straight form the source, what influenced those bands. Vocal groups like The Hi-Lo's, The Four Freshmen, The Pied Pipers. We're talking 40's-50's groups. Plus a bit more modern Take Six.
So that's where our harmonies come from, but I see why people think it's from The Beach Boys since they probably have the same influence :)
Well, I really like the singer/songwriter Tomas Andersson-Wij. And then we have artists like Veronica Maggio, Oskar Linnros and Håkan Hellström which are the three biggest pop names in the country right now I think. Pain of Salvation are of course old favorites and I saw them live for the first time this summer.
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Oh wow, a chance to say all the gushing fanboy things I've been saying in this thread to a member of the band. :hefdaddy
But yes, if you go back and read this thread, everything I said about Moon Safari isn't in the least exaggerated. Since finding out about the band, MS has risen to very close to the top of my band lists. You guys are easily the band I've played the most in the past few months, and Blomljud does rank with some of the best prog albums of all time on my lists. Interesting to hear about your influences and how those amazing vocal harmonies come to be, too.
Add me to the list of people who would do about anything to get Moon Safari to the east coast of the US. I will see you guys live someday. :D
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[Hey man, no problem. I'm a bit of a forum lurker so I'm sure I'll drop in sometime when there's a bit more action ;)
Don't think Simon has listened to those bands. He's more straight form the source, what influenced those bands. Vocal groups like The Hi-Lo's, The Four Freshmen, The Pied Pipers. We're talking 40's-50's groups. Plus a bit more modern Take Six.
So that's where our harmonies come from, but I see why people think it's from The Beach Boys since they probably have the same influence :)
Well, I really like the singer/songwriter Tomas Andersson-Wij. And then we have artists like Veronica Maggio, Oskar Linnros and Håkan Hellström which are the three biggest pop names in the country right now I think. Pain of Salvation are of course old favorites and I saw them live for the first time this summer.
Yeah, that would be great. I know fans here would love to ask you questions.
Okay, that makes sense about Simon. For instance, some people say that such and such band (i.e., latter-day Pendragon) mimics Porcupine Tree when in fact they both have common influences from Pink Floyd.
I checked out Tomas Andersson-Wij briefly, will have to look into him some more. It's been good talking to you.
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Oh wow, a chance to say all the gushing fanboy things I've been saying in this thread to a member of the band. :hefdaddy
But yes, if you go back and read this thread, everything I said about Moon Safari isn't in the least exaggerated. Since finding out about the band, MS has risen to very close to the top of my band lists. You guys are easily the band I've played the most in the past few months, and Blomljud does rank with some of the best prog albums of all time on my lists. Interesting to hear about your influences and how those amazing vocal harmonies come to be, too.
Add me to the list of people who would do about anything to get Moon Safari to the east coast of the US. I will see you guys live someday. :D
Hey man, thanks alot for your support and for spreading our music. It really means alot to us at this stage of our careers :)
As I said before, getting to the US is kind of a b***h, what with the VISA requirements and whatnot. But I'm very sure we'll come back atleast a couple of times more. Our good friend Eric Grossarth has a band in NYC and we've talked about doing a tour of the East coast along with them. We'll see if those plans are ever realised.
Right now the guys are preparing to write some tunes for the fourth album. And we're sending out live albums like crazy. Plus, the collaboration with Steve Nardelli and The Syn is coming along great. Those tunes will really appeal to anyone who likes Moon Safari.
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Yeah, that would be great. I know fans here would love to ask you questions.
Okay, that makes sense about Simon. For instance, some people say that such and such band (i.e., latter-day Pendragon) mimics Porcupine Tree when in fact they both have common influences from Pink Floyd.
I checked out Tomas Andersson-Wij briefly, will have to look into him some more. It's been good talking to you.
No way, PT are influenced by Pink Floyd?! I think I actually listened to a couple of their earlier releases, thinking it was forgotten Floyd material :o :o :o ;)
There are also a couple of female artists who are really good. The singer Laleh for example. And the band First Aid Kit has started making some noice. Try them out as well!
Good talking to you too. Now I'm gonna prepare dinner here at work, and pretend that I'm actually doing something useful for once ;)
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No way, PT are influenced by Pink Floyd?! I think I actually listened to a couple of their earlier releases, thinking it was forgotten Floyd material :o :o :o ;)
There are also a couple of female artists who are really good. The singer Laleh for example. And the band First Aid Kit has started making some noice. Try them out as well!
Good talking to you too. Now I'm gonna prepare dinner here at work, and pretend that I'm actually doing something useful for once ;)
Haha, shhh, lots of sensitive PT fans on this board. :P I'll definitely check out those artists, love the female vox. Know the feeling about work too. Take it easy.
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I'm fanboying so hard right now.
And I did start listening to the Hi-Lo's because of Simon's ...I could listen to My Romance and Tenderly forever.
But right now, time for Other Half of the Sky.
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That's great info Tobias. I was wondering both things, I guess, how they're written, but also how you execute it so well; it's interesting that you're 800km from the international airport. I guess you travel by bus?
Unless someone else has another question, if I can ask one more question -- what made MS decide to release a double CD so early in your career? It seems like a ballsy move, but I suppose you had a backlog of material and/or confidence in the tunes to pull it off? (Almost a comment disguised as a question, sorry about that).
Regarding the double album: For Johan and Petter, the only two members that have been really into prog actually, making a double disc was kind of a big deal since it was a prog thing to do, or something like that. And since we had confidence in our material and knew we could've released a triple if we wanted to, it seemed like the right thing to do. And hey, it worked! :)
And might I add, if Blomljud hadn't been an double cd, the recurring themes in Constant Bloom, Methuselah's Children, Bluebells, Moonwalk, and Other Half of the Sky couldn't have come to fruition. To me, that's what makes the whole album so magical to listen to.
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I started listening to Moon Safari 2 years ago, and I haven't been able to stop. My first song was Constant Bloom, posted on this very board somewhere. It was like a dizzying kaleidoscope of melody lines that gave my ears an orgasm. Then I listened to Ghost of Flowers Past. Then all of Blomljud.
Moon Safari feels like music that was made personally for me. It gets everything right according to all my tastes and preferences, the porridge that's just right. It reminded me of when I first listened to Queen, or Images and Words...it's just so bright, so melodic, yet so complex. The melodies are strong enough to lift a mountain. They're not afraid at all to go overboard with the most tastiest sweetest melodies and progressions there are, as long as it works. I feel a lot of bands always try and either downplay their melodic aspect, probably so as not to sound too "cheesy", or it won't fit the genre... or maybe they just can't write it. The harmonies are rich and layered and like a big comfy bed. You don't get vocal harmonies like these just anywhere, you really have to dig around. The actual writing and song arrangements and structures are brilliant, how they reuse themes in the right ways at the right times (Other Half of the Sky, so clever), and they are also great at writing odd-time sections that sound totally natural. They're also talented at their instruments. I'd kill to talk to them, Simon about his piano playing and vocal arranging and singing, and Pontus about his guitar playing (such a great ear for the right solos).
The production is unusually outstanding, crisp enough to hear all the different things going on in total clarity. The singing is my favourite, soaring strong clear tenors, Simon is up there with my favourites now, but Petter is good as well. I mean, a lot of prog singing is great, but it's a nice change from Roine Stolt/Neal Morse/the dozen super-british neoprog vocalists. I love the lyrics as well, introspective, love, fantasy, hope, but reality, escapism, cynicism, and negativity here and there as well. Moon Safari is not some bubblegum pop put to prog. Lover's End of course does this the most.
So yeah, I think you can tell by this glorifying post how much I love them. LE is definitely more "power pop", I guess, much more modern even in it's production, chimier, more high end. It reminds me of christmas at times, winter, or a cold wet night in the city streets. Blomljud is a folksy masterpiece of prog, top 3 for me, like summer and spring, better than both Doorway (great album) and LE. I can't wait for whatever else they have in store, apparently most of the material for the next one is msostly written. I know they're doing a collaboration album with Syd as well on the side, hope that turns out okay.
2Timer likes this post.
My thoughts exactly, and by that I mean I started listening to them 2 years ago as well. I second everything you said in your post.
And I thought it was just me that was reminded of Christmas in parts of LE, especially in Crossed the Rubicon's instrumental section.
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And might I add, if Blomljud hadn't been an double cd, the recurring themes in Constant Bloom, Methuselah's Children, Bluebells, Moonwalk, and Other Half of the Sky couldn't have come to fruition. To me, that's what makes the whole album so magical to listen to.
Yes, well. The songs and themes were written with a double album in mind, so that was sort of a must for it to work :)
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I've written some good songs, butI can't even begin to imagine what must be like to be part of an organization that wrote that legendary of an album.
