Moon Safari

Moon Safari

Moon Safari is a Swedish progressive rock and symphonic prog group from Skellefteå. The band is active from 2003 and includes Anthon Johansson, Pontus Åkesson, Sebastian Åkesson, Simon Åkesson, Tobias Lundgren, Petter Sandström and Johan Westerlund.

Overview

The group forms in 2003 and begins work in Skellefteå, on the northern coast of Sweden. Its early material takes shape after a short rehearsal session and leads to a four-track demo recorded locally. That demo is then mixed and mastered with help from Tomas Bodin of The Flower Kings, who later produces the band's first album.

Debut album and early development

Moon Safari's debut album, A Doorway to Summer, develops from that early demo material. The band records it after a period of work and describes the process as involving both effort and experimentation. The album includes expanded versions of tracks such as “Doorway” and “Lovely Rain”.

Line-up and roles

The band has a large, multi-instrumental line-up. Simon Åkesson performs lead and backing vocals, piano, Hammond organ, Moog synthesizers, Mellotrons and choir arrangements. Petter Sandström sings lead and backing vocals and also plays acoustic guitar and harmonica. Pontus Åkesson plays 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, electric guitars, backing vocals and percussion. Johan Westerlund plays bass, provides backing vocals and is also credited with coffeemaking. Tobias Lundgren plays drums, percussion and backing vocals.

Style

Moon Safari's music sits within progressive rock and symphonic prog, with the group's work associated with elaborate arrangements and extended forms.