Roots. Children of the Sün

There's a time to rock and a time to roll. With Sweden's Children of the Sün it is time to rock. With its second album, Roots, following up on 2019's 'Flowers', the band sets a decisive step. Grabbing influences as far and wide as Within Temptation and Led Zeppelin, with just about everything in between, Children of the Sün always rocks out, while never forgetting about a strong vocal melody.

From the very start with 'Reflection' Roots had grabbed me and simply did not let go. Singer Josefina Berglund Ekholm is all over the place, but always in taste and never overdoing it. She has the kind of voice that is able to caress and scream out all ghost and demons in a pure form of exorcism. Such tremendous power comes through her larynx that my first instinct is to take cover and only then realise I have to enjoy what I'm hearing. As it is fantastic what she does. Ann Wilson, Anneke van Giersbergen, Sharon den Adel, just a few names to give you an idea.

The band behind her, as in the band sound's mix, is able to follow the mood and atmosphere swings of Berglund Ekholm. This band knows how to utalise dynamics in songs. The six piece is gender unbalanced, with the ladies winning. This does not prevent the band to rock. At the same time Children of the Sün shows sensitivity as well, if only because of the female voices leading up front.

Musically, it is not 100% easy to pin down Children of the Sün. The (classic) rock elements, going back up to over five decades, are easy to discern. There is a little grunge in there as well, as there is a mild psychedelia. At the same time this band is not afraid to add some ballads in the best Heart tradition, so a little folk is in there as well, just like there is goth, as I'm remembered of The Gathering and Within Temptation. All together it makes Roots a surprising album, as the listener does not get a one size fits all kind of music for his money.

Promo photo

Take 'Eden'. A piano driven ballad showing how good Josefina Berglund Ekholm can sing. Recorded with a lot of strength but without huge guitar and drums explosions. This is a beautiful and calm ballad, worked out and arranged beautifully from beginning to end. Anyone expecting 'Reflection', the opening song of Roots, to be the standard, may even find himself fooled. The incredibly strong song, with Josefina Berglund Ekholm at her top performance vocally, is almost the odd one out, because Children of the Sün is much and much more than a hard-rockin' grungy band. Take the ride Roots is and just follow its directions.

Another band in 2022 took me totally by surprise. A new name to me and a joy to add to my collection. With enough in it to stimulate me to listen to old favourites once again, while having enough steam and power of itself to want to get to know Roots, a lot better. This album contains more than enough to cater to the desires of any (classic) rock fan. And what a voice. Allow me to stress that once again, without taking anything away from the band, as it plays beautifully and at times crystal clear. Roots, get yourself acquainted with it.

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