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Hey Tobias, great to see you in here, too!! :metal
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Hey Tobias, great to see you in here, too!! :metal
Hey Jürgen! We've got some exciting news for you guys soon ;)
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Welcome to the forum Tobias, really great to have you here!
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Welcome to the forum Tobias, really great to have you here!
Thanks man, good to be here :)
Just a heads up. Our good friend Rick has a webradio show and today he's playing a couple of songs from our live album. Here's the link: https://www.rickterscalerockradio.com/thisweek.cfm
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I'll have to check these guys out, what I read seems promising. :smiley:
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Hey Tobias, great to see you in here, too!! :metal
Hey Jürgen! We've got some exciting news for you guys soon ;)
And here are the news:
Moon Safari is proud to announce a miniature tour in september. On the 20th, we will play at our beloved venue the Spirit of 66 in Verviers, Belgium, where we've had some great gigs in the past.
On the 21st, we're moving on to Helmond and the Lakei in Holland, where Wim and his companions will greet us once again for a great evening.
And on the 22nd we are playing the Progressive Promotion Festival in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
To prepare for this tour, we recommend you to buy our newly released live album "The Gettysburg Address" at your local webshop. See you guys on the road in september!
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There are lots of threads in the DT forums asking which songs you would use to make a DT compilation cd for friends. I wondered what everyone would put on a Moon Safari disc. I'm getting ready to put one together to show my physical therapy trainer. Here's what I think it will be...
Constant Bloom
Methuselah's Children
In the Countryside
Bluebells
The Ghost of Flowers Past
Lady of the Woodlands
A Kid Called Panic
New York City Summergirl
Crossed the Rubicon
I'd like to see everyone's lists, including yours, Tobias! I think it would be interesting to see what you would put together.
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Ok, here's my list. Maybe I'll have a different perspective since I'm also judging the songs based on how fun they are to play :P
Going from A doorway to Lover's end:
A sun of your own
Constant bloom
Methuselahs children
Bluebells
Ghost of flowers past
Yasgur's farm
Other half of the sky
Lover's end pt 1
A kid called panic
Southern belle
Heartland
Crossed the rubicon
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Moon Safari is proud to announce a miniature tour in september. On the 20th, we will play at our beloved venue the Spirit of 66 in Verviers, Belgium, where we've had some great gigs in the past.
On the 21st, we're moving on to Helmond and the Lakei in Holland, where Wim and his companions will greet us once again for a great evening.
And on the 22nd we are playing the Progressive Promotion Festival in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
To prepare for this tour, we recommend you to buy our newly released live album "The Gettysburg Address" at your local webshop. See you guys on the road in september!
Any chance of you guys playing in London any time in the near future? ;)
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Tobias, I wholeheartedly agree with your list, but...well, you only have 80 minutes to work with :P
If I could fit more songs on a cd, A Sun of Your Own, We Spin the World and Other Half of the Sky definitely would have to be on there.
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My problem with the list is I'd want to get Other Half of the Sky on there, and that forces me to leave out a LOT of songs I like. :lol
So my solution to this is, if you're trying to get someone into Moon Safari-give 'em Blomljud and tell them "trust me." :biggrin:
But if forced to stick to one CD:
A Sun Of Your Own
Constant Bloom
Methuselah's Children
Bluebells
The Ghost of Flowers Past
Lover's End Pt. 1
A Kid Called Panic
Crossed The Rubicon
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Tobias, I wholeheartedly agree with your list, but...well, you only have 80 minutes to work with :P
If I could fit more songs on a cd, A Sun of Your Own, We Spin the World and Other Half of the Sky definitely would have to be on there.
I made mine a double. Doh ;)
ariich. We're looking into some gigs in the UK right now actually. But right now we have a bit of a problem financing the gigs. More expensive to fly to the UK than to Holland etc. :(
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I LOOOOOVE Blomljud, and I'd love to own a physical copy of it. Does anyone know a good place to order a hard copy? Amazon and a couple other sites only offer mp3 downloads.
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No one knows?
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Tobias, I wholeheartedly agree with your list, but...well, you only have 80 minutes to work with :P
If I could fit more songs on a cd, A Sun of Your Own, We Spin the World and Other Half of the Sky definitely would have to be on there.
I made mine a double. Doh ;)
ariich. We're looking into some gigs in the UK right now actually. But right now we have a bit of a problem financing the gigs. More expensive to fly to the UK than to Holland etc. :(
Yeah that's understandable. Although if you made it down to somewhere like Holland, it wouldn't be much to come from there over to the UK. Keep us updated anyway, I'd love to see you guys live!
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No one knows?
I bought mine from laser's edge (www.lasercd.com), but I looked for it just now for you, and it's not there. Maybe they don't carry the band anymore?
I'm sure Tobias will steer you in the right direction when he sees your post since he's in the band.
There is a copy going on Ebay right now, and you might try Amazon too, but they won't be brand new copies.
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No one knows?
I bought mine from laser's edge (www.lasercd.com), but I looked for it just now for you, and it's not there. Maybe they don't carry the band anymore?
I'm sure Tobias will steer you in the right direction when he sees your post since he's in the band.
There is a copy going on Ebay right now, and you might try Amazon too, but they won't be brand new copies.
Not quite sure who carries this now actually. Laser CD usually has it.
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Darkshade, go to the link to the site in my last post and find their phone number. Maybe they just don't have the cd on the site, I know I called them when I ordered mine.
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Yeah, Wayside Music -- another prog CD site -- doesn't seem to carry it either.
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Alright guys, some Blomljuds right here: https://www.kinesiscd.com/other1.htm#moon-safari
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That's a pretty cool-looking store. I'll have to check it out when I'm looking for new music.
I have to quote part of their description of 'Doorway'...
"Note the band intend to reissue A Doorway to Summer in late 2011 with one bonus track."
Man, I hope this still happens! My Doorway disc has had a clicking in Beyond the Door ever since I got it. I'd love to replace it with one with a bonus track.
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That's a pretty cool-looking store. I'll have to check it out when I'm looking for new music.
I have to quote part of their description of 'Doorway'...
"Note the band intend to reissue A Doorway to Summer in late 2011 with one bonus track."
Man, I hope this still happens! My Doorway disc has had a clicking in Beyond the Door ever since I got it. I'd love to replace it with one with a bonus track.
Hehe, now where do people get this info from? ;)
We had plans to reissue A doorway with a better master, new cover and a bonus track, but then we started working on live album, DVD and a fourth studio album. Dunno which one you'd prefer? :P
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Thanks for all the info guys.
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Thanks for all the info guys.
You're welcome Roine ;)
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Just got The Gettysburg Address yesterday, and it is awesome Very good production. I wish Doorway and Constant Bloom would have been on it, But oh well. And I'm assuming that the Springsteen bit was left out for copyright reasons. Petter would have made Bruce jealous with his vocals.
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Just got The Gettysburg Address yesterday, and it is awesome Very good production. I wish Doorway and Constant Bloom would have been on it, But oh well. And I'm assuming that the Springsteen bit was left out for copyright reasons. Petter would have made Bruce jealous with his vocals.
Haha, no the Springsteen bit was left out because we hadn't rehearsed it and Simon messed up the piano ;)
And Doorway is on the Japan release, as a bonus track. One of the terms they had for releasing the album
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Then maybe I'll have to look into getting the Japanese version. By the way, the drums really stood out in the mix on the recording. You really kicked ass!
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Wow! Cool to see you here Tobias. :tup
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Then maybe I'll have to look into getting the Japanese version. By the way, the drums really stood out in the mix on the recording. You really kicked ass!
Thanks man, I really love the drums they have at Rosfest and our sound engineer really made them sound juicy ;)
Hey there WantedMan, good to see you!
If any of you guys wanna hear the album up front you can stream it here: https://www.progstreaming.com/2012/03/12/moon-safari-the-gettysburg-address/
And if you like what you hear, I hope you support our future endeavors by purchasing it!
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Fourth album being written and preproduced as we speak. Here's Pontus laying down an opening theme: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150627027663884
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Saw that on Facebook yesterday. Excitement level HIGH :biggrin:
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I saw that too. Does that mean nothing but relentless teasing for the next year or so? :P
I'm eager for new material, but I'll wait years if I have to for you guys to perfect it. It's always unbelievable stuff.
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I have Blomljud and A Doorway to Summer (my favorite of the 2). Both are excellent albums. I really regret not going to RosFest last year.
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I saw that too. Does that mean nothing but relentless teasing for the next year or so? :P
I'm eager for new material, but I'll wait years if I have to for you guys to perfect it. It's always unbelievable stuff.
