XsavioR: Caleidoscope

Cover	Release	Style
	2005-05-23	progressive (AOR influenced) rock
	Label
	www.atenzia.com
	Website
	www.XsavioR.com
	Contact
	info@XsavioR.com
	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	64:52	ATZ 02039
	Review by	Rating
	Christoph	9/10
nederlands	Review
This album reminds me of Swedish prog sensation A.C.T. No wonder really, since XsavioR are their compatriots and stall mates at Atenzia Records. XsavioR’s drummer and keyboard player even studied at the music conservatory, just like the highly skilled A.C.T members. So the playing on “Caleidoscope” is technically perfect, yet always functional. No hollow virtuosity here. Self-confidence shines throughout the whole album, since these guys are definitely no beginners. Each one of them can already be proud of an impressive recording career. A.C.T and Saga are the primary influences here, with a bit of Yes, Dream Theater, Kansas and Toto thrown in for good measure. The excellent A.C.T.-like opening tracks “April Skies” and “Lex The Fly” are two killer instant classics. Especially the latter has a very strong appeal, with Daniel Flores’s marvellous playing on the hi-hat and Matt Norberg’s one of many magnificent keyboard solos. Then they go into lower gear with two nice ballads, before the epic formula takes over on the excellent “Taj Mahal” suite. The following songs provide a heavier edge, which can sometimes be described as soft prog metal. XsavioR’s global sound is a blend of solid prog rock with AOR and West Coast rock. All the way through the emphasis is very much kept on melody, and there are enough moments for keyboards and guitar to stretch out. Bass and drums provide a top notch rhythm section. Great Yes-like vocal harmonies, lead by Göran Edman’s nice tenor voice (sometimes recalling Michael Sadler or James LaBrie), also make this record a real pleasure to listen to. “Caleidoscope” holds your attention easily with great melodic hooks and catchy choruses. There’s no weak song here. The arrangements are carefully crafted and very dynamic. Despite of the influences I’ve mentioned, the originality that is shown here, deserves much critical acclaim. Surprise yourself with this Swedish gem. This ‘debut’ comes highly recommended!
Musicians
Göran Edman: Lead Vocals Daniel Flores: Drums & Vocals Mathias Garnas: Bass & Acoustic Guitars Benny Jansson: Lead Guitars & Vocals Matt Norberg: Keyboards
Tracklist
April Skies Lex The Fly Mr. Chairman Take Me Home In Memorial Of… (Taj Mahal, Part I) By The Golden River (Taj Mahal, Part II) Waves Of The Sea (Taj Mahal, Part III) Green Mile Cosmic Virus Material World A Snake In Paradise Xsavior


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