I distinctly remember reading, years ago, a review of an album by some Scandinavian band, a progressive outfit which used an electric violin prominently and was thus compared to Kansas. As a big fan of these American greats, I knew I had to have it, although the fact that it was recorded without guitars (!) made me a bit apprehensive. Unfortunately, I lost the review and all references. In those (for me) pre-internet days, I couldn’t track the album down and I forgot about it.

Flash forward to November 2004 and lo and behold: in front of me is a copy of Zello’s new album “First Chapter, Second Verse”, which turns out to be the same album I was looking for in those days. Well, not exactly the same. For this re-release, most of the parts have been re-recorded, and, most importantly, guitars have been added.

According to guitarist Janne Stark, the original project started out as singer Pelle Saether’s homage to bands like Kansas, Jethro Tull and UK. All these influences are obvious, but none more than Kansas. Just listen to “Fairy Queen”, “Voyager” and especially “The Children Are Crying”. These songs could have come right out of Kerry Livgren’s pen. The violin is used very much Robbie Steinhart-style, although in some solos it’s clear that Lennart Glenberg has studied Eddie Jobson (Tull, U.K.) as well. It’s hard to imagine how the original album (1996) must have sounded, because the - often very Martin Barre-like - guitars are so prominent here. Great keyboards as well, which remind me a bit of Angel’s Gregg Giuffria at times. The interplay between all these instruments is perfect. A solid rhythm section and Pelle Saether’s pleasant voice round things off nicely. I’m sure any fan of this kind of 70’s progressive rock will love it.

Great songs all over the album, with “The Children Are Crying” probably my favourite. A tune where all influences come together is “Hold On” (not a Kansas cover), a fantastic track with a great chorus, lots of variation and impressive instrumental parts. “The Angels Have Fallen” is another strong song, a perfect combination of those other Swedish sensations A.C.T. (which singer P.O. Saether also produces) and Kansas. “Traffic Jam” is a bit like Kansas’ “Down The Road”: blues based and again in the style of their main influence. We also get an indication of how the original album may have sounded in the bonus track, a live version of “Hold On”, but I do prefer the new guitar version.

After Black Bonzo, who paid homage to Uriah Heep, Queen and others on their “Lady Of The Light” album, here’s another 70’s tribute by a Swedish band. And it’s another excellent one.