Actually we're gonna try to hustle things up this time around. But I still don't wanna give a release date since we always come up with stuff that should be changed ;)
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Tobias, I trust you guys' judgment, but don't feel that you need to hurry to satisfy the fans. Lover's End took longer than expected, but was well worth the wait. I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that you should take all the time you need to make the next batch turn into masterpieces like everything else has; if that means you need a year, so be it...Def Leppard took 5 years to make their perfect album. On the other hand, if you can get it done in the next 10 minutes, that's cool, too. :P
And it seems like the bulk of your fans are fairly new to you, so let the first 3 albums tide them over for however long it takes you to perfect the new one. I know that's what I'll be doing. We're not going anywhere!
And by the way, all I could listen to on TGA at first was AKCP and OHOTS, for obvious reasons, but when the dust finally settled down from songs like those, it was really cool to hear how moments like the acapella breakdown in Heartland really shine live. So much great stuff on those cds. I can't believe how well you nail it live!
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We're signed up for Summer's End festival in the UK september 28th. Finally we'll be able to play for our english friends again. A couple of more UK gigs will take place around this date so stay tuned you guys!
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Awesome, not sure if I'm going to be able to make the festival but if you're playing in our around London I'll be there!
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I've contacted The Peel for a gig on Sep 29th, but haven't received a reply.
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I've contacted The Peel for a gig on Sep 29th, but haven't received a reply.
That would be amazing, I have been there many times! Usually to see Haken (who I believe you guys have played with at a festival or two?) as I know most of them personally, and also went to the Frost* christmas gig/party there a couple of years ago. Very cool little venue!
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*bump*
I'll just leave this here...
https://www.progstreaming.com/_wb/pages/play-album.php?activeAlbum=00173+-+Moon+Safari+-+Lover%60s+End+Pt.+III+%28Skelleftea+Serenade%29
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Will be seeing them in 2 weeks (sponsored their gig at the Progressive Promotion Festival a bit, as I really wanted them to play there). Can't wait! :hefdaddy
And now giving in and listening to the EP. What can I say? VERY nice, as usual!
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Yeah, I loved all the callbacks to Lover's End spread through it. Great track, shame I'm on the wrong side of the planet to see them live and pick this EP up!
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Wait: the EP will only be available at some festivals?
If so, is there any good sould that would pick it up one for me and send it over here? (with me paying all the expenses, of course)
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BUMP!
Looking forward to an October(ish) release. I like the new epic that we were treated to last week, but the recording I made isn't great quality...enough to get me acquainted, though. It definitely sounds like it has some magic in it. I love when a 'good' song grows into something amazing,and Tobias, you guys are blessed with the ability to make that happen time and time again.
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There's a bootleg of the 21 Sept gig on dimeadozen.org!
I took the liberty of download it and host it on my skydrive domain to share it with all of you who aren't familiar with dime!
Here's the folder : https://sdrv.ms/UtbMgH
and here's all the info:
Artist: Moon Safari
Title: Live in Helmond 2012
Date: 21 september 2012
Type: Audience
Tour: Tour de Europe 2012
Location: De Lakei, Helmond, Netherlands
Rating: A+ (rated by taper)
Catalog: MVD-092
SOURCE: Church ST-11 Cards - Church pre-amp STC-9000 (high pass filter on) -
iRiver H340 (44.1 kHz) - HDD - FLAC
Recorded by Symfan
=================================
Disc 1
01 - Preshow music
02 - Dance across the Ocean
03 - Heartland
04 - Sun of Your Own
05 - band introductions
06 - New York City Summer Girl
07 - Lover's End pt. 1
08 - A Kid called Panic
Disc 2
01 - Lover's End pt. 3 (Skelleftea Serenade)
02 - Doorway
03 - Constant Bloom
=========================
TECHNICAL NOTES
Recorded live at De Lakei, Helmond, Netherlands
Recording spot: right side of stage, standing FOS
Date: 21 september 2012.
Recorded on iRiver H340 using Rockbox, r18339 build 080824.
Recording format: 44.1 Khz WAV
Microphones: Church ST-11 Cardiods with STC-9000 preamp, high pass filter on
Sound enhancement with Soundforge 10.0 / Adobe 2.0
Sound editing with CD Wave editor and Traders Little Helper
Flacs created with FLAC frontend (level 7)
=========================
The Band
Simon Akesson: Keyboards & Lead Vocals
Petter Sandstrom: Acoustic Guitar & Lead Vocals
Pontus Akesson: Guitars & Backing Vocals
Johan Westerlund: Bass & Backing Vocals
Tobias Lundgren: Drums, Percussion & Backing Vocals
Sebastian Akesson: Keyboards, Percussion & Backing Vocals
=========================
PREPARING THE RECORDING
I recorded this show standing to the right side of the stage, just below the speakerstack.
There was no-one in front of me, and the audience was quiet, so an ideal recording situation.
During the first song the bass guitar was a bit loud and not balanced, and you hear some
distortion. This is not due to the recording, but this was as it came out the speakers.
Tracks were slightly EQ-ed and volume was a bit corrected, but I kept the dynamics in tact.
I use no compression. After correction, tracks were split at sector boundaries.
Flacs are tagged for convenient playback on compatible systems.
ABOUT THE CONCERT
Moon Safari was promoting their latest recording Lover's End Part 3, as an addition to the
Lover's End album they released in 2010. They are really nice guys and they make wonderful music.
Close harmony vocals, 12-string guitar and lots of nice guitar and keyboards. The set was not
too long, but it includes their latest work in full. Doorway was played as encore, instead of
Yasgur's Farm. Well maybe next time. For they will return when the new album is ready.
There were about 100 people attending and they were all very attentive to the music. That, and
a good recording spot, makes this a very nice capture of a band that will hopefully grow to
a much bigger audience. They really deserve it!
ARTWORK
Artwork is included in the Torrent release.
DISTRIBUTION
Please include FLAC fingerprints when trading.
DO NOT TRADE IN LOSSY FORMATS !
DO NOT SELL OR BUY THIS RECORDING !
Please respect the artists work. For more information go to
https://www.moonsafari.se/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moon-Safari/208896934856
Prepared by Symfan.
september 2012
Info: symfan@hotmail.com
-
Here's my vid of "Constant Bloom" from Rüsselsheim on 22nd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d0URw8IdOo&feature=plcp
Awesome gig - and an awesome festival all around! :metal
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There's a bootleg of the 21 Sept gig on dimeadozen.org!
I took the liberty of download it and host it on my skydrive domain to share it with all of you who aren't familiar with dime!
Here's the folder : https://sdrv.ms/UtbMgH
and here's all the info:
Artist: Moon Safari
Title: Live in Helmond 2012
Date: 21 september 2012
Type: Audience
Tour: Tour de Europe 2012
Location: De Lakei, Helmond, Netherlands
Rating: A+ (rated by taper)
Catalog: MVD-092
SOURCE: Church ST-11 Cards - Church pre-amp STC-9000 (high pass filter on) -
iRiver H340 (44.1 kHz) - HDD - FLAC
Recorded by Symfan
=================================
Disc 1
01 - Preshow music
02 - Dance across the Ocean
03 - Heartland
04 - Sun of Your Own
05 - band introductions
06 - New York City Summer Girl
07 - Lover's End pt. 1
08 - A Kid called Panic
Disc 2
01 - Lover's End pt. 3 (Skelleftea Serenade)
02 - Doorway
03 - Constant Bloom
=========================
TECHNICAL NOTES
Recorded live at De Lakei, Helmond, Netherlands
Recording spot: right side of stage, standing FOS
Date: 21 september 2012.
Recorded on iRiver H340 using Rockbox, r18339 build 080824.
Recording format: 44.1 Khz WAV
Microphones: Church ST-11 Cardiods with STC-9000 preamp, high pass filter on
Sound enhancement with Soundforge 10.0 / Adobe 2.0
Sound editing with CD Wave editor and Traders Little Helper
Flacs created with FLAC frontend (level 7)
=========================
The Band
Simon Akesson: Keyboards & Lead Vocals
Petter Sandstrom: Acoustic Guitar & Lead Vocals
Pontus Akesson: Guitars & Backing Vocals
Johan Westerlund: Bass & Backing Vocals
Tobias Lundgren: Drums, Percussion & Backing Vocals
Sebastian Akesson: Keyboards, Percussion & Backing Vocals
=========================
PREPARING THE RECORDING
I recorded this show standing to the right side of the stage, just below the speakerstack.
There was no-one in front of me, and the audience was quiet, so an ideal recording situation.
During the first song the bass guitar was a bit loud and not balanced, and you hear some
distortion. This is not due to the recording, but this was as it came out the speakers.
Tracks were slightly EQ-ed and volume was a bit corrected, but I kept the dynamics in tact.
I use no compression. After correction, tracks were split at sector boundaries.
Flacs are tagged for convenient playback on compatible systems.
