The Soundtrack of our Lives
Behind the Music (2002)

review by: Michael Walls
Date: 4/16/03

During my first time through this CD, I had already decided by the second song that I would love this band. And that's a pretty bold decision, considering I hadn't listened to thirteen of the fifteen tracks.

The Soundtrack of our Lives (or TSOOL for those that can't handle more then two syllables) are a Swedish band that formed nearly 10 years ago. With two previous albums under their belts, Behind the Music is the first to capture a broader audience outside their homeland.

Led by a larger-than-life lead singer named Ebbot Lundberg, who reminds me of a dark lord-of-the-rings or a guitar-slinging Viking, and backed by blistering musicians, including guest horns and string players, TSOOL offers up a Smorgasbord of musical sounds that stretch from hard rock to melodic pop to psychedelic. With a style that flashes influences from sixties rock giants like The Who and The Doors, and seventies psychedelic bands like Pink Floyd and Yes – one would wonder how does TSOOL fit into modern music's post-grunge, pop ditty, hip-hop environment. The answer – they don't.

If there was ever a band I wanted to play in, it would be this band. Each song offers a glimpse of a different influence, which tempts me to break out some old cassette tapes. But I don't have to. TSOOL creates the feeling and the mood, then manages to make each song their own.

"Sister Surround's" pounding drum beats and crisp guitar hooks reminds me of early Genesis, and from the first couple of beats I half expect them to break into "Abacab" – but by the end, Lundberg is belting out the chorus like Chris Cornell of Soundgarden.

"Keep the line Moving" keeps the throwback going by offering a Who sound, with vocal effects, thundering drums, catchy lyrics and Daltry-like vocals. Next, the melodic pop "Nevermore", a bouncy, acoustic guitar and piano piece that could be on the next Wallflowers album. And then, "Independent Luxury", a psychedelic trip reminiscent of the Rolling Stones meets The Moody Blues – something akin to what Primal Scream's Screamadelica managed to do.

It took me nearly two weeks to completely listen to Behind the Music. As I chipped away at the album, I continually found myself hitting the replay button and listening to songs over and over again. Addictive hooks, familiar melodies, and interesting vocals kept me enthralled. There is not a single misstep on this album. And even though the overall feeling of the CD is of something from the past, TSOOL manages to weave in modern elements to make it sound fresh.

The only strike against Behind the Music, is the fact it was nominated for a Grammy this year as "Best Alternative Album". But then – nobody's perfect.