When
it comes to making fantastic music, Sweden is where it is at. Some of
my favorite bands are from these northern lands and Dynamo Bliss is
another quality group to add to that list. Hailing from the university
town of Umeå, Dynamo Bliss formed in 2005 and consists of Mikael
Sandström (electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, accordion, pedal
steel), Stefan Olofsson (vocals, keyboards, zither, guitar, bass,
percussion), and Peter Olofsson (drums). They started recording their
first album 21st Century Junk in 2008, releasing it
in 2010, and signed with Aerodynamic Records at the end of that
year. Citing such bands as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and The Beach Boys
as influences, Dynamo Bliss brings a unique blend of pop, pop-rock,
progressive, and classic rock to the table. With lyrics on only three of
the eleven songs, Dynamo Bliss lets their music do the talking.
Day and Night follows up Popular Music
and it is described by the band as “a concept album exploring the
events of a not so usual day and night cycle” in case you did not guess
from the song titles. This cycle begins with the short “Morning on
Mars,” which captures the serenity of the rising sun and the beginning
of a new day when there is still dew on the grass. “The Day The Empire
Fell” provides a look into the unique sound of Dynamo Bliss. It is
trippy, spacey, and overall enchanting. “High Noon” is an atmospheric
song that brings to mind the empty main streets from Western movies
right before a duel as tumbleweeds roll by.
Next
up is the lively “Solemn Undulating Wave.” Its sound shows off more of
the progressive and classic rock sides of Dynamo Bliss. “Dusk” is a
pretty eerie song that captures the mood of the sun going down and the
nocturnal creatures coming out as darkness spreading across the land. I
could see this one being made of good use in a horror movie. “Circadian
Rhythm” is a trippy sounding song with some sweet vocal harmonies. You
can definitely hear their classic rock influences here.
“Another
Sundown” is a short interlude that embodies the calm and coolness that
comes with the end of the day, which provides for a fine transition into
the soothing “Evenfall.” The 10-minute epic “Night Storm” steals the
show during the second half of the album. I feel like going on an
adventure when listening to this song. “The Small Hours” is a quick
set-off that sounds like the start of a new day is almost at hand.
Day and Night
by Dynamo Bliss is a wonderful achievement. It is the type of album
where you do not want to skip a single song, which is a good thing
because it keeps the integrity of the album’s concept intact. When it is
all said and done, Day and Night has convinced me that Dynamo Bliss is a band to keep an eye on.
4.5/5 Stars
Key Tracks: The Day The Empire Fell, Circadian Rhythm, Night Storm
Brian McKinnon – Sr. MuzikReviews.com Staff
May 28, 2013
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