Thalamus: Subterfuge (2011)

Swedish act THALAMUS was formed in 2006 by a crew of musicians with past experiences from other bands, experienced hands at their particular craft. One year later they released their debut album "Beneath a Dying Sun", to positive critical acclaim. Since then they have signed to Swedish label Transubstans Records, and in 2011 the band's second production "Subterfuge" was issued on that label.

Some like the mother and some like the daughter a saying goes, and personally I'd like to add that a select few might opt for the grandmother to this phrase. And in this case I find myself as belonging to the latter group of minorities, so to speak, as Thalamus second offering didn't sit too well with my personal tastes. Despute being a production that has a number of fine features, and one made with a high quality in most departments to boot.

Excellent mix and production is a trademark feature of this disc, all instruments balanced to perfection, smooth arrangements and a pleasant mood throughout. The technical aspects is of a quality many artists with a higher budget in this department can envy Thalamus. Instrumentalists and vocalists alike showcase a high degree of ability too, no slouches of any kind will be encountered on this production, with special accolades to lead vocalist Kjell Bergendahl, whose melodic yet powerful vocals would suit any number of bands and whose timbre and delivery in itself might be utilized in ventures of a more commercial orientation with good success if he should ever feel the desire for it. Top notch quality through and through.

As usual for a band issued by Transubstans Records these guys are exploring a retro-oriented brand of rock, in this case hard rock bordering on heavy metal. Black Sabbath is given a few distinct nods throughout, first and foremost on When Goblins Cheer and Still Dancing on My Graves. Some nice instances of dual guitar soloing adds a certain Wishbone Ash tinge to the proceedings, and when taking on a more distinct blues orientation it's hard not to think along the lines of classic Robin Trower. While the ever present Hammond comes with automatic associations to acts like Deep Purple. But rather than staying completely put within a 70's oriented frame of reference, Thalamus incorporates a few touches of 80's metal to the proceedings too, mostly by utilizing riff cascades performed in a classic 80's style but toned down, which alongside the hovering organ motifs succeeds quite nicely in giving these passages a 70's tinge too.

It's in the songwriting department I was less than thrilled in this case. Underlying motifs and dominating themes aren't that interesting in themselves, and without too many instances of nuances nor of variable elements the circulating, repetitive manner of these compositions result in songs the generally comes across as monotone and repetitive to my ears. Pleasant material by and large, but with a tendency for passages and themes to overstay their welcome. The sole exception, to my ears, is the aforementioned Still Dancing on My Graves, the dirty stoner rock theme that opens and close this compositions a fitting companion for the vintage sounding elongated Sabbath style passage contained within.

And while I didn't find "Subterfuge" to be that interesting myself, this is a band that has a lot going for it. My personal taste for sophisticated music is the limiting facot for me I assume, and as such I suspect that others that tend to be most interested in compositions of a slightly more intricate nature might not be the perfect audience for this CD. On the other hand, those with a strong affection for 70's hard rock in general and bands using the Hammond in particular will probably find this album to be a charming one, and comes with my recommendations to that particular audience, with minor reservations as described in some detail.

My rating: 55/100


Track list:
1. Blues Mary Intro 2:49
2. Bring Down Mary 2:55
3. When Goblins Cheer 5:56
4. Blind 4:09
5. Still Dancing on My Grave 3:48
6. I Hope You Understand 3:42
7. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow 4:47
8. Shot to Hell 5:16
9. She Sells Desolation 4:01
10. Love Is Shining on the Dead Man 5:45
11. Through the Fields 6:32