SLAVES TO FASHION: "Artistic Differences"

Rating: 6/10

Label: Hands Of Blue Records 2011

Review by Kimmo Toivonen

"Artistic Differences" is the first full-length album from Norwegian band Slaves To Fashion. They've previously released one CD and one EP as "P:O:B" and an EP under their current monicker. What we got here is a finely crafted progressive rock album, with interesting instrumentation and arrangements, fine playing and singing. It's obvious that the band has put a lot of effort into this.

Slaves To Fashion has an interesting sound that reminds me a bit of King's X and the acclaimed Finnish prog rockers Von Hertzen Brothers. Some of the songs have a bit of a psychedelic, even oriental vibe which doesn't really agree with me, but the vocal harmonies are fine. To these ears, the band is at their best when they cut corners a little and go for a more straight-forward approach, take the opening track "Love You Back" or the album's standout track "Libido Ride" for example. The more meandering and progressive tracks leave me a little cold.


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