MATS KARLSSON – The Time Optimist

The Time Optimist is the debut solo effort from Swedish guitarist/vocalist Mats Karlsson. Best known as founding guitarist of Swedish Hard Rock band 220 Volt, Karlsson recruited several excellent musicians to perform on the record, including his brother Ulf Karlsson, drummers Björn “Grizzly” Höglund and Peter Hermansson, bassist Nalle Påhlsson, and vocalists Jenny Fall and original 220 Volt vocalist Christer ‘Frille” Åsell to share vocal duties in a couple of duets.

While the press release says that the music is a bit lighter than 220 Volt, that is a bit of an understatement. The record has several stylistic variations, from the almost reggae vibe of “Megalo Seitani” to the almost Progressive Rock vibe of “I Believe”, Karlsson covers a lot of musical ground. The Time Optimist is very laid back, not approaching a Hard Rock label, but falling within the confines of Rock, and Pop. The album includes one cover, “Real Gone” by Sheryl Crow, and it fits stylistically with the rest of the material.

Rock fans, Pop Rock fans, and fans of lighter fare will find something to enjoy here, but 220 Volt fans may want to approach with caution as it definitely is not the same thing.

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