KAJ IN YOUR MIND ALBUM A DIFFERENT DRUM RELEASE: APRIL, 2001 REVIEW: MAY 24, 2001

Oh, how I hate the "downhill" albums! The ones starting with a great song, and then every piece that follows is just a bleak shadow of that first gem of sparkling music elixir.
In this case, "Picture on the Wall" stands as a manifest of the three Haddad brothers' ability and sense of melody, while the remaining nine or so tracks only prove their impersonating skills. They mix in some arabic twists (they're originally from Jordan), but it all comes out sounding drained of enthusiasm and the stinging absence of catchy melodies and choruses will inevitably turn out to their disadvantage. The way I see it, this is all a waste of talent. I know they are capable of big deeds, or at least causing a major stir in the synthpop pond. Ironically, KAJ already has the ingredient other bands in the genre would kill for: good, varied vocals. When will great vocals like these be accompanied by equally great soundscapes and song writing skills?
"In Your Mind" is far from a catastrophe, but as far from being a masterpiece. Hence, five.

NIKLAS FORSBERG