by Brian D. Holland.

Plankton is a progressive instrumental rock band from Stockholm, Sweden. Heavily influenced by the rock music wave of the sixties and seventies (and much more), the 5-piece band has released three CDs (and one of rare tracks) of magical instrumental tour-de-forces, all heavy on melody, riff, and sonic groove. The styles of dual guitarists Emil Fredholm and Christian Neppenstrom can easily be perceived for what they are, fully drenched and fermented in the techniques of the greats, from Hendrix and Frank Marino, to Leslie West and Ritchie Blackmore, and more. They play with fiery angst and melancholy passion, alive with a diverse mixture of schizoid and frenzied emotion, the tools of trade for any amazing rock guitarist.

The word Plankton has a Greek derivation, meaning wanderer or drifter. The Plankton of this description cannot resist ocean currents. This depiction is comparative to the musical personality of this brilliant instrumental quintet, as their music is free flowing and without boundary, at least within a rock of ages perspective. With a sound reminiscent of rock’s finest era, complete with the dual lead guitar showmanship from the schools of Wishbone Ash, The Allman Brothers Band, Fleetwood Mac, and Thin Lizzy; combined with the sultry excitement of Free, Zeppelin, Journey; much of the melodic perfection of Rush, Yes, and King Crimson; meshed with the mysterious spaciousness of the likes of Pink Floyd and Dream Theater ... it’s all done instrumentally.

Plankton

These aforementioned giants can surely be a stressful burden, cited in comparison to any burgeoning players; however, this band, also made up of bassist Tomas Thorberg, drummer Sebastian Sippola, and percussionist Lars Normalm, plays homage respectfully to the instrumental aspect of rock music with astonishing talent and melodic skill. Their music is unlike much of the instrumental rock of today. Though guitar still takes the reigns and guides the way, running through amazing tonal melody and voicing stages, the music isn’t all about guitar playing aptitude.

The songs of Plankton are just that: songs. Imagine the solos within songs of lyrical content, surrounded by amazing riffs, beefy and subtle chops, and sustained groove, where the lyrical content is substituted with solos diverse in memorable melody, imagination, and personality. The lead playing within becomes the voicing, as the songs are complete with intro, verse, chorus, bridge, changes, and ending. And I can’t stress enough about the tonal nuances and unique ambiences the music projects. It’s groove oriented instrumental ingenuity and melody at it’s finest.

Though I’m basically referring to their latest release, Plankton 3, I’d advise any enthusiast of guitar, rock music, and smart instrumental music in general to give all of their previous releases a good listen. The music of this amazing Swedish band is one to thoroughly consider.

Plankton 3 Track Listing

1. The Telltale Heart

2. Stockholm

3. Cosmic Bridge

4. Holy Cow

5. Sea Of Tranquility

6. Have You Ever..?

7. Anecdotes of Aquanaut

8. 1970

9. Dvargfeber

10. Evolution At Work

Plankton is:
Emil Fredholm: guitar
Christian Neppenstrom: guitar
Lars Normalm: percussion
Sebastian Sippola: drums
Tomas Thorberg: bass

Related Links
Plankton
Buy Plankton 3 on Amazon.com