Reform :: Reveries of Reform

Swedish collective Reform settle down to a stable core for their fifth outing, the 2-disc Reveries of Reform. For the most part, Reveries of Reform wades in progressive waters, with plenty of fusion ripples and some psych and space rock overtones. All blend together for a mellow and rolling listen that never comes across as lightweight. The production is rich and warm adding to the tumbling of the record. It’s mostly instrumental with a few tracks having some understated vocals. There is a definite whiff of old-school fusion with the jazzy flourishes throughout. Not too many outfits traffic in this stuff or bother bringing it into the modern light anymore, but Reform have got obvious chops at playing so it never comes across as hoary or moldy. To the contrary, it sounds refreshing; not only for what it conjures up, but for it’s tastefulness. Peter Åkerberg’s guitar is front and center, but everyone is mixed in in the right measure to back up their stance as a musical collective. Mattias Lennestig and Magnus Ramel share keyboard duties and find, as well as make, plenty of room to stand side by side. Jesper Bergman and Anders Bergman hold down the bottom end keeping it rooted and active. Don’t let 2-discs of ‘fusion’ scare you aware if the word evokes thoughts of musical eggheads or your arteries got clogged with the usual watered down treacle. Fusion always was an open mix of jazz, blues, psychedelia, world music, blah blah…to me, the good stuff was always about approach as much as it was flat-out technical prowess. Reveries of Reform should appeal those looking to step out of their usual comfort zone to find something that feels different, but not so alien you can’t relate to it or know where it’s coming from.

Another Happy Landing :: Reform :: Reveries of Reform (Transubstans, 2011)