Beardfish - "Sleeping In Traffic: Part Two" Review

Artist/ Band: Beardfish
Title: Sleeping In Traffic: Part Two
Label: InsideOut Music
Year of Release: 2008
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

Sleeping In Traffic: Part Two is a follow-on from Beardfish's previous release obviously called - Sleeping In Traffic: Part One. This time around the music is more complex in that there’s a variety of more sounds and styles plus a humor factor which is a lost thing these days. Beardfish doesn’t borrow form the 70’s, they are the 70’s. Even with the modern production, they sound untainted by the new wave of the 80’s and the grunge of the 90’s They are simply 70‘s style progressive rock in the vein of Genesis, King Crimson, Supertramp, Kaipa, Frank Zappa, Yes and so much more.

The highlight for me is the self titled epic, where it shows the band’s strengths in making a 35 minute song pass by in a flash. Unlike some of the progressive rock band, past and present, it doesn’t drag on. In fact, I wanted it to go on and on. Okay I mentioned a humor factor, well there is some in this epic but it can be mostly found on the song “South Of The Border”

After the first complete listen of Sleeping In Traffic: Part Two, I honestly think Beardfish is the prime example of Swedish progressive rock of any era. Each listen brings new sounds and emotions. For someone like myself that didn’t experience the 70’s music scene (even though I was old enough, I preferred classical music).they bring the 70’s mood back in a genuine way not a gimmicky novelty way.

In closing if you liked the direction they took in Part One, you’ll enjoy the journey Beardfish takes you in Part Two. It’s not a rehash folks, it’s like a brand new adventure rather than a sequel. The band gets better all the time. So without dragging this on, I would highly recommend Sleeping In Traffic: Part Two. Simply one of the best of 2008.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on July 13th, 2008

Tracks:

1. As The Sun Sets

2. Into The Night

3. The Hunter

4. South Of The Border

5. Cashflow

6. The Downward Spiral/ Chimay

7. Sleeping In Traffic

8. Sunrise Again

Reviewed Discography

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