ALBUM REVIEW: The Promise Of A Life – Reach
They say good things come in threes. Swedish rock trio REACH hope their third album The Promise Of A Life will attest to the adage. Releasing on April 23rd via Icons Creating Evil Art, The Promise Of A Life takes the listener on a journey through the emotional spectrum while encouraging the dusting off of the dancing shoes.
Opening track New Frontier sees the band wasting little time shaking off their past. Drums from Marcus Johansson gallop full speed toward the band’s new world. A horn section accompanies Ludvig Turner‘s divine string slinging, showcasing REACH‘s experimental penchant. Adopting the mantra ‘Driven by our grandiosity’ allows for a Kashmir inspired instrumental. New Frontier is further example of modern rock and orchestral elements belonging together.
While no two songs sound the same, the distinct REACH quality weaves through the tapestry of The Promise Of A Life. Turner‘s distinct vocals effortlessly dance over Johansson and Soufian Ma’Aoiu’s hypnotic rhythm. Fusing brass sections with synth gives REACH the power to push themselves further.
The Promise Of A Life houses themes of regret, unrequited love, and the chaos of rose-tinted youth. The relatable nature this fosters doesn’t stop REACH indulging. Motherland invites us to a lavish Gatsby themed party. The listener is dazzled with brass overlays and guitar riffs which beg for a dance hall. Turner’s range takes centre stage as he spins the story of a cut throat ‘king of the motherland’. His ability to switch from subtle growls to grand highs will tickle anyone’s amygdala.
REACH tease the listener with a feel good time and, for the most part, deliver on their promise. Having grand ideas and a wide playing field is something the band use to their advantage. There are instances where a generic chorus rears its head or an idea isn’t executed to its full potential. Those occasions are few and made up for when REACH hit their ace in the hole alternative groove.
A crowning jewel for the trio is The Seventh Seal. The song is morose and gives each member of the band a moment to shine through the gloom. A grieving soul willing to sacrifice themselves for the one they love can be a hard tableau to paint right. Stripped piano and vocals allow Turner to harness his power, making for a luscious image. Subtle pulsation of horns and radiating bass bathe the verses with rueful sadness. A delicious rhythm from Johansson keeps this dance with the devil in time as lives unravel. The tinkling of synths tease us with the prospect of an explosion of sound which never comes. Yet, spine tingling strings give The Seventh Seal the epic soundscape it deserves.
REACH’s swan song doubles as the title track which oozes atmosphere. Ethereal eeriness comes from a music box style opening. Bass patters under the drawn out vocals that search for the answer to existential dread. Rich slivers of guitar launch Turner‘s projection into the dream like world of The Promise Of A Life. The guitar is an atmospheric tool, adding hazy colours to the void REACH screams inside. With this majestic soundscape The Promise Of A Life reminds the listener that less is more.
As The Promise Of A Life winds down, it’s undeniable the three year absence has served REACH well. The band manages to pay homage to their influences without becoming carbon copies. So get your hair brushes and power ballad fists at the ready for an unashamedly feel good time.
Rating: 8/10
The Promise Of A Life is set for release on April 23rd via Icons Creating Evil Art.
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