ABOUT THE CONCERT
Moon Safari was promoting their latest recording Lover's End Part 3, as an addition to the
Lover's End album they released in 2010. They are really nice guys and they make wonderful music.
Close harmony vocals, 12-string guitar and lots of nice guitar and keyboards. The set was not
too long, but it includes their latest work in full. Doorway was played as encore, instead of
Yasgur's Farm. Well maybe next time. For they will return when the new album is ready.
There were about 100 people attending and they were all very attentive to the music. That, and
a good recording spot, makes this a very nice capture of a band that will hopefully grow to
a much bigger audience. They really deserve it!
ARTWORK
Artwork is included in the Torrent release.
DISTRIBUTION
Please include FLAC fingerprints when trading.
DO NOT TRADE IN LOSSY FORMATS !
DO NOT SELL OR BUY THIS RECORDING !
Please respect the artists work. For more information go to
https://www.moonsafari.se/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moon-Safari/208896934856
Prepared by Symfan.
september 2012
Info: symfan@hotmail.com
Thank you very much for putting that up there for us!!! I'm downloading it as we speak.
So, have enough MS fans heard Lover's End Pt.III for us to have a discussion of it?
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Yes, it's lovely. I haven't yet listened to their full discorgraphy, but so far, it's the best song they have ever written. It's like Moon Safari's own ACOS :tup
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Are you at least familiar with the LE album?
-
Are you at least familiar with the LE album?
I'm more familiar with the recent live, but yes, I heard Lover's End multiple times.
-
I love how the new song ties in with the parts 1 & 2. Sort of makes me wish they would have included it on LE and made it a double disc, but I see why they wanted to wait. Definitely amazing song. If you haven't gotten the Blomljud album yet, you're really in for a treat there, too. A Doorway to Summer is great too, their first release.
By the way, I'm about halfway finished downloaded the bootleg from you, and it won't let me go any further. When I click on the next track it wants me to sign up for Microsoft network or something. Is there a limit per 24 hour period or something?
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I love how the new song ties in with the parts 1 & 2. Sort of makes me wish they would have included it on LE and made it a double disc, but I see why they wanted to wait. Definitely amazing song. If you haven't gotten the Blomljud album yet, you're really in for a treat there, too. A Doorway to Summer is great too, their first release.
By the way, I'm about halfway finished downloaded the bootleg from you, and it won't let me go any further. When I click on the next track it wants me to sign up for Microsoft network or something. Is there a limit per 24 hour period or something?
I don't know, try again with new links https://sdrv.ms/UKAsl2
As for Blomljud (what does it mean?), something very weird happened as I was listening to it the first time: by the time the album ended I was like "wow, this is seriously a masterpiece". Then I just noticed that the track order was completely messed up on foobar for some wicked trick of fate. A few days later I went through the album again, this time making sure to check the order, but I was not as impressed as I had been. Really weird.
-
Blomljud means 'the sound of flowers'. And I'm sorry foobar ruined it for you, that's an injustice. I think the correct order is a big thing...maybe it got confused with it being a double album and having 2 'track 1's.'
And I signed up for a Microsoft account, so it let me download the rest of the boot. Thanks again for that!
-
Foobar did that to my version of Blomljud too, but I was wise to its ways by then.
I've had a rough few days, personal life stuff, and I've been spinning Blomjud a lot in an effort to help me cheer up. So far it seems to be working. I love this band.
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Bumping to say I just bought Lover's End part III off iTunes. As glorious an epic as I remembered. :biggrin:
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I'm glad I'm not the only one bumping, because they really deserve lots of attention. Part 3 gets more amazing with each listen, as with the rest of their stuff. I can't believe how many catchy melodies they can come up with and string together. And they're really starting to 'jam' more, and damn, can they play!
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I have to be in the mood for Moon Safari, but when I'm not on my extreme metal kicks, they can really hit the spot.
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Just gave "Lover's End Part III" another listen, after hearing the whole LE album. It's a great run of 9 awesome songs. Glad they all fit onto one single CD-R!!! Now I can take it with me in the car!
-Marc.
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Rumor has it they are working on their next masterpiece already!
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Just gave "Lover's End Part III" another listen, after hearing the whole LE album. It's a great run of 9 awesome songs. Glad they all fit onto one single CD-R!!! Now I can take it with me in the car!
-Marc.
Good, I was wondering if I could do that! :D
-
I am still stunned to see how overwhelmingly positive is the consensus for LE-III on progarchives. Not that I don't think the song is up to that rating, but PA isn't normally that generous when it comes to melodic and uplifting prog...
-
Giving Lover's End Part 3 yet another spin and I really continue to be awed by how many awesome melodies Moon Safari manages to work into their songs. There's more memorably, catchy moments in the 24 minutes of LE Part 3 than some bands get in their entire careers. And everything from about 21:00 to 23:30 or thereabouts is GORGEOUS. Pretty sure that a single song EP is going to be making my top ten, if not top five, for this year.
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Apparently they have a new album coming out this summer called "Himlabacken vol. 1"! Tobias Lundgren posted on Progressive Ears that the release is scheduled for August 31. Here's a rough mix of the intro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=N303eDJrwhM
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Apparently they have a new album coming out this summer called "Himlabacken vol. 1"! Tobias Lundgren posted on Progressive Ears that the release is scheduled for August 31. Here's a rough mix of the intro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=N303eDJrwhM
Cool! new Moon Safari is always good news. It's been over 3 months since I've listened to them though (as I was spinning Lover's End and the Lover's End Part III ep during a horrible break-up with my ex, so the music has been a bit tainted for me).
Anyways, I'll keep an eye out for this one! Thanks for the heads up! :tup
-Marc.
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Saw that on Facebook earlier. I am excited :D
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Another unmixed clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMbi36ygWdk
Sounds a little quirkier than usual from them :biggrin:
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That clip really sounded cool. I have Blomljud, what album should I get next?
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All of them! :biggrin:
Their music is pretty uniformly good, so you can't go wrong with them, but as a less facetious answer, get Lovers End next. It's a bit more modern sounding, for lack of a better term, than Blomljud, but still recognizably Moon Safari.
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I was thinking Lover's End, though I know some have said it's a little too sugary sweet for them. I'm intrigued about pt. 3, so I maybe have to get LE next.
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Definitely LE next, and know it very well before you get part 3...it'll make the latter much sweeter. Doorway has magic as well, but it's a sleeper. It does have some gorgeous moments, though. We Spin the World is an awesome song.
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Thanks guys. I want to be caught up before the new album comes out. The second half of 2013 is turning out to be a big time for new prog releases.
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New album teaser:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGVtJYcI71c
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I love this album already. That teaser has some fantastic music
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Definitely!
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Oooohhh :o
This sounds better than usual Moon Safari!
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Hehe, the pic in the vid with Jonas Reingold and Usain Bolt. :lol
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I hadn't heard of this band before, but Spotify just recommended Lover's End to me. And let me be the first to say: holy fucking shit. This is one of the best things I've ever heard.
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I hadn't heard of this band before, but Spotify just recommended Lover's End to me. And let me be the first to say: holy fucking shit. This is one of the best things I've ever heard.
Lover's End is fantastic! Make sure you get the EP "Lover's End Part 3: Skellefteå Serenade".
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And Blomjud. Matter of fact, they're all worthy.
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I'm listening to Blomljud right now for the first time and I'm extremely impressed. This is just fantastic stuff, probably some of the best modern prog I've heard. :hefdaddy
Can't wait for the new album!
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You can't go wrong with these guys. Ever. They're my favorite modern prog band. :biggrin:
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Relistening to Blomljud and it's still so beautiful augh
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Will be seeing them again on September 5th. :hat
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The new album's available!!!
https://moonsafari.bandcamp.com/ (https://moonsafari.bandcamp.com/)
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I'm on my second listen right now. This album is great, and the vocals/harmonies/melodies are as excellent as I expected them to be. And of course the musicianship is fantastic as well, especially the keys.
I don't know how this band continuously puts out such high-quality, catchy and melodic music. Moon Safari is definitely one of the best and most consistently great prog bands out there right now, IMO. Can't wait for Volume 2!
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Only one listen through but I think it's my favorite Moon Safari album. I'll have to see how it grows with time.
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Dammit, can't buy this until tomorrow. I'll be all over it like a cheap suit then though!
(edit): Eh, only 8 bucks and it's Moon Safari. ON IT. :biggrin:
(edit II): How can they keep putting out music this consistently awesome, over and over again?! Amazing album.
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Mega Moon is quickly becoming one of my favorite songs ever. I can't help but smile every single time I listen to it
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Mega Moon's awesome, but it's merely my THIRD favorite song on the album. Diamonds and Sugar Band are running just ahead of it for the lead. I've played this album about ten times since yesterday and it refuses to stop being awesome. Moon Safari's sheer level of quality is amazing, especially when you consider they've never had an album any worse than really damn good. :biggrin:
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Just listened to the new album, :heart it.
