Tuesday, July 29, 2025

SHEKINA – On Our Way To Love (Transubstans, 2024; rec. 1976)

 
English vocals, instrumental
International relevance: ***

After the demise of Änglabarn, his participation in ”Hair” and ”Jesus Christ Superstar” but before his solo career, Dan Tillberg teamed up with the band Solen Strålar (not to be confused with Solen Skiner) who had been around since the early 70s but only played a few gigs. The band asked Tillberg if he wanted to be their lead vocalist, and after only one rehearsal, he agreed to it. They changed their name to Shekina, new songs were written, and soon they found themselves recording a full album in Tillberg's newly built Bellatrix studio when it wasn't booked by other artists. However, running the studio and the label attached to it, Tillberg realized he didn't have the time to head a band too. The recordings ended up unreleased until Transubstans got their hands on them, finally releasing them as ”On Our Way To Love” in 2024.

One can only wonder what would have happened if the album had been released as originally intended. Because the thing is, it's a quite beautiful album of progressive pop with symphonic touches. The songs are really lovely and well-composed, the arrangements are lucid and Tillberg's vocals are the best I've heard, sincere but relaxed and respectful to the melodies. I sense a light touches of Moody Blues in Shekina's music and lyrics but without the Moodies' strains of self-pity.

I didn't know what to expect from Shekina on beforehand, but I was pleasantly surprised. The album has a mellow sweetness and melodic care that I find rather irresistable. As a matter of fact, it's a little gem that really should have been released already 50 years ago.

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