Band: Karmakanic

CD Title: “Who’s the Boss in the Factory”

Label: InsideOut Music

Release Date: 2008

Who’s the Boss in the Factory is the third release from Karmakanic, a side project created by Flower King’s bassist Jonas Reingold and for fans of that symphonic, Swedish, Flower Kings, Kaipa progressive rock style or approach this is absolutely brilliant. These guys just keep getting better with each release. Building on the band-line-up each time Karmakanic this time out features; Jonas Reingold (bass, guitar, keyboards), Zoltan Csorz (drums), Lalle Larsson (piano, synths), Krister Jonsson (guitars) and Goran Edman (vocals). Then as on the previous two outings there is a long list of musical contributors, a list that’s import enough but too long to mention here.

If I had to summarize in as few words as possible the musical approach employed here on these six tracks, I’d say it’s mostly longer melodic songs with all kinds of musical change-up with many shifts in time and tempo. Fact is if you are familiar with the music of the Flower Kings or Kaipa this will be instantly recognizable, even though there are many unique Karmakanic qualities. The opening track “Send a Message from the Heart” [19:29] is very representative, in that it starts out with grand crescendos before shifting into the song proper, which then changes a couple of times before coming back the majestic opening themes. Along the way we’re treated to any number of enormous musical swells, short but busy solo moments and so forth. The title track “Who’s the Boss in the Factory” [13:04] starts off differently, all slower, soft and moody with a piano leading the way supported by synth strings or atmospheric sounds until the lower range vocals come in. It’s a bit Pink Floyd-ey to tell you the truth, until about 2:30 into the song when the band launches into a kind of a funky groove which is then pierced by more aggressive guitar elements all the while building the tension and volume of the piece. Half-way through everything slows down and the piece becomes more atmospheric with piano in the lead, but with an equally prominent bass-line moving underneath. All of this culminates with a solid return to the songs original up-tempo opening themes.

Having taken their name from the Genesis song “Battle of Epping Forrest” but putting a second “K” in the word, Karmakanic are a band that seems to really be coming into their own both in terms of composition and performance. Who’s the Boss in the Factory has some great music. There really isn’t a duff track in the bunch. All the right musical elements are in place and the sound is about as perfect as it gets. For symphonic prog fans this is a no-brainer! Highly Recommended.