Album Review: Jonas Lindberg and The Other Side - Miles From Nowhere
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
He released his first E.P. ‘In Secret Pace’ in 2008. Now multi-instrumentalist Jonas Lindberg has produced his finest work to date with his latest release, ‘Miles from Nowhere’. Seven tracks that clock in at close to 70 minutes make it an album to sit back and relax to. Progressive, pop, and classic rock all blend in a heady mixture of modern music that is intricate, complex and also perfectly easy on the ear.
Having started out as a bassist, songwriter and producer, Lindberg found himself having to increase his capacity due in part to the pandemic, and the restrictions which impeded the recording capabilities of his band. ‘Miles From Nowhere’ is his second full-length album and features some beautiful lead vocals from Jenny Storm as well as guest appearances from his brother Joel, drummer Simon Wilhelmsson and a special guest slot from The Flower Kings Roine Stolt on the 26-minute title track.
‘Miles From Nowhere’ is interspersed with lengthy tracks that sit comfortably next to shorter pieces. Opener ‘Little Man’ is a pleasing start to the album, before the 16-minute ‘Summer Queen’ takes you on a progressive journey which sees high energy segments juxtaposed with intricate, calming acoustic guitar sections that segue into semi-Rush style passages. It’s all very exciting and for a progressive rock fan, extremely enjoyable. Lindberg takes keyboard duty as well as lead vocals and his keyboard work is fantastic, the interplay on ‘Summer Queen’ with the lead guitar reminiscent of the classic duels that Ritchie Blackmore and Jon Lord honed to perfection in those classic Deep Purple days. Storm’s luscious vocals add an extra edge, calming yet soaring when the opportunity arises. There are numerous influences that you can draw out, the most obvious being the Dream Theater and Marillion feel of some of the music, but it’s fair to say that Lindberg has carved his own sound and style on this album.
This is a sublime piece of work. The title track is absolutely masterful. 26 minutes of beautiful musicianship, which winds and weaves its way through majestic soundscapes, stirring emotions in a magnificent way. It builds slowly, with thick organ and keyboards, and reaches a fabulous crescendo with some crystal-clear guitar work. The production is crisp, allowing each instrument to breath, the combination a simply superb track which deservedly stands as a stunning conclusion to a thoroughly enjoyable and exquisitely crafted album.
