Paatos -- Yet another band prone to the Swedish melancholy
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Artist:
What is it about Sweden? Is it the long, dark hours of winter that stretch on for eternity? Is it the lack of color half the year, as the entire countryside is awash in white? Is it the proxmitiy of reindeer? Whatever it is, the music that comes from that neck of the world, with the exception of, you know, ABBA, seems to have a tendancy to be slightly bleak. Nowhere is this more evident that in Swedish progressive music, be it older bands like Samla Mannas Manna, or newer ones like Anekdoten or Anglagard. This newer band is no different in this regard, it seems.
Paatos is a recent band from Sweden that it most often labeled as progressive rock, although as you will see they really don't fit 100% into that description. They have three full length studio albums out, as well as a live album and an EP. I have their first full length, 2002's Timeloss, and it is certainly an album that refuses to be steretyped. The first track, "Sensor" starts off with an almost Latin-esque feel to it before turning to the slightly harsh, yet entrancing, laser-beam style vocals of Petronella Nettermalm. This is a pretty overtly progressive song, yet the rest of the album refuses to stay in the same vein, going really all over the place. This makes this album a pretty interesting listen all the way throughout, and definitely one of my newer favorites.
In the comments, another one from Timeloss!
Locating MOG account...
Comments (16)
~pk0OAmqzez5.mp3~
Another one from Paatos. This one is more on the mellow side. If mellow's not your thing, stick around. It starts to pick up after awhile.
It's supposed to be called "Tea" but the tag messed up for some reason.
I'm listening to the first song, very very cool. I was surprised by the female vox, they add so much more dimension to the song than the male vox I was expecting/imagining to hear. Awesome track!
The second track is as equally enjoyable as the first. Thanks!
Eric, I'm glad you liked it! Honeslty, that's not something I would've expected to be your cup of tea (get it?) but you have a tendancy to surprise me!
Much like the Beach Boys... I get around. I have a tendency to be really overt in what I like and keep everything else at an arms length.
Much like the Beach Boys... I get around
i hear that's not a very safe lifestyle!
I have a tendency to be really overt in what I like and keep everything else at an arms length
I can understand that. As much as I preach the love of prog that's not all I'm about, althought glancing through theses pages you wouldn't know it.
The more I hear "prog" the more I appreciate it. I was on youtube last week listening to some yes and genesis and whatnot. Not really all that far out as far as prog music goes, but I've learned to enjoy the elements that a lot of these bands bring to the table. Thanks for sharing it all with us Chuck!
(wipes away a tear)
Thanks, Eric. I'm glad to know you're liking what you're hearing. Yes and Genesis might not be the most out there as far as prog goes, but there's a reason why they were so well-known--they wrote soem great music.
Just so you know, it's been reciprocated. I was pretty ignorant about metal in general before getting on here, and it's mainly due to you that I'm starting to recognize different names and sounds, and knowing some of what I'm hearing (and liking).
Thanks man... the feelings are mutual... (hands on face... openly sobs)
(offers tissue)
Pardon me for interrupting your male bonding here...
What always puzzled me about Sweden, is that the music that comes from there is bleak or sweet la la. Both major Swedish waves, and yet so different with one another. Go figure. Not that I'm complaining :)
Know what you mean. It's like they either give us this, or Ace of Base (or some standable equivalent thereof). Maybe some people just like the night, the snow, and the reindeer?
oh, goodness! totally loving the first track, yet to get to the second track.
your post had me at "the proximity of reindeer". that's a proggy tune waiting to happen.
you know i am also picking up a slightly Scandinavian folk-punk vibe just from how Petronella (gotta love the name) is delivering.
thanks so much, have always wondered about this group.
Ilay. glad you're liking it. I think most things from that part of the world exude some sort of folk-punk thing, honestly. I don't know why, they just have that vibe to 'em. It's a very earthy sound, if that makes sense. And yes, Petronella is a cool name. It always reminds me of Mrs. Van Daan in the Diary of Anne Frank.
you're right and i shall keep it in mind: all Swedish is folk-punk. a sound idea, i like it. "earthy sound" makes total sense.
Mrs. Van Daan - i was also thinking that! plus i thought of citronella...
so is the whole album worth it, you think?
Definitely worth it. I think the first track is the best, and most proggy of the album, but the rest if good stuff, too. I can't get to it right now, but I'll try to put it up on the darkside in the next couple of days.