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I might need an intervention. I CAN'T STOP PLAYING THIS ALBUM.
So damn catchy!
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Just bought it yesterday, and only had a chance to listen once the whole way through. It's way too early for me to form opinions of any one song, but definitely a very solid album, and I know that it will grow into something amazing for me...again!
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Best Moon Safari album IMO. I'm putting it between the 3 best albums of this year.
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Diamonds...Oh. My. God...
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I haven't listened to the album yet to be honest. I'm going to see them live in a couple of hours so I'm holding out. I have high expectations for this album (but I'm not expecting it to be on par with Blomljud).
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I'd put Mega Moon, Diamonds, and Sugar Band on a par with ANY of the best songs Moon Safari has done. Blomljud's always going to be their masterpiece but this album's really, really, really, really good. :biggrin:
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I'm listening to the new album on Progstreaming.com and it is awesome. I need to get into this band.
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I'm listening to the new album on Progstreaming.com and it is awesome. I need to get into this band.
In case you're interested, you can stream all of their albums in full on Bandcamp.
https://moonsafari.bandcamp.com/
Definitely check out Lover's End!!
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Thanks! I'm going to buy a few albums. This is a great album.
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I haven't listened to the album yet to be honest. I'm going to see them live in a couple of hours so I'm holding out. I have high expectations for this album (but I'm not expecting it to be on par with Blomljud).
If you're going to see them soon, don't you want to be familiar with the new stuff?
And some of the 'wall of sound' vocals hooks are right up with there with Blomljud's stuff.
Enjoy the show! I hope you get to meet them, they're great guys to talk to. And, of course, we expect a full report!!!
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What's the best album to get into them? Should I try Blomljud first, even though it's 100 mins long? Or better with the debut?
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Blomljud is their best album, no question, but if you're uncertain about investing that much time, their newest one is much shorter and nearly as good. But I started with Blomljud first and never looked back. There's a link to streaming their albums on Bandcamp a few posts up, give em a try. You won't regret it if you like prog rock at all. :biggrin:
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Listening to Blomljud for the second time now, beautiful!
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Yeah I've listened to the new album a couple of times now and I actually did so twice before going to the concert yesterday. It's a really great one but in my personal opinion it's not up there with Blomljud. Perhaps I should add that Blomljud is my favorite non-DT album of all time so when I say that I still think that Blomljud is in a league of its own it doesn't really say much about my thoughts on Himlabacken. The new album is awesome and I can't wait for part 2.
The guys put on a truly great show yesterday, as always. I didn't chat with any of them this time though so I have no anecdotes to share I'm afraid. ^^;
If I had to mention something negative about the evening it would be that the sound is really bad in this venue. The guitar was sometimes suffering, as well as the keyboards but the biggest problem was that the vocals were pretty much slaughtered by the drums and the bass which is a damn shame given how important the vocals are in Moon Safari's music. It was still very enjoyable. Their live performances truly are amazing and I would LOVE to see them play better venues in the future. They truly deserve it. It's kind of heartbreaking to see a talented group of young men with their songwriting skills not being able to fill a venue that only takes about 300 people when "bands" like freaking One Direction fill national arenas on a regular basis.
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It's kind of heartbreaking to see a talented group of young men with their songwriting skills not being able to fill a venue that only takes about 300 people when "bands" like freaking One Direction fill national arenas on a regular basis.
Amen
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So, one week and many listens later I think it's safe to say that Blomljud will forever be safe in my top 50, probably a lot higher. Absolutely beautiful album. I'm looking forward to exploring the other albums!
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Will be seeing them in 2 days - in a venue in the middle of Germany that holds 300 at most, and probably will attract not more than half of that (as it's a work day)... But here's still hope to report a bigger crowd. AWESOME band with a FANTASTIC new album. :hat
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Moon Safari reminds me of:
(https://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/500/46536731/Moon+Safari.png)
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Will be seeing them in 2 days - in a venue in the middle of Germany that holds 300 at most, and probably will attract not more than half of that (as it's a work day)... But here's still hope to report a bigger crowd. AWESOME band with a FANTASTIC new album. :hat
It's cool that you're getting to see them again...hopefully I get the chance again someday too! And I strongly agree with you about the new album.
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My video from Mega Moon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3shZ3D_ZHw&feature=youtu.be
It was a fantastic concert. Incredible how they nailed all these vocal parts. Lovely guys as well. They joined the fans before and immediately after the show. :tup
Video of Constant Bloom and pics coming up.
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And here's Constant Bloom from the same show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAas-r70IQo&feature=youtu.be
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Best Constant Bloom performance I've seen :clap:
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Awesome videos. I will see Moon Safari live some day. Oh yes I will. I really love these guys.
-
Btw, around 70 people in the audience - who had a great time. But it's a shame that a band like this does not attract more people...
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And finally, some pics: https://picasaweb.google.com/112126017224679832760/MoonSafari5913Russelsheim?authkey=Gv1sRgCOfcyOH1iK62dQ#
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Thank you for sharing so much. Just looking at the pics and seeing them having the time of their lives made me smile. Constant Bloom was the best I've heard too, and Mega Moon was great for being so new. The only complaint I have about their sound is that Simon is lower in the mix than he should be. It was the same way when I saw them at Rosfest 3 years ago. Maybe his voice just needs more gain than they're able to give him on a noisy stage. His tone is gorgeous, though.
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Love this band, performed Constant Bloom in my clarinet quartet. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFrbDtKJv0g
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Moon Safari is headlining Friday night at RoSfest!!! I finally get to see them live!!
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I have just discovered these guys thanks to hearing Yasgur’s Farm on a random prog playlist. It caught my attention immediately and I have since listened to nothing but Moon Safari for the past month. I absolutely love this stuff, just pissed Apple Music doesn’t have Himlabacken.
Bumping this up in the hopes that more people discover this incredible band.
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That's my favorite album too!!
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All I know is Blomljud. I've heard the whole album many times years ago and I actually put the first two tracks on the other day and enjoyed it, but it's so sugary sweet that I couldn't continue. I really have to be in the mood for their brand of prog. I haven't heard their other releases, are they similar to Blomljud?
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Lovers End is slightly heavier than Blomljud but the sugary sweet thing is part of their shtick.
Moon Safari is quite possibly my favorite of the more modern prog groups. The vocal harmonies bring such a new flavor to the sound. So excited for Himlabacken 2.
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After RoSFest a couple weeks back, count me a fan. Purchased their discography on the spot.
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After RoSFest a couple weeks back, count me a fan. Purchased their discography on the spot.
I thought you were into them already. Great band
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After RoSFest a couple weeks back, count me a fan. Purchased their discography on the spot.
I thought you were into them already. Great band
If I was, I didn't know it. :lol
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Lovers End is slightly heavier than Blomljud but the sugary sweet thing is part of their shtick.
Moon Safari is quite possibly my favorite of the more modern prog groups. The vocal harmonies bring such a new flavor to the sound. So excited for Himlabacken 2.
Thanks. I was following them for a little while but never bought any other albums, I think I'll check LE next. :tup
-
I'm still waiting for Himlabacken vol2. and the last update on that was on December last year, which wasn't much of an update really. These guys are apparently trying to reach Tool level.
-
It is disappointing that it takes so long for them to make music. It'd be one thing if they were releasing really long albums, but aside from Blomljud they're all fairly short.
-
Simon Åkesson Quits Moon Safari.
Apparently the keyboardist for the band was having serious issues with alcohol and is going into recovery which is why he is quit. This somewhat explains why Himlabacken vol2 has been taking so long. I hope he recovers and can rejoin the band.
This has been published in their Facebook page but I don't know how to insert a link to it.
-
:(
That is such a bummer. Simon came up with so many cool songs and harmony ideas, dunno how MS can continue without him honestly. I hope he's able to come back.
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https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10155516506019857&id=208896934856
NEWS FROM THE MOON
There are quite a few wizards behind the ivories in the progressive galaxy –
But there’s only one jedi…
Ladies, gentlemen, droids and whatnots…
The circle is now complete.
Meet the master joining MOON SAFARI:
Mr. TOMAS BODIN
As most of you know, Tomas and Moon Safari go way back.
Back to 2003, as a matter of fact, when he helped us making the first demo
and later co-produced our debut album: A doorway to summer.
MOON SAFARI is really excited to work with TOMAS again.
We’re meeting up next week and will bring you and update then.
Peace! / Moon S
Tomas Bodin The Flower Kings
--------
Looks like they found a replacement!
-Marc.
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A very good replacement I was lucky to see them at RoSfest this year with Simon.
