Released by Frontiers Records
Release Date: August 23rd, 2011
Genre: AOR/West Coast
Links: http://www.myspace.com/musicofworkofart
Line Up:
Lars Säfsund – vocals
Robert Sall – guitars, keyboards
Herman Furin – drums
Tracklist:
The Rain’
Nature Of The Game’
Once Again’
Never Love Again’
Eye Of The Storm’
Until You Believe’
The Great Fall’
Call On Me’
Emelie’
Fall Down’
Castaway’
One Step Away
If there ever was a band that closely resemble what the Melodic Rock label Frontiers Records is all about, is Work of Art. A young and refreshing up and coming AOR/West Coast monsters that blow through your speakers with a strong polish sound that captivates your every sense of rhythm and groove. The very talented Swedes took the Melodic Rock world by storm in 2008 when they released they’re debut album titled “Artwork”, your classic Toto, Giant influences we’re all there but a special totem of skillful and top notch quality songwriting and musicianship was also refreshing to hear. The whole record provided the listener with a consistent sound that resonated long after.
Now Work of Art is back with the all challenging sophomore release titled “In Progress” and what you have here is a continuation from where the debut left off. I have to admit that this release is one of the most anticipated for me as a big AOR fan aswell being a big fan of lead singer Lars Säfsund who’s a very versatile singer, read our review from his other project band Enbound where he showed his power vocals in all it’s metal glory, another great contribution. I would be remiss not to mention the solid songwriting work of Robert Sall, who also does a great job on both guitars and keys.
The band’s first official video shoot for their first single off their sophomore release is “The Great Fall”, a prototypical quencher number with addicting keyboards melodies that plow forward with a super additive of AOR flavor like it should be done. Perhaps the strongest musically produced song on here is the faster burner “Emelie”, an homage to true heroes like Toto providing the listener with a taint-less atmosphere indulged in a heartfelt ballad.
Heck even the more modern rock approach is provided via the western get’em roots of “Castaway”, a nice change of pace in this mostly solid formulated piece of art.
When we closely break down this 2nd album by WOA, we find a band playing in their comfort zone and not rally deviating much from the formula brought forward on their debut. A talented lead singer with Lars at the helm elevates each song with precision and sureness. A polish group of songwriters that allows us to indulge in a joyful listening experience that will not disappoint are also added to the tally. These guys along with a few other veterans, are the future of a genre that while is a delicate and a acquired taste, they do have a very good following around the world. If you’re a fan of the group or a follower of Melodic Rock period, consider this release an approved and sealed winner in all areas, vocals, writing, music and production. They’re not a work in progress anymore, is just another pice of art.
Written by Denys
Ratings Denys 8/10