Who's the Boss in the Factory?
Who's the Boss in the Factory? gives Karmakanic's progressive rock a warm, melodic character. Jonas Reingold's bass is easy to follow, the keyboards have plenty of colour, and Göran Edman's singing gives the longer arrangements a clear centre. The music draws openly on familiar styles, but its best passages have enough feeling to make that familiarity inviting.
Send a Message from the Heart opens with nearly twenty minutes of detailed playing. Piano is especially important, adding a softer quality around the bass and guitar. The piece moves through several instrumental passages without losing its central melodies, and the later guitar and group vocals give the ending a convincing lift.
It is not completely free of excess. A keyboard solo takes longer than its impact requires, and the consistently positive mood can make the range of feeling seem narrower than the arrangement suggests. Even so, the song's clear themes and responsive playing give its length a useful purpose.
Let in Hollywood changes the scale through a more direct, energetic song. The unusual rhythm, lively guitar and strong vocal delivery give it a playful character. Its brief synth solo adds colour without turning the whole piece into another large construction.
The title track takes a darker route. Quiet piano and bass gradually lead towards heavier guitar and drums, with more reflective keyboard passages providing contrast. The change of mood is welcome, although its steady pulse and familiar chorus do not always justify the amount of space given to them.
Two Blocks from the Edge brings a jazz and blues influence into the arrangement. Theo Travis' saxophone and the expressive guitar give the song much of its character, while the bass remains an active part of the changing setting.
Eternally closes in two parts, beginning with a short piano piece before strings, bass, accordion and singing widen the sound. The slower pace gives the album a more thoughtful conclusion, with the unusual instrumental combination helping the emotion register.
The strongest material here is both carefully played and clearly shaped. Some familiar ideas and less persuasive stretches keep the record from being equally effective throughout. Its melodic strength, expressive voices and well-judged instrumental details still make Who's the Boss in the Factory? a substantial and enjoyable album.
