Review by: Victor Guimarães
Album assigned by: Nina A.
“Unity makes strength” is a common saying pretty much everywhere. In music, this concept could be easily applied for bands, finding one of its possible pinnacles in supergroups. If some random guys/gals from nowhere could gang up and create, say, the Beatles, what would happen if already acclaimed musicians gang up for a gig? Examples are everywhere, from Cream to Avantasia to O Grande Encontro and to Amason. This swedish supergroup features members of other prominent musical groups, such as: guitarist Gustav Ejstes (Dungen), keyboardist Pontus Winnberg (Miike Snow/Bloodshy and Avant), drummer Nils Törnqvist and bassist Petter Winnberg (both from Little Majorette) and vocalist Amanda Bergman (who seems to have an independent career herself, but performing with some other names).
It’s true that ABBA days are gone and Sweden is now known for exporting famous DJs, such as Swedish House Mafia or Avicii, but nevertheless, the viking-descendants, Odin-blessed norse people had never ceased to amaze us with great works and Sky City, Amason’s debut album is a very good example. The record, featuring lyrics in both English and Swedish, is an alternative, indie rock album who surely live up to its title as I believe the group’s intention was to make you trip higher and higher towards their sky city. Don’t get me wrong, they’re not the classical high, drug-induced vibe, but something ethereal and dreamy, with different moods, sometimes happy, sometimes sad or reflective. From a critical standpoint, the album is very good, with creative instrumentals and great melodies, with riffs, beats, bridges and choruses that fit perfectly together with great vocals (from both Bergman and Ejstes) to create their stratospheric vibes. When it comes to lyrics, it wasn’t uncommon for me to stop a song and think “have I heard it all right?" or "whaddahell do they mean?” Expect lots of metaphors and symbolism on the themes of love, depression, escaping, finding oneself, a bit of lunacy and even some criticism to capitalism.
Formed in 2012, Amason is a young band - and a supergroup - composed of talented and experienced musicians who did a very good job in their first album working together. Sky City is the kind of record to listen to dream while awake and, while it’s probably not the best of the Swedes to rock a party (Avicii might be a better choice), it is definitely a great recommendation.
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