Can't wait to see hear them with Tomas!
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Wow. That's a good replacement. I'm still bummed about this though, he's not as good a singer or writer as Simon IMO. But Bodin is as good a replacement as any.
Also Moon Safari >>>>> Flower Kings.
-
Very nice
-
So, let's pump this thing back to life. I was just browsing through these guys facebook to see if I had missed any news related to the new album, and I found a post from December 31st were there is a reference to "two records of new music". And I find myself wondering, will the new album be a double album? Or will there be a Himlabacken pt.3 as well? Anyone heard or read anything about this?
-
Haven’t heard anything although I remember reading that Simon is back?
-
Haven’t heard anything although I remember reading that Simon is back?
Apparently that's the case. It's seems Tomas Bodin is having some listening problems and can't play music live. :-\
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Haven’t heard anything although I remember reading that Simon is back?
Apparently that's the case. It's seems Tomas Bodin is having some listening problems and can't play music live. :-\
Hmm...I wonder if this is a reason why The Flower Kings might be done now.
-
FINALLY! (https://www.facebook.com/208896934856/posts/10159638432224857/)
General Update / Shows / Himlabacken Vol.2
First off, apologies for the absence of communication, and thanks to all who are reading this for sticking around. Although it may seem like it at times we're not dead yet!
Cruise to the Edge is sailing in just three weeks and we're ready to go. Now, unfortunately Petter can't make the trip across the pond with the band as he's just had a new baby (Big Congrats!). He and his family asked us to play this one without him so he could focus on the home front, and we support him in that decision. We are still confident that we can bring a quality product on stage, but we would of course have wanted to end this live hiatus in full force. But life is life, and we'll make the most of it! Hope to see some familiar faces in the crowd cheering us on.
Also, regrettably we've had to cancel our appearance at NOTP this summer. As Ramblin' Man Fair in the UK cancelled and went belly up the weekend tour we had planned didn't make sense financially or logistically. We really hate cancelling, but we hope to be back in Germany with HBV2.
Speaking of HIMLABACKEN Vol. 2 we are nearing completion of this marathon process. Six out of nine tracks have been sent out for mixing. Two songs have already come back and it's sounding great. We ask for just a bit more patience if you have any left and we'll be back with more updates on the release once it's set. Just know that it is happening and we're really looking forward to sharing it with all of you!
Cheers
MS
Feels like an age since their last album!
-Marc.
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Woohoo! Probably next year at this rate, but at least it’s in the end stages.
-
That took a pretty long time but I'm glad the guys found a way to move forward with the band. I'm eager to hear what the guys came up with during this hiatus.
-
That's great news about the new album. It's a shame about the cruise though - I'm going to be there, and I was looking forward to seeing them all.
-
Did anyone on the cruise make it to the Q&A? I missed it as it was right after we boarded. I’m curious what they said about the new album.
-
The show tonight on the cruise was fun.
Setlist (I may have missed one early on since I didn’t recognize the new ones, but I don’t think so):
{new song} (I’d call it “Return to Heaven Hill”)
{new song}
Diamonds
Southern Belle
Heartland
Bluebells
Mega Moon
{new song} (“Don’t Stop”?)
A Kid Called Panic
Small Encore: Constant Bloom (no mics)
This was my first time ever seeing them live. Petter wasn’t there, which was announced prior to the cruise, due to the recent birth of his second child. Simon handled vocals and he did a good job. Pontus on guitar sounded the closest to the album. The guys seemed excited to be performing live again.
My only two complaints were that it was unbearably loud near the front (we were wearing ear plugs and still had to move to a back row), and the sound guy had Sebastian’s keys way too low in the mix. At one point Rich Mouser came in to listen for a bit, and while I was being annoyed at Pontus’ guitar being too loud and Sebastian being too low, Rich got up from his seat and walked towards the mixing desk. I thought for sure he was about to say something, which would have been totally rude of course, but of course he was just getting a seat with a better view. Still, it was funny to me that he of all people came in while I was mildly annoyed at the mix. :laugh:
Overall, it was a good show. My wife said it was her favorite on the cruise so far.
-
Their pop sensibility is what I love about them.
-
Their second show today was great. The set was the same as last night other than some swaps in order. It was at the pool and there were a lot of passerbys who seemed very interested. Someone near us seemed really impressed and asked us who the band was.
The sound guy was a lot more proactive today and the mix was better IMO.
The guy sitting next to me went to the Q&A and gave me a bunch of info about the new album.
- They said it will come out this year
- It’s “heavier”, which lines up with what I heard from the 3 new songs they played at the shows
- It’s been delayed the past year because “some guy related to Transatlantic is working on it and he’s been busy” (the guy telling me this was not super familiar with TA). I saw Rich Mouser at this show today again like last night - so it seems possible to me that Rich might be mixing or mastering Himlabacken Vol. 2!
- There’s a song on the new album that’s in Swedish (either in part or in full)
-
Their second show today was great. The set was the same as last night other than some swaps in order. It was at the pool and there were a lot of passerbys who seemed very interested. Someone near us seemed really impressed and asked us who the band was.
The sound guy was a lot more proactive today and the mix was better IMO.
The guy sitting next to me went to the Q&A and gave me a bunch of info about the new album.
- They said it will come out this year
- It’s “heavier”, which lines up with what I heard from the 3 new songs they played at the shows
- It’s been delayed the past year because “some guy related to Transatlantic is working on it and he’s been busy” (the guy telling me this was not super familiar with TA). I saw Rich Mouser at this show today again like last night - so it seems possible to me that Rich might be mixing or mastering Himlabacken Vol. 2!
- There’s a song on the new album that’s in Swedish (either in part or in full)
Interesting, though I could also see this being Roine, who has been very busy the last two years between TA and The Flower Kings. I think Mouser would be great though. Himlabacken Vol 1 did not have the fullest sound.
-
Their second show today was great. The set was the same as last night other than some swaps in order. It was at the pool and there were a lot of passerbys who seemed very interested. Someone near us seemed really impressed and asked us who the band was.
The sound guy was a lot more proactive today and the mix was better IMO.
The guy sitting next to me went to the Q&A and gave me a bunch of info about the new album.
- They said it will come out this year
- It’s “heavier”, which lines up with what I heard from the 3 new songs they played at the shows
- It’s been delayed the past year because “some guy related to Transatlantic is working on it and he’s been busy” (the guy telling me this was not super familiar with TA). I saw Rich Mouser at this show today again like last night - so it seems possible to me that Rich might be mixing or mastering Himlabacken Vol. 2!
- There’s a song on the new album that’s in Swedish (either in part or in full)
Interesting, though I could also see this being Roine, who has been very busy the last two years between TA and The Flower Kings. I think Mouser would be great though. Himlabacken Vol 1 did not have the fullest sound.
That would make sense too, especially given Moon Safari’s history with The Flower Kings.
I’m going to ask around on the boat and see if I can nail down who it is.
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Rich confirmed! I ran into the band today and asked them - Rich Mouser is indeed mixing the album for them, and they said he’s got 2 songs done so far (out of how many, I don’t know).
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Rich confirmed! I ran into the band today and asked them - Rich Mouser is indeed mixing the album for them, and they said he’s got 2 songs done so far (out of how many, I don’t know).
Awesome news! Hopefully they do get it done in time for a 2022 release as promised.
-
Obviously the new album did not release in 2022, but Petter replied to a fan on their Facebook page recently and said the following:
"6 songs are mixed, 3 more to go - coming 2023. I’ll sign over all my royalties to you if not true."
I would bet it's out by mid to late summer. We'll see, I suppose. Apologies to anyone who saw this bump and assumed better news. :D
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Obviously the new album did not release in 2022, but Petter replied to a fan on their Facebook page recently and said the following:
"6 songs are mixed, 3 more to go - coming 2023. I’ll sign over all my royalties to you if not true."
I would bet it's out by mid to late summer. We'll see, I suppose. Apologies to anyone who saw this bump and assumed better news. :D
Hey, there seems to be a shortage of interesting releases so far in 2023, so this summer would be great.
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Fuck yeah!
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At this point, any news might be good news. I'm down for a late 2023 release!
-Marc.
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Fuck yeah!
I second this!
-
The band have just shared this update on Facebook:
HIMLABACKEN VOL 2 UPDATE
This weekend we all gathered in Skellefteå for a photo shoot, and we also added some finishing touches to the last track we still haven't send out to Rich Mouser for mixing, including a bunch of vocals and a sweet sounding saxophone solo by our good friend Jamison Smeltz. So here's the status on the album:: 7 out of 9 tracks are mixed, and we're confident we'll finish the last two during spring in time for a fall 2023 release. We'll be back with the release date, track listing and more soon. Stay tuned, friends! We can't wait to share it with you all.
https://fb.watch/jPOV3RgeoU/?mibextid=Nif5oz
Looks like my post a couple months back may be true after all!
