Their first two albums, Exit (2013) and Enter (2014), presented us with
sizable and ambitious line-ups of 28 musicians. Ritual (2016) saw it reduced to
21 and with Arrival it´s been trimmed down to a “mere” 14, with the core
trio of Fire! (Mats Gustafsson, Johan Berthling and Andreas Werliin) and the two
singers Mariam Wallentin and Sofia Jernberg being the only constant members
since the beginning. Apart from this reduction, the main line-up difference is
the introduction of a string quartet. This “cleanup” has worked wonders,
keeping the rhythm and horn sections to their bare necessities, with the string
quartet expanding the canvas and bringing a new, exciting dimension to the
table. And on top of their game; the two powerful and sublime singers, quite
different, but still blending perfectly. We also have to mention drummer and
producer Andreas Werliin for his work in the audio department; rarely have we
heard such a detailed, warm, deep and dynamic mix from a relatively complex
combination of instruments. Arrival is a collection of more individual
compositions and songs, including two stunning cover versions. Blue Crystal Fire
by visionary guitarist Robbie Basho was first heard on his 1978 album Visions
of the Country. At Last I Am Free was originally written by Bernard Edwards and
Nile Rogers of Chic. Although the rest of the tracks are credited to
Berthling,
Gustafsson, Werliin and Wallentin, it´s important to stress that this time the
orchestra members have had considerable creative input throughout the process.
Arrival is light and shade, joy and despair, structure and improvisation,
performed by an ensemble of excellent
musicians.