journal

Review in ProGGnosis
MJBrady over at ProGGnosis has published his thoughts on Abstract Expression. Here are some highlights.

Abstract Expression, a fitting title, is where Kulju demonstrates his writing talents, as well as his multi-instrumental skills.
...
Each song is carefully constructed allowing many changes and swings in tempo, as well as mood. So no monotony to stifle the listening experience.
...
This is most definitely the most mature and professional sound recording I have heard from the Electrum camp to date, and have found the cd to be quite an enjoyable discovery.

Brady makes several flattering observations about the album and I'm very gratified by his positive remarks. However, if you read the full review, he makes one understandable assumption that actually is not at all true. I am not the primary composer for Electrum nor do I dictate the musical direction of the band (and that direction with my work inside or outside of Electrum has never been to try to emulate the sound of any other specific artist).

In any event I don't deserve the lion's share of the blame er... credit for Electrum's music.

Review from artrock.se
I don't speak Swedish and the online translation sites don't seem to offer much illumination to what Conny over at artrock.se thinks...but going by the sheer number of oomlots it looks good to me.

Here is an excerpt.

Albumets klara höjdare är ändå längsta skapelsen ”Somnium” på dryga 15 minuter. Ett progressivt stycke som innehar allt man kan önska sig inom genren. Herr Kulju imponerar med sitt låtskrivande som framhäver melodin snarare en det tekniska kunnandet. En mer än godkänd debut och som vanligt med instrumentala album skulle säkerligen även denna nå högre höjder med några vokala insatser.

An online translation site yeilded the following...

The album's clear bigwigs are nevertheless the longest creation” Somnium” on just over 15 minutes. A progressive paragraph that holds all man can to desire itself within the genre. Mr. Kulju impresses with your tune type that highlights the melody the a nearer the technical know-how. A more even validated debut and as common with instrumentala albums willed doubtless also this reach higher heights with some vokala initiatives.

Regarding the last sentence I'm not sure if that means I should sing, or drink vodka...maybe both.