Hydrophonia by Roine Stolt

The recordings, conducted between February and May 1998 at Foxtrot Mobile Recorders, initially involved Stolt creating complete demos himself, later augmented by a selection of trusted musicians who finalized the tracks and replaced programmed parts.

In addition to Roine Stolt, who handles guitars, bass, keyboards, and percussion, the album features Jaime Salazar, the longtime drummer for the early Flower Kings, and Ulf Wallander, soprano saxophonist and frequent Stolt collaborator, whose contribution is crucial to the album's sound.

In 2024, the album was restored and remastered by Stolt for its vinyl release on Record Store Day 2025 via Construction Records. This is the version.

Hydrophonia is a concept album that explores the nautical and underwater world through an instrumental musical journey. The title and song names evoke images of the sea, suggesting an adventure through diverse marine settings, from the idyllic to the mysterious and dramatic. Without lyrics, the music tells the story, with Roine Stolt using guitar and soprano saxophone (played by Ulf Wallander) to create textures that evoke the movement of water, the vastness of the ocean, and the life that inhabits it. The album oscillates between moments of almost "New Age" peace and darker or more chaotic passages, with menacing and frenetic riffs alternating with pastoral sounds. Unlike Stolt's other works with The Flower Kings, which often carry explicit spiritual or philosophical messages, Hydrophonia appears as a freer and more playful project.

The album departs from the symphonic rock of The Flower Kings to explore a territory dominated by jazz-fusion, blues, and eclectic sounds. The fluid structure blends different genres into a single "aquatic" narrative. Some songs show a strong Frank Zappa influence, with complex rhythms and playful passages, while others lean towards funk and dance, recalling Santana's '70s fusion. There are also references to classic prog, particularly in the title track "Hydrophonia," the song closest to the style of The Flower Kings, with sweeping melodies and symphonic arrangements. Other songs venture into almost ambient territory, evoking the sound of waves with layers of ethereal guitars.

Roine Stolt is the undisputed star. His guitar ranges from tones reminiscent of Joe Satriani to bluesy phrasing and typically prog melodic solos. He also personally oversaw the bass and keyboard parts, creating a complex layering that supports the soloists. Jonas Wallander's soprano sax adds a soulful and melodic edge, taking the music towards jazz territory without ever overly veering into New Age. His duets with Stolt's guitar set the mood for much of the album. Jaime Salazar is capable of switching between funky grooves and the odd time signatures of prog rock.

The album comprises 10 tracks spread across two vinyl records.

“Cosmic Lodge,” the album's opening track, explodes with overwhelming energy, blending funky rhythms with a typically prog feel. Stolt's guitar, with a timbre reminiscent of Joe Satriani, alternates between sunny melodies and driving riffs, creating an engaging atmosphere.

“Shipbuilding” has a sunny and catchy, almost pop-like melody, with flute and guitar creating a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.

“Little Cottage by the Sea” is a pastoral piece with the sounds of birds, piano, and acoustic guitar creating an ambient atmosphere, perfect for relaxing.

At nearly 12 minutes, “Wreck of HMS Nemesis” is the longest track on the album. It opens with a medieval-inspired melody, then transforms into a prog epic. Tempo changes and orchestral passages, signature elements of The Flower Kings, enrich the composition, making it a compelling and complex musical journey.

“Bizarre Seahorse Sex Attack” is a complex piece in the style of Zappa, with a fusion sound and large, xylophone-like percussion and an unpredictable rhythmic structure.

“Oceanna Baby Dolphin” is a short song with an ethereal atmosphere thanks to the splendid keyboards.

“Nuclear Nemo” boasts a massive and menacing riff, with an energy reminiscent of Genesis in the Gabriel era. The song culminates in a powerful and compelling finale.

“Hydrophonia,” the title track, is the symphonic centerpiece of the album. Less jazzy and more majestic, it features sweeping Mellotron layers and emotionally charged guitar solos, perfectly embodying Stolt's classic prog style.

"Lobsterland Groove" is a jazz-rock/fusion piece with a hypnotic funk bass and saxophone improvisations that evoke Santana's fusion era.

"Seafood Kitchen Thing" closes the album, a lively finale that revisits the main themes, particularly those of "Cosmic Lodge," with great virtuosity and a remarkable final impact.

Hydrophonia is a must-listen for fans of fusion and melodic progressive rock. The album, "solar" in its essence, evokes a sense of wonder and discovery, just like that felt when exploring the depths of the sea. Recommended!

My Version

Label: Construction Records (5) – CONLP021
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Record Store Day, Mimosa Marble, 180g
Country: Europe
Release: April 12, 2025

Tracklist

1. Cosmic Lodge (7:14)
2. Shipbuilding (5:51)
3. Little Cottage by the Sea (4:55)
4. Wreck of HMS Nemesis (11:56)
5. Bizarre Seahorse Sex Attack (6:01)
6. Oceanna Baby Dolphin (3:27)
7. Nuclear Nemo (6:28)
8. Hydrophonia (6:11)
9. Lobsterland Groove (6:19)
10. Seafood Kitchen Thing (9:25)
Duration 67:46

LineUp

- Roine Stolt - guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion, production and mixing

With:
- Ulf Wallander - soprano saxophone
- Jaime Salazar - drums, percussion

Listening Link:

The teaser of te album from the Official YouTube Channel Construction Records

Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.