Hasse Fröberg & Musical Companion - Powerplay

Hasse Fröberg & Musical Co.
Powerplay
Reingold Records
2012
7
Taking a break from his main band, The Flower Kings, Hasse Fröberg (vocals, guitar), immediately formed a band (not a project… cuz he is an old-fashioned guy as he said) in 2009 and released their debut album, “Future Past”, in 2010.
 
Not far away from The Flowers Kings’ music… he continued to deliver progressive rock with several 70s, 80s and 90s influences… and some hard rock, atmospheric yet melodic passages. It’s obvious that “Powerplay” is a step forward for the band in every part, comparing it to the debut. I like how Hasse and the guys are choosing to blend nice melodies with complex parts… or more straightforward ones at times… and finally, how good the outcome turns out to be. The production is superb… clear and dynamic… exactly as it should be in a prog rock album. Not over-compressed or over-polished. Of course, you will not only find long prog songs here like the opener “My River To Cross” or “The Final Hour” that last more than 10 minutes each… but also shorter ones such as: the rockin’ “The World Keeps Turning”, the melodious “Waves”, the ala Rush “White Butterfly” & “Venice CA”, which has a pop-rock background.
 
Surely, you will enjoy this album more than the debut… and if you’re a fan of Hasse’s main band… then “Powerplay” will open your appetitive for the main-course which is coming from The Flower Kings in June. Overall, “Powerplay” is a stylish, tasteful prog rock album that will spread smiles to the fans of the genre.