Beardfish – Songs for Beating Hearts Album Review: A Triumph of Swedish Progressive Rock
Hi, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine, bringing you another album review. 2024 has been a monumental year for progressive rock, with releases from bands like Caligula’s Horse, Wheel, Frost*, and Big Big Train filling my shelves and playlists. Now, adding to this incredible lineup is Swedish prog-rock band Beardfish with their stunning new album, Songs for Beating Hearts. This is their first new music in nine years, and wow, was it worth the wait!
From the opening acoustic guitar and soft vocals to the soaring Hammond organ, Songs for Beating Hearts feels like stepping into a beautifully crafted sonic tapestry. There’s a dreamy, 70s Genesis vibe, but this is progressive rock at its most heartfelt and contemporary.
This album requires you to sit back, put the kettle on (essential for PROG listening, I promise!), and allow the music to wash over you. This isn’t background music or something to stream while scrolling. It’s an experience. And trust me, the more you engage with it, the more rewarding it becomes.
While listening, you might pick up echoes of Genesis, Yes, Big Big Train, and even shades of Gentle Giant. The band’s use of lush string arrangements, melodic guitar solos, and those unmistakable Hammond organ flourishes may also remind you of Focus. Yet, this isn’t derivative—Beardfish have a unique identity that weaves these influences into something distinctly their own.
The album boasts stunning interplay between male and female vocals, which sometimes feel like a conversation within the music. It’s this dynamic that elevates tracks like In the Autumn into something magical. The instrumentation is rich and immersive, with every note serving the greater story rather than showcasing individual virtuosity. These are musicians playing as a true band.
The album is a visual treat as well. Available on vinyl and CD, the gatefold sleeve features stunning artwork that perfectly complements the music within. I opted for the black vinyl version, and it has quickly become a favorite in my collection.
I’ll admit, this is my first encounter with Beardfish, and I’m hooked. If you’re a fan, let me know in the comments what I should listen to next. And if you’re new to them like me, do yourself a favor and dive into this stunning album. I promise you won’t regret it.
Band Credits
Vocals and Guitar: Rikard Sjöblom
Bass: Robert Hansen
Drums: Magnus Östgren
Keyboards: David Zackrisson
Backing Vocals: Featuring stunning performances by guest vocalists Zoe Delvin Love and Lori Mansor.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
Thanks for the great review! Spinning it for the first time, but I am a fan of the band already, so a different perspective than you…
Really liking what I hear so far! Rikard’s vocals are better then they were, that’s for sure. Wow, great stuff!
As to listening advice, I would start with Mammoth, which is one of their best albums imo, and definitely comparable to this album.
I also like The Void, which is a bit more guitar driven and heavy than their other albums. If you’re into that you should definitely check that one out too. It’s the album that boosted them a bit toward the limelight. It was also my first Beardfish album. The other albums are great too but less essential for me.