Since 2002, the SPEARFISH Power Trio regularly brings a new studio work in the middle of their Professional touring frenzy routine, now signed by the high profile label Lion Music, "In The MeanTime" is their fourth release, and all their specific elements are dosed carefully in respect for their method with a balanced protocol between Classic Rock/Prog Rock and Retro Melodic Hard Rock... Their broad stylistic range is perfectly presented, the songs are very different from each other... Of course nothing revolutionary or groundbreaking but an efficient recipe with timeless ingredients and some spicy musicianship sparking full of subtle details that was spreading all over!

Scoring some great impressions on the first couple of songs, with the most epic feel of the album, the arrangements are the most complexed "Quicksilver Linings" is exemplary of their RUSH meets British Classic Rock/Hard Rock blend, while "Put Me Down, Diamond" looks like a future stage anthem classic with some catchy hooks and attractive melody!

The third track "South" share its 70's vintage feel with some acoustic guitars and a sharp riffage intro, but it's a kind of filler-song anyway...Happily, "Gazing At The Moon" & "Inspiration" are more creatively inspired and obviously tagged by the 70's early spirit of Progressive Rock...However, in the playing time, a certain inertia in the compositions is detectable, as the limits of the genre are still quickly reached and I think it's not easy to surprise somebody with this music genre!

Co-founder, bassist and singer Thomas Thulin has a specific voice, an unique and phlegmatic high pitch tone, in the tradition of the Iconic RUSH frontman Geddy Lee... An acquired taste I believe. Personaly, I think it's an asset and I still enjoy it very much!

The great instrumental cut "Ursus Polaris" is clearly set in a very Specific Scandinavian mood, demonstrates the individual talent of each players without falling into the demonstrative trap, the details of the Progressive side and the solos are well exposed... The final is structured in a weird way with some hypnotic guitar voicing and a strange atmospheric instrumentation, the orchestrations are in a perspective of density with synthetic layers of strings and keyboards. "Conclusion" displays a cheesy JOURNEY's kind of sound, a little scary at first I should admit, but more interesting in its development, still very retro... Not my favorite!

"Hawks of War" is built around a fierce riffage driven protocol, and will remains as one of the best cut of the whole disc... After the disappointment of tracks N°10 & N°11, the song "Under a Bourbon Sky" is a relief and finally to best way to close the album with some subtle harmonies and a few unexpected twists!

Nothing revolutionary here but a strict and orthodox method, an appliance based under a timeless recipe with talent and obvious dedication!