A three-piece band that were previously known as Madrigal, Xinema have both the songs and musical chops to make it.
Written by: King Of Sunset Town
ARTIST: Xinema
ALBUM: Different Ways
LABEL: Unicorn Records
SERIAL: UNCR-5004
YEAR: 2002
SPONSOR: Xinema
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Sweden
LINEUP: Mikael Askemur – lead vocals, bass, keyboards, guitars, programming * Sven Larsson – lead guitars * Jonas Thuren – drums, lead and backing vocals
TRACK LISTING: 01 In The Scent Of The Night * 02 Over The Sea * 03 The Last Flower * 04 Timing * 05 One Day * 06 Different Ways * 07 Maybe Time * 08 Across The Styx * 09 Distant Lights * 10 How Can I Believe * 11 The Secret * 12 Blind Is The Light
Background
The Scandinavians have always had a reputation for taking their melodic rock seriously, spawning hundreds of AOR bands. They’ve always had a great love of prog also, but not many of their home-grown talents have gained recognition overseas.
Recently, that’s started to change with the soaring popularity of Sweden’s Flower Kings. Also hailing from Sweden are Xinema, whose brand of crossover AOR/prog should (I hope) be appealing to many of you out there.
The Songs
A three-piece band that were previously known as Madrigal, Xinema have both the songs and musical chops to make it. ‘In The Scent Of The Night’ is the best Saga tune in many a moon, the lead guitar part comes straight from the Ian Crichton school of playing.
Sven Larsson is a guitar hero in the making and between his very flash (but never overplayed) guitar work and Mikael Askemur’s Tony Banks inspired keyboard parts, this album has many classy moments.
‘One Day’ is smooth and very chorus driven and harkens back to the one album by MTM signings Storming Heaven with its Asia meets Gowan qualities. The title track features a good performance from vocalist Mikael, who – it must be said – has an excellent voice.
It’s a slightly slower piece showing Genesis influences, which definitely would not have sounded out of place on the criminally under-rated ‘Calling All Stations’ album.
The technical edges of ‘Maybe Time’ and ‘Blind Is The Light’ are very 80s in a World Trade and Baxter Robertson vein, though it has to be stressed, its in no way similar in the vocal department – Mikael seems more than happy singing without the aid of a helium balloon.
In Summary
In all honesty I can tell you there are no aspects of this album I dislike. All three band members are great musicians (there’s something magical about three-piece bands) and the songs are strong with memorable choruses. In short, if you have a liking for any of the bands mentioned here, this is essential listening.
Xinema on Video
One Day
Distant Lights
