In Passage is apparently the third album from this Swedish band. Three albums from five young chaps who can only be about 24 years old is reasonably impressive in its own right, but to produce an album of such polish and finesse is surely a testament to a little more. That little more must be the fact that they have been playing together since they were 16, and have honed their skills during their 150 shows around Europe.
In Passage has a decidedly nautical flavour about it. It seems some or all of them have been spending time on full-rigged tall ships of late, they all come from the western coast of Sweden and nautical references abound – track titles like Into Waters, To An Ocean are clear enough, but opener Skagerak refers (I believe!) to that difficult stretch of water between Denmark and the Swedish/Norwegian coast, the video from the album closer On Wide Shoulders (embedded below) has terrific footage up the mast of a tall ship and so on and so forth , no doubt more nautical-ness is in there as well.
The sound is determinedly smoothed and polished, not a note out of place, a work of careful craftsmanship. From ones of such tender years this is a hugely mature sound with impressive playing throughout. The guitar sound is especially noteworthy, that ringing chiming guitar reminiscent of The Boxer Rebellion to my mind.
Should you need to, its rather hard to categorise Immanu El – a little indie here, a bit post-rock there, a dash of good old fashioned pop as well. But whichever pigeon hole you might choose to place them in, the more you play In Passage the better it sounds, not quite enough to jolt me from my post-classical obsessions of late, but an album that is beautifully put together, delivered with heart and good intent from a band with obvious talent and ability who must surely live up to the good notices they have been receiving.
The album is released on 29th October through their self managed And The Sound Records label. Their autumn tour shows no signs of UK dates, but they are getting around the rest of Europe, maybe they’ll pop over one day…
PS for all you vinyl types I have been told that Kapitän Platte will be issuing In Passage on vinyl – pop along and place your order!
The "Music Always Gives Me A Lift" Blog 
They popped over last year! Really can’t wait to hear this album!
I noticed the dates earlier this year a bit too late to say in the post ! But Daavid says they hope to be back for the End of the Road and are looking for some decent support to do more UK dates. Pretty sure you will be happy with the album when you hear it – quality stuff. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment BTW
I just cant wait to hear this. Some time ago I got hold of “They’ll come, They come” album, and cants stop listening. Then Moen, and now I cant wait for this new album. Thanks for the review! I know this is not going to dissapoint. Greetings from Costa Rica 🙂
Well hello Costa Rica ! Given that you are already a fan I am absolutely sure you won’t be disappointed when you hear the album. I am really grateful to them for letting me have a listen before release so that I could write a post on it – not long til 29th 🙂
I heard Immanu El in Gothenburg earlier this autumn, and their performance was smashing good! Very good songs, better sound than ever, nice and warm atmosphere at the consert! Heard some of the songs from the coming album then, and it made me really long for the release!
Well lucky you! – hope you get to catch them again on this tour – sadly no dates for me in the UK yet but, one day… The sound on the album is very well produced, excellent glossy sound,. Not too long to wait for the whole album – am sure you will be thrilled with it – thanks for the comment btw 🙂
Hey, you have forgotten to mention, that Kapitän Platte will release this beautiful piece of music on vinyl!
Hehe! That will be because I didn’t know – small erratum added to post…