At this point, any news might be good news. I'm down for a late 2023 release!
-Marc.
-Marc.
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Heck yeah!
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EXCELLENT
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Excellent news!
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Funnily enough, four days ago, Burning Shed put up a bunch of Moon Safari stuff on their store for order, so I got four albums: Himlabacken Vol. 1 Japanese Edition (with two bonus tracks), Live In Mexico (signed), The Gettysburg Address, and A Doorway To Summer (Remastered). I never got around to getting their live albums, so it was nice to get them at normal prices and not inflated secondary market prices. I had no idea that ADTS was remastered, so I figured I'd pick that up as well.
-Marc.
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I didn't know Himlabacken Vol. 1 had a Japanese Edition. What are the bonus tracks? Are they something unique or just alternate mixes?
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I didn't know Himlabacken Vol. 1 had a Japanese Edition. What are the bonus tracks? Are they something unique or just alternate mixes?
https://www.discogs.com/release/8914472-Moon-Safari-Himlabacken-Vol-1
"Kids - Learning Track"
"My Little Man - Lullaby Cut"
Just little bonuses, it seems, but I figured I'd snag it anyway in case it sold out on Burning Shed.
-Marc.
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I didn't know Himlabacken Vol. 1 had a Japanese Edition. What are the bonus tracks? Are they something unique or just alternate mixes?
https://www.discogs.com/release/8914472-Moon-Safari-Himlabacken-Vol-1
"Kids - Learning Track"
"My Little Man - Lullaby Cut"
Just little bonuses, it seems, but I figured I'd snag it anyway in case it sold out on Burning Shed.
-Marc.
It has indeed sold out. :D
-
Master for HIMLABACKEN Vol. 2 is complete! Big thanks to the man behind the desk, Rich Mouser. More info on the release coming soon. Photo courtesy of Carina Hedlund.
(https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/364774053_696353748982583_8965853894537422634_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=dd63ad&_nc_ohc=qkxVWdsCFVsAX_bSWAP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCHo9k4ClUdyOJuu6LnXYfN71ruf4IkiDM3Bf3JGsuGkA&oe=64DAA612)
https://www.facebook.com/100058238914721/posts/pfbid0KJit3WFzsx9jc3LEgUqWNcNQU7dqE1aLQ4Ng3VP1haagRrCz3VXSwJjzbe22gRjNl/?mibextid=Nif5oz
Very exciting news for the long-awaited follow-up!
-Marc.
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Just was coming here to share that post. About time!
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Boo fucking yah!
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I ran into Rich at Morsefest and he said he'd sent out the final master the morning before he got on the plane to head to Nashville. He said it was a ton of fun working with these guys and he was looking forward to hearing back from them on whether they were happy with the final master. Looks like they are!
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It's official! Himlabacken Vol. 2 will be released on December 8. Here's the tracklist:
1. 198X (Heaven Hill) (3:55)
2. Between the Devil and Me (10:38)
3. Emma, Come On (3:19)
4. A Lifetime to Learn How to Love (8:28)
5. Beyond the Blue (2:12)
6. Blood Moon (5:44)
7. Teen Angel Meets the Apocalypse (21:03)
8. Forever, For You (10:08)
9. Epilog (3:22
More details here:
https://www.loudersound.com/news/it-took-us-ten-years-for-a-million-different-reasons-moon-safari-announce-himlabacken-vol-2
(https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/371832372_706147854669839_7807395452377376632_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5614bc&_nc_ohc=LQsRIkIXoIEAX-4zEKB&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfC7qitLk6dNb5PgvZc-_RWdVM1nNMnC5YHmE6P4q-WAyQ&oe=64F4EE47)
https://www.facebook.com/100058238914721/posts/pfbid0gv91Esd7Sr5dLdVf3sSAV77Q8rt9GgDSaQaCo6Kd6vinXLQWNxzZLmYFJounYceil/?mibextid=Nif5oz
It's real!!
-Marc.
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Tremendous! I was just on Spotify last night and saw that artwork for the band’s thumbnail and thought they had mixed them up with another band or something.
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oh awesome, i know this place is my new home because y'all have a MOON SAFARI thread? Blomljud is one of my all-time favorite albums!!!!!
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Very nice! Been waiting for this one for a long time
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So hyped for this, definitely one of my favorite bands! I know they played Emma and Between the Devil and Me the last time I saw them live, that was 5 years ago. :lol
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does moon safari ever tour the US? i'd love to catch them someday
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does moon safari ever tour the US? i'd love to catch them someday
I saw them at Rosfest in 2017. They've been to America only a few times.
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Between festivals and cruises I've been very fortunate to have seen them at least 3-4 times, including that amazing RoSfest performance. Very much looking forward to a new album from them.
-
does moon safari ever tour the US? i'd love to catch them someday
I saw them at Rosfest in 2017. They've been to America only a few times.
i'll keep my eyes extra peeled then :metal
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https://youtu.be/xPkhftaCkZU?si=FEY018MyW1P4YQqf&fbclid=IwAR1xCdA7pleAu5geBrcEpRZvXGl_NOBW9edCvcbMTlxXKZFm_wTmMwXOmso
Teaser for the new album!
-Marc.
-
https://youtu.be/xPkhftaCkZU?si=FEY018MyW1P4YQqf&fbclid=IwAR1xCdA7pleAu5geBrcEpRZvXGl_NOBW9edCvcbMTlxXKZFm_wTmMwXOmso
Teaser for the new album!
-Marc.
oh fuck yeah. the heavier seeming songs sound awesome
-
does moon safari ever tour the US? i'd love to catch them someday
I saw them at Rosfest in 2017. They've been to America only a few times.
Hey, I think I saw you there.
-
https://youtu.be/xPkhftaCkZU?si=FEY018MyW1P4YQqf&fbclid=IwAR1xCdA7pleAu5geBrcEpRZvXGl_NOBW9edCvcbMTlxXKZFm_wTmMwXOmso
Teaser for the new album!
-Marc.
Awesome! Big step up sonically from the last album.
-
does moon safari ever tour the US? i'd love to catch them someday
I saw them at Rosfest in 2017. They've been to America only a few times.
Hey, I think I saw you there.
YOU WERE THERE TOO!?!?!?
-
Don't make me post my Hef meme from Rosfest.
-
https://burningshed.com/store/moon-safari
The new album is now up for preorder via Burning Shed. No word yet on other retailers selling it.
-Marc.
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New song just dropped!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryzIHFOjnG4
I remember seeing them play this live years ago, feels unreal to finally hear it again. Definitely one of the heaviest tracks they have put out.
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Seems like the spotify track for this single VERY noticably includes the first second or so of the following track. I suppose they'll fix that. :lol
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Seems like the spotify track for this single VERY noticably includes the first second or so of the following track. I suppose they'll fix that. :lol
I noticed that lol
The single itself was pretty fire IMO
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i liked the new single too, excited for the full album
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Single sounded good. Hope they sell this somewhere besides Burning Shed, but if I must I must.
Edit: Oh, this is available through Bandwagon now. Nice!
https://thebandwagonusa.com/collections/moon-safari/products/moon-safari-himlabacken-vol-2-cd-pre-order?fbclid=IwAR3J_XhO4JUWSbRGNVVbgS_bjhILbzlmKDv7_HqABd_n3h0BkJivrqyCx6Y
Also available at Laser CD:
https://www.lasercd.com/cd/himlabacken-vol-2-preorder?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=October%2027%202023%20Lasers%20Edge%20Update&utm_content=October%2027%202023%20Lasers%20Edge%20Update+CID_495d8bd7659a7d30627b022e2f9ff5f8&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software
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Moon Safari - Himlabacken Vol. 2
This one is available for review
-
Cocopjojo is interviewing the band on Nov 14 3pm est.
If you guys have questions for Johan/the band. Please post those here.
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Also, in preparation for the interview I was wondering if anyone here owned physical copies of any albums and wouldn't mind posting the liner notes of songwriting credits? I'd really appreciate it.
I own all of their stuff, but it's all digital - except for my Japanese editions with the bonus material. :)
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Also, in preparation for the interview I was wondering if anyone here owned physical copies of any albums and wouldn't mind posting the liner notes of songwriting credits? I'd really appreciate it.
I own all of their stuff, but it's all digital - except for my Japanese editions with the bonus material. :)
https://moonsafari.bandcamp.com/
You have to click on each individual song to see the writing credits but they're all there.
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Also, in preparation for the interview I was wondering if anyone here owned physical copies of any albums and wouldn't mind posting the liner notes of songwriting credits? I'd really appreciate it.
