FEVERGREENS

I love it. Fevergreens has got such a light-hearted, optimistic vibe to it - a cheerful, laughing-and-jumping-around sort of reply to the infinitely more sinister RIO of bands such as Univers Zero (most of which are likewise commendable, albeit for different reasons). Jono El Grande interweaves zappaesque sensibilities with strains of tropicalian easy listening, and tops the whole thing off with a compositional cocktail umbrella. Enjoy!

Miriodorian Fever

10 musicians on this album, conducted by Jono El Grande, also known as Jon Andreas Håtun; an impressive lineup of musicians and instruments, including xylophone, vibraphone, glockenspiel, harp, synthesizer, programmingm trumpet, flute, saxophone and double bass.

This instrumental album released on Rune Grammofon by Jono El Grande is a very entertaining piece, with a Miriodor-ian influence and a use of a wide array of instruments adds livelihood to the music. The sound of the album, dominated by the saxes, flute and trumpet is light and bright, clear and rich. Not only that, but the style played is, like said above, influenced by avant-rock bands like Miriodor with an added jazziness, groove-ness and humor. At times the music veers into circus or carnival like, such as in Chá! or takes a different tone or form such as in Rumba for a Slightly Excited Ape. In these latter instances, the level of cheerfulness decreases and turns somewhat more serious but never too stern. There are also some clever setups such as in Ante's Inferno, which have a good use of the xylophone as the pace maker. Overall, however, there is uniformity, a connecting thread that goes throughout the album; a RIO-esque, bumpy, witty and upbeat mood that is contagious. The melodies are well crafted, the musicianship very good and the sound lucid.

All in all, this is quite an accessible album that can serve as a good entry point for those who don't know the avant-rock scene too well. Along with Panzerpappa who are not too far away in terms of sound and style, this is a good entry point but not only that. In itself it is a good a solid release and fun to listen to.

Not an essential album, but a very enjoyable one; I find myself coming back to it for more listens. Recommended to fans of the Miriodor-school of avant-rock.