D'ACCORD III

D'accord meets D'accord!

Not that the other two albums didnt show the quality and style of this retro-prog norwegian band - especially the debut - but I am positevely sure that its in their thrid album that they found the sound they were looking for. From a Humble Pie plus Genesis plus Jethro Tull we found a nice and capvating music, friendly to our ears and with great moments of inspiration.

"Here Lies Greed" and "Song for Jethro" are my personal favourites, but the album seems to work more on greater songs, as the first, "These Last Todays" and the two last ones, that are actually the same song split in two parts.

Worth a listen and a shot, especially for something quite different from the others 2013/14/15 releases.

Expecting higher flights from them from now on.

Norwegian act D'ACCORD was formed in early 2008. Just one year later they were ready with their self-titled debut album, a production that eventually led to the band signing with Karisma Records. Their first album as a signed band was "Helike" from 2011, and in the early spring of 2014 D'Accord returned with their third CD, "D'Accord III", their second album to be released through Karisma Records.

If you subscribe to the notion that just about all music worth appreciating was made in the late 60's and early 1970's, D'Accord will be a band that merits a check at this point. They have a bonafide vintage sound, and pulls in details from what, I suspect, is a wide variety of bands with fairly different stylistic expressions to make their own vintage rock stew. Progressive rock is the main ingredient, but there's also some nifty psychedelic nuances and blues rock details flavoring this album. As far as a possible key audience is concerned, I'd suspect that those who enjoy early 70's Camel, Genesis and Jethro Tull, and don't mind a touch of The Who, should find this CD to be a highly enjoyable one.

Today I am lucky in my journey through new prog. Earlier today I enjoyed Lazuli and now I am appreciating D'AccorD. For people who don't know "D'AccorD" is a Norwegian band which made their debut album in 2009, another one in 2011 and now 2014 their third "D'AccorD III" has been released. Until now 2014 hasn't been Sweden's but Norway's year in prog. Many of the best records until now from this year has come from our neighbour in the west.

The cover is artistic. An orange colour and a delightful eye with a mermaid and a wave build up it. The album's line up is Daniel Maage who sings and plays flute, Årstein Tislevoll who plays keyboards, violin, guitar and mandolin, Fredrik Errol Horn who plays keyboards and saxophone, Stig Are Sund who plays guitar, Martin Sjöen who plays bass and Bjarte Rossehaug who drums. These six persons have done a wonderful reocrd that I think you all will like. From the first moment to the last it's energetic and full of examples of great music. "D'AccorD III" starts perfectly with "These last todays" a grande and mightly song with many instruments and we hear from the beginning that the singer sings very well(10/10). I find similarities with the vocalist in Beardfish's voice. Besides the first song the two "Mon-Sat: Part I & II" are my favourites(10/10). These songs have a particular lovely melody and a lot of similarities with Genesis. The keyboard line I think has connections to Trespass. "Song for Jethro" is more acoustic and must be a tribute to Jethro Tull(9/10). "Ibliss in bliss" is another example of great hard rock(9/10). D'AccorD also has a lot in common with Uriah Heep which could be heard in "Mr.Moonlight"(8/10). I could compare it with Uriah Heep's "The Wizard".

This competent and complete band are a perfect discovery for people who love traditional prog rock and traditional hard rock. Fans of the bands I have mentioned should check this but the band has its own characteristics too. The vocals, the guitar and the keyboards together with the rest do a great job. I'd give this record four strong stars today but then I am needle. I think this could be worth five stars so you know. Try for yourself!