Review: Arkado – Open Sea

Pride & Joy Music (February 23^rd 2024)

Reviewer: David Pearce

Swedish band Arkado release their new album, ‘Open Sea’, in February 2024. Their debut, ‘Never Say Never’ was well received on its release in 2020.

‘Voyage’, the short instrumental track that opens the album sounds like a piece of background music from a film that starts very quietly then gets louder to prepare the listener for the album to come. There is a hint of a very subdued ‘Final Countdown’ in this track which is interesting.

‘Open Sea’ starts the album in earnest with a keyboard riff and lead vocals that have a pop sensibility. It sounds like Modern Girl era Meatloaf and the song was one I really enjoyed. ‘Running Through the Night’ is another no nonsense 80s influenced track which sweeps you up with its sheer enthusiasm and put me in mind of Europe.

‘I Gave My Heart’ is a love song with crunching guitars that really works well. I enjoyed its full throttle approach because it was an interesting counterpoint to the subject matter. ‘You Make Me Feel’ is a rock ballad that follows a familiar path, musically and lyrically, but is sung and played with a passion that lifts the material to a new level.

‘Rising High’ is a proper no nonsense rocker with guitars that reminded me of late 70s rockers like Rainbow. It’s my favourite song on the album because it goes all out from the first note and never backs down. ‘Her Mother’s Lullaby’ is not a title you expect to see on a rock album, and it’s definitely not something you would put on to soothe a sleeping infant! What it is, is another Meatloaf style pop rock tune that makes the most of the different lead vocals that epitomise the Arkado style.

‘Long Way to Go’ mixes things up in terms of this album. It has a very different feel due to the deeper pitch of the vocals and is complemented by the strength of the music which is really catchy and well-constructed. ‘Unchain the Night’ starts with a synth riff that sounds initially like something early 80s groups like Ultravox might use. It then morphs into a Europe style pop rock romp in the manner of ‘Rock the Night’. It’s another really catchy track.

‘Like Something Heaven Sent’ is the penultimate track on the album and it has a really interesting keyboard in the background which breaks through the heavy guitars and gives it a real point of difference. Finally, we have ‘Show the Light Again’ which closes the album with a heartfelt ballad that really hits the mark and finishes off this sophomore album very strongly.

There is a feeling of a band still trying to find their sound and experimenting with a range of approaches. ‘Rising High’ and ‘Show the Light Again’ are the songs that point the way forward for me, with the former showing how good they are at the heavier rock and the latter being the standout ballad. I look forward to hearing their third album in due course.

Tracklist:

1. Voyage
2. Open Sea
3. Running Through the Night
4. I Gave My Heart
5. You Make Me Feel
6. Rising High
7. Her Mothers Lullaby
8. Long Way To Go
9. Unchain The Night
10. Like Something Heaven Sent
11. Show Me The Light Again