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Jonas Lindberg: Miles From Nowhere
Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side - Miles From Nowhere Album Art

Jonas Lindberg: Miles From Nowhere

Melodic Progressive Rock
5.0/5.0

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InsideOut Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 17.02.2022 | Released: 18.02.2022

Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side. Never heard of the guy. Never heard one of his albums. Never been passed one for review. But Jonas Lindberg and his band of musical trobadours should be the next big prog rock thing. The band dates back to his 2008 music academy exam project wherein he Lindberg wrote his first EP In Secret Pace. After moving to Stockholm, he recorded a second EP, The Other Side, this time with a band. Eventually, Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side crew would evolve to create their full-length debut album Pathfinder in 2016. Touring curbed his immediate songwriting, but now Jonas and friends are back with their sophomore recording, Miles From Nowhere.

Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side - Click For Larger Image

Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side

Let's get to the point: Buy this album. Buy a physical copy and digital download. I'm probably not being all that objective here because I love melodic progressive rock. Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side could be the future of traditional and classic melodic progressive rock. I'm talking about a history that goes way back to early Yes, Genesis, Camel, Caravan, you name it, to the present and bands like The Flower Kings. Transatlantic, Kaipa, or Agents Of Mercy. Ain't dropping names fun? What I don't mean is the current wave of heavy and harsh stuff that is passing for progressive rock or metal like Haken, Leprous, or Between The Buried And Me. (Sorry, if I just pissed some fans off there.)

The songs within Miles From Nowhere succeed on many important levels. The best of which begin with exemplery songwriting, arrangements that are both complex and accessible to the listener; arrangements that both challenge your ears, but have your musical soul asking for more. Next, is simply that technicality never compromises song melody, harmony, and even a catchy refrain. That's also to say that The Other Side has some very talented and experienced musicians who, if they wanted to do so, could opt to do the latter. That is be so freakin' self-absorbed with their talents to focus only on technical intrigue. In other words playing for an audience of one or their peers. Not happening here. Rather, what you have are arrangements that clearly allow the effacious and deliberate expression of all musician. Sure, Lindberg may be the principal songwriter, but the songs clearly demonstrated, and sound like, he is not alone in his craftsmanship. All these things are self-evident within the 25 minute title track wherein Lindberg does two things. One, he enjoys his own freedom of expression while inviting his band mates and guests to add their skills. Two, his songwriting honors past influence and celebrates the new generation of progressive. And there's also some damn fine guitar work (not being objective again) from Nicklas Thelin, Calle Stalenbring, and Ronie Stolt, one of the modern prog era's greatest luminaries and Lindberg's peer. Check out the track-by-track overview of the rest of Miles From Nowhere (PDF).

All things considered, I loved everything (and I mean everything) about Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side's Miles From Nowhere. This is well-crafted, well-executed, and extremely entertaining melodic progressive from some new masters. This album reminded of how excited I was to discover progressive music as a teen 60 years, but also reminded me that fine progressive rock is both priceless and ageless. Quite recommended. Put this on your very short list of best prog albums of the year.




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The Take Away

All things considered, I loved everything (and I mean everything) about Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side's Miles From Nowhere. This is well-crafted, well-executed, and extremely entertaining melodic progressive from some new masters. Quite recommended.

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