FREEDOM – Stay Free! (2024) *HQ*
Since FREEDOM first started in 2019, they’ve established themselves as a busy live act, filling clubs throughout Sweden with both energy and audience. In 2022 they were honorably chosen to play at the official release party of The Helicopters at the notorious Hamburger Börs in Stockholm.
Their self-titled debut album from 2021 became a success in Scandinavia, and now the guys are releasing second effort titled ”Stay Free!”
Freedom is deeply rooted in the working-class rock of the 70s and 80s, giving us a classic rock sound with meaningful lyrics, power chords and cool choruses. That’s the best description for songs like “Love Reaction” or the superb “Eyes Of The Storm.” Both of these sound American, but not fully, like there’s still some of the unmistakable Swedish thing going on.
Freedom have only been a band for a few years, but they’ve recruited a couple of members of Heavy Feather for this record: Ola Göransson & Matte Gustafsson, and the brand new foursome have invoked some E-Street Band spirit on “Freedom Song”.
In old money – and given that this is very much a throwback – side two, if you will, kicks off with the ebullient drums and textures of “Hurt Too Much”. In other hands, this would be a ballad, but these lads don’t do that.
“Johnny You’re Electric” is all for the love of rock n roll, and if Mange Monroe isn’t born to sing in this band then I don’t know who is.
“Melanie” shows the skill of the band. It all sounds so timeless, you honestly think you might have heard it before, but it still sounds fresh. There’s so much energy too, as the “Gone” shows.
“Generation” ends with a bit more reflection. “I am part of a generation… told not to dream” goes part of its first line. That’s one of the messages of this band; found your freedom, if you will, in music.
Highly Recommended
01 – Tonight
02 – Love Reaction
03 – Eye Of The Storm
04 – I’m Going To Leave You
05 – Freedom Song
06 – This Is Gonna Hurt
07 – Johnny, You’re Electric!
08 – Melanie
09 – Gone
10 – Generation
Mange Monroe – Vocals & guitar
Janne Ruuska – Drums & percussion
Ola Göransson – Bass
Matte Gustafsson – Guitar
Pre order:
target.com/p/freedom-stay-free/-/A-91483350
