HINTERLAND

Wobbler's web site says that their mission is "to create or perhaps recreate some of the musical expressions of the early seventies,-specially in the use of the instruments of that time and the somewhat "strange" compostions of the progressive rock scene from 1969 - 1974". In that, they absolutely succeed.

When I first heard this fantastic album, my first feeling was that I was home. What I mean is that as soon as the music began, I felt that warm feeling that I used to get more than thirty years ago when I brought home that new Gentle Giant, King Crimson or any of the many obscure records I would pick up each week, put the record on the turntable, and bliss out on the music.

The music here has many elements of the above mentioned bands, as well as hints of ELP, Genesis and even some of the folkier prog bands of the seventies. It helps quite a bit that keyboardist Lars Fredrik Froislie has amassed a large number of vintage keyboards, including mellotrons. His playing, to me. is the most important part of giving this music an authentic seventies feel.

Compositionally, this music rivals much of the best of the classic prog period, with a focus on interesting time signatures, chord progressions, melodies and changes.

I recommend this highly to any child of the seventies, and can't wait to get this band's other album.