I own all of their stuff, but it's all digital - except for my Japanese editions with the bonus material. :)
You could check their discogs listings (https://www.discogs.com/artist/733171-Moon-Safari?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAo7KqBhDhARIsAKhZ4ujV_NX-kb8V51BXWyIsuEXqHWGuGLkAcjxRPa7IsRYFAqUyeOh89LAaAnxmEALw_wcB). Most of the time, they'll have album credits listed.
-Marc.
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Awesome, it’s super hidden on the mobile site so I didn’t notice earlier. Thank you!
EDIT: Actually, I've been using Bandcamp for years, and I never even knew you could click individual tracks... :D
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I did the interview today that MinistroRaven set up with Johan - the bassist and one of the vocalists and songwriters for the band. I found it incredibly interesting talking with him. We talked about the way the new album came together, why it took so long, and how they got hooked up with Rich Mouser - amongst many other things! I also got some really interesting tidbits about some of their older albums, e.g. what the Himlabacken Vol. 1 song "Diamonds" is actually about (it's not about diamonds). We also discussed potential plans around live shows in support of the new album. But you will have to watch to find out. :D I think the video is planned to release later this month when the album is almost out.
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Nice. Look forward to seeing this. I know relatively little about the band or the stories behind their music since I got into them in the interim since their last album. There’s really not a ton out there about them that I’ve seen.
-
https://youtu.be/zRxq9A5mAiY?si=zV2YdsHYNxnFGAiJ
"Emma, Come On" has dropped today. One listen and it sounds like classic Moon Safari! Not a had little tune!
-Marc.
-
I did the interview today that MinistroRaven set up with Johan - the bassist and one of the vocalists and songwriters for the band. I found it incredibly interesting talking with him. We talked about the way the new album came together, why it took so long, and how they got hooked up with Rich Mouser - amongst many other things! I also got some really interesting tidbits about some of their older albums, e.g. what the Himlabacken Vol. 1 song "Diamonds" is actually about (it's not about diamonds). We also discussed potential plans around live shows in support of the new album. But you will have to watch to find out. :D I think the video is planned to release later this month when the album is almost out.
Here's your review of the album:
https://lotsofmuzik.com/moon-safari-himlabacken-vol-2-album-review-by-jacob-b/
The interview will be published tomorrow.
Thanks again for the support. :metal
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Cocopjojo here's the interview
https://lotsofmuzik.com/exclusive-interview-with-johan-westerlund-from-moon-safari-inside-himlabacken-vol-2/
:metal
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Nice! I hope folks enjoy it. As someone mentioned earlier, it seems like there are very few of these kinds of interviews out there with the band, so hopefully this is interesting for those who are familiar with the band. I certainly learned a lot talking with Johan.
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Nice! I hope folks enjoy it. As someone mentioned earlier, it seems like there are very few of these kinds of interviews out there with the band, so hopefully this is interesting for those who are familiar with the band. I certainly learned a lot talking with Johan.
Shoutout from the band to your review and interview
(https://i.imgur.com/kQfl43V.png)
:metal
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does moon safari ever tour the US? i'd love to catch them someday
I saw them at Rosfest in 2017. They've been to America only a few times.
Hey, I think I saw you there.
YOU WERE THERE TOO!?!?!?
Bro, you're not going to believe this...
-
does moon safari ever tour the US? i'd love to catch them someday
I saw them at Rosfest in 2017. They've been to America only a few times.
Hey, I think I saw you there.
YOU WERE THERE TOO!?!?!?
Bro, you're not going to believe this...
I can't remember that far back. Sorry, whoever you guys are.
-
does moon safari ever tour the US? i'd love to catch them someday
I saw them at Rosfest in 2017. They've been to America only a few times.
Hey, I think I saw you there.
YOU WERE THERE TOO!?!?!?
Bro, you're not going to believe this...
(https://media.riffsy.com/images/f89543acb3c01a7f08bd8b532c5d52d9/raw)
-
https://moonsafari.bandcamp.com/album/himlabacken-vol-2-24-bit-audio?fbclid=IwAR2LgzU5mashZ3BxnoW2OghtBtoC6t7jv3PgurNRCY9wb1FoLIGq7MD5dcQ
The new album is now available on bandcamp! My CD should be arriving today from Band Wagon USA as well, but I'm streaming the album as I get ready for work.
-Marc.
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Just one listen so far but I loved it. New Moon Safari album at last!
The album starts pretty well and just gets better as it goes. The run of Beyond the Blue - Blood Moon - Teen Angel especially is amazing based on that first listen.
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I'm liking what I'm hearing so far, and this will be an insta-purchase.
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Just recieved my CD......eager to listen
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Listened this morning on Spotify, but got my shipping notification from Burning Shed this morning. Album is absolutely excellent! This past week in the buildup I've been exploring their other albums and I've loved all of them! Mega Moon from Himlabacken 1 is my new obsession track. It's absolutely stunning! I was considering getting Blomljud next but I think I might have to go for Himlabacken 1 instead.
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just put it on, here we go!! :metal
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I'm very curious what y'all will think of Teen Angel Meets the Apocalypse, and Forever, For You. The whole album is good, but I've found myself spinning those tracks the most I think.
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Should get my copy today.
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Really dug the album on first spin. I think my first impression is that it's better than Himlabacker Vol 1, but not as good as their earlier stuff. Incredibly solid prog release for 2023 though!! Probably my favorite prog rock album
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Just finished my first listen. What a fantastic album!
I'm very curious what y'all will think of Teen Angel Meets the Apocalypse, and Forever, For You.
I liked both very much, and Teen Angel is one of my favorite new songs I've heard in a long time.
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Album sounds amazing. Still wrapping my head around it, but everything sounds good so far.
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These guys are amazing and I love this album so far. They don’t sound all that similar, but I get huge 90’s Flower King vibes from them. Just upbeat, positive sounding music with really beautiful melodies.
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i would compare them most to TFK too, tho i agree they don't particularly sound like 'em. I would imagine liking one means you'd probably like the other
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These guys are amazing and I love this album so far. They don’t sound all that similar, but I get huge 90’s Flower King vibes from them. Just upbeat, positive sounding music with really beautiful melodies.
If you didn’t know, Tomas Bodin from TFK was integral in the early stages of Moon Safari. When I talked with Johan of Moon Safari he implied that if someone else had helped them out rather than Tomas, then they may have taken a different path and, presumably (if I’m following what he was saying), they may have evolved their sound in different ways.
So the TFK similarities here aren’t just coincidence. There is a connection.
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Dang, they really went for it with this album. Well worth the ten year wait! Went into it without reading any reviews, interviews, or listening to singles. So if some of this has been addressed before I'll have to check that out.
My first impression is that it feels like two different albums. The 80s vibes on the first half of the album took me by surprise. The big synthesizers, distorted guitar riffs, and the more gritty vocal stylings were all new for them. Then the run from Teen Angel Meets the Apocalypse to the end felt more like the Himlabacken stuff. Forever For You had a bunch of callbacks, mainly to Red White Blues and Kids. Teen Angel had a lot going on musically and lyrically, will need to come back to that one. Those two songs were also the only two songs that featured Petter on lead vocals (other than split leads on Emma, Come On). I wonder if the whole Himlabacken concept was more his thing as I didn't really hear much connection in the other songs (other than Heaven Hill and Epilog of course). I also wonder if these two songs originated closer to the original Himlabacken and other material was written later. I know some of the stuff was being played live for years, like Emma Come On, but I felt two pretty distinct styles: the more guitar riff driven and gritty 80s sounds vs the more "classic" Moon Safari with 12 string guitars and sugary vocal harmonies.
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Ah. Couldn't remember if there was a Moon Safari thread already but here it is!
I've gotten into the band in a huge way since December when Himlabacken Vol. 2 was released. I've since picked up Lover's End, and this morning Himlabacken Vol. 1 fell onto my doormat. Two of their songs stand out above the rest for me so far, A Kid Called Panic and Mega Moon. I plan to pick up Blomljud soon as well.
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That "soon" is today. Listening to the full Blomljud now. It's a lot to take in, 103 minutes of music.
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Himlabacken Vol. 2 is the kind of album I wish TFK was still making. There's a lot of moments on it that remind me of earlier and middle-era TFK that I miss, but with Moon Safari's own touches, particularly the 6-part vocal harmonies.
Lover's End (and the 24-minute epic follow-up EP of "Lover's End Pt. 3") form probably my favorite body of work from the band, but Himlabacken Vol. 2 is creeping up behind it quickly every time I go back to listen to it. I hope you enjoy this journey of discovery, RoeDent! They're a fantastic band and getting to know them now is a good time since they hadn't released any new studio albums in over 10 years! I hope they're able to maintain the momentum and continue to put out new music a bit more often now!
-Marc.