MELLOM OSS

Ohh, delightful prog folk from Norway! They mix traditional music from their country with some terrific Camel-like symphonic rock. As one might have guessed, lots of great guitar lines here (both acoustic and electric). There are some nice keyboards too, but unfortunalty not much. My CD is a re-recording of the original early 80´s album, with a few line up changes. I guess it would be nice to hear the vinyl version for historical and curiosity reasons, but really the new tracks are very well produced while the early ones were not, according to what I heard. Anyway, the music here is very good, even if not all the tracks are great.

I really loved Harald Lytomt´s guitar playing: very melodic, very fluid, in the best David Gilmour/Andy Latimer tradition. But the whole band is quite good. As for the songs themselves the quality varies quite a lot, going from excellent (Mens Tiden Forgar) to average (the polka-like Tröstevise really was an unfortunate choice for the second track). However none is bad, and the playing is always top notch. Vocals are all sung in their native language, and Halvard Haugerud´s voice is only ok, but they are mostly an instrumental band anyway. Highlight of the CD is obviously the side long 17 minute epic Mens Tiden Forgar, a wonderful piece of symphonic prog that is really worth the price fo the album, with its several tempo and mood changes, captivating melodies and beautiful flute, guitar and keys interplay. The ending solo is one of the most emotional and poignant I have heard in many years.

There are six bonus tracks that although not really outstandig, are a nice addition for they are in same spirit of the original ones.

Conclusion: if you like Camel and prog folk, this is a must have. I´m really glad to have this one and I´d like to thank Kenneth Levine for advising about this interesting norwegian group. Even if you´re not really fond of prog folk, it´s worth checking this one out anyway.

Final rating: something between 3,5 and 4 stars.