Xinema - Different Ways


Year of Release: 2002
Label: Unicorn Records
Catalog Number: UNCR-5004
Format: CD
Total Time: 57:44:00

Why do people listen to music? I guess in most cases, to enjoy themselves? (Can't think of any other reason, actually). With the debut album Different Ways, by the Swedish trio Xinema, you have a good CD to do that. Their sound is fairly pop orientated, with short length songs. It is different from what the guys used to play, as they played together before, in a band called Madrigal, and in those days their music was more complex and a bit heavier. But at present, their music is more AOR, in the vein of Asia or Saga.

The music is easy to digest, but yet has some nice progressive edges, mainly on the account of Mikael Askemur (vocals, bass, guitars), who plays some really cool synth parts. But also the solos of Sven Larsson (guitar, backing vocals) are very good. The vocals are warm and rich, with some harmonies, as in addition to the mentioned gents, also drummer Jonas Thúren, shares in the vocals. At times it reminds me of Kansas, but also slightly of Chicago, vocal-wize (and not the sweet, cheesy ballads, but their old stuff).

It's easy listening, but very nice easy listening. A mellow, bit commercial sound. Don't expect long, complex, epic ompositions, but just enjoy the simple, yet enjoyable songs and dream away with this excellent release.

[This review originally appeared June 2004 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]


Tracklisting:
In The Scent Of The Night (5:46) / Over The Sea (3:41) / The Last Flower (4:37) / Timing (4:29) / One Day (3:40) / Different Ways (4:50) / Maybe Time (3:06) / Across The Styx (4:42) / Distant Lights (5:02) / How Can I Believe (4:37) / The Secret (5:54) / Blind Is The Light (7:04)

Musicians:
Mikael Askemur - lead vocals, bass, keyboards, guitars
Sven Larsson - lead guitar, backing vocals
Jonas Thurén - drums, lead and backing vocals

Discography:
Different Ways (2002)
Basic Communication (2006)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin SE

Added: December 5th 2004
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.xinemaworld.com
Hits: 2499
Language: english

  

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