Grand
Illusion are from Sweden and are poised to astound
everyone with their debut album, it is a masterpiece
of melody with great songs and tight musicianship.
The name "Grand Illusion" may well be a new
one to most people even though it conjures up visions
of Stygian pomposity, but the members of the band are
well rehearsed in making great music. They were
formerly known as "Promotion" and have
released two albums under that name; "Not For
Sale" in 1997 and "Yeah, Yeah" in
1998; both on their own label "Promotion".
These two albums were recorded on a tight budget, but
their quality shone through at an early stage, as
they were well favoured in the eyes of both magazine
reviewers and fans of Swedish melodic rock.
Grand
Illusion have matured a hundred fold in the last
couple of years and will earn your respect very early
in the album. The success of the song-writing formula
is down to the Rydholm/Karlsson team, of which the
former is responsible for the music, arranging, and
the majority of the instruments, whilst the latter
writes the lyrics. The icing on the cake is the
majestic vocal work of Peter Sundell, ably assisted
by Per Svensson, and the well-executed drumming of
Peter's younger brother Christian.
Opening
Track "Feeling Strangely Fine" sets the
wheels in motion and bounces along on a marvellous
hook, twisting and turning to suit the amazing vocal
pitch of Peter Sundell. The sound is so fresh and
appealing and you will be in love with Grand Illusion
after just one spin. Track two, "I don't wanna
know", amps up the beat and sees the band
settling for a straight-ahead melodic punch that hits
you full in the face. Fans of such Swedish bands as
"Dalton" and "Treat" will
immediately realise the quality of "Grand
Illusion"; this is Scandinavian melody at its
best. As one classy song follows another throughout
the album, it is impossible to find a weakness in the
band, they are at home with both rockers and ballads,
the harmonies of Sundell and Svensson hit the mark
every time. The balladry on "Parachute" has
a certain passion that smacks of Europe in their
heyday, but let us not forget the ripping guitar
breaks from Anders Rydholm, who also provides
keyboards and bass on the album to maximum effect.
Just check out songs like "Crazy from the
heat" and "Boys Last Night Out" for
evidence!
Grand
Illusion are here and are ready to seduce you with
their own brand of Scandinavian melodic rock.
