Is it my idea or do too many Progressive bands often appear from Sweden? Anyway, the third album of Sweden's Carptree was a wonderful experience and those of you prog-rockers who haven't heard this one yet hurry up a bit! They won't wait forever!
Carptree is a duet consisting of Niclas Flinck and Carl Westholm. The band was formed if 1997 and in 2001 they released their self titled debut. Again in 2003 they returned and released Superhero (now here's a fine piece of work). For the needs of Superhero the band hired the No Future Orchestra, which consists of seven musicians!
Those of you who haven't listened to Carptree, imagine a fusion of early (good) Genesis, Marillion and generally anything that bursts of lyricism and originality at the same time. The magical duet again does its trick and boy do they manage to deliver miracles or what! Many compare Niclas to Fish and to be honest there is a good base for this comparison. But Carl also does his magic like few others can on the keyboards.
Man Made Machine is deep and not a release one can hear anytime / anywhere. It takes time and a lot of attention from the listener. It is a demanding piece of work for more demanding listeners. Albums like this one don't fall often into my hands. And that's a sad thing indeed.