LYS FREMTID I MØRKE

The Second Chapter

With Lys fremtid i mørke, Actionfredag offers their second release, with their radiate signature Swedophile and Canterbury-inspired style, a sound that defies the darker, moodier trends in modern prog. The band boldly crafts a sound that feels open and personal Despite sounding similar to many 70's British prog bands Actionfedag sounds incredibly original. The arrangements have that unique analog warmth, supported by an eclectic ensemble of instruments, including oboe, violin, recorders, and French horn, creating a lush, multi-layered soundscape. The expanded lineup of guest musicians adds depth and color, enhancing each track with new textures and tones that build on the creativity of their debut album.

The album balances sophistication capturing the essence of Actionfredag influences. Each track oscillates between whimsy and introspection, combining nostalgia with innovation to breathe new life into their sound. They draw on the progressive rock foundations with a fresh and new psychedelic edge.

Lys fremtid i mørke is a captivating album from start to finish, reaching creative heights with rhythmic finesse and melodic inventiveness that invite listeners to sink into its sonic world. This is music for refined ears, with passages that recall classical inspirations from Debussy and Satie, while staying true to prog's exploratory spirit. As a follow- up to Turist i eget liv, this album showcases Actionfredag's impressive output.

The record's simplicity and perfectly arranged tracks demonstrate their ability to captivate with an original sound, avoiding pretension or imitation. They simply enjoy making music without trying to fit in, capturing a pure, fun approach to their craft.

The sophomore release from these young Norwegians finds the band spanning quite a broad spectrum of sounds and styles--often more heavy and abrasive--as well as traipsing down familiar Canterbury-inspired paths of their debut album. I like this latter music much better than the former.

1. "Angst Oppå Bordet" (3:35) opening with an abrasively dissonant song like this is certainly a turn off. Luckily, I chose to proceed to the next song. (8.6667/10)

2. "Dalai Lama´s Five Dollar Mamas I" (3:51) (8.75/10)

3. "Karesuando Camping" (3:13) love NORTHETTES-like vocals from Katrina Lenore Sjøberg served over a gentle fare of ANTIQUE SEEKING NUNS-like music. (9.125/10)

4. "Planet Bygningsetaten" (4:53) Canterbury jazz-lite with excellent bass, Rhodes, and vocal performances from both Martin and Katrina. (9.125/10)

5. "Cloudboy Blidbop" (4:36) jazzy instrumental with a little retro-Indie-folk-pop thing going on. A nice song that takes a bit to get going (too long of an intro). (8.875/10)

6. "Ping Pong Lovesong" (bonus track only available on CD version) (1:28) 7. "Dalai Lama´s Five Dollar Mamas II" (5:14) okay Canterbury style quirky, jumpy jazz jam. (8.75/10)

8. "Ja Noir" (3:55) after a somewhat bombastic orchestral opening, the song devolves into a simple tow-person piece with reverbed electric guitar reacting to beautiful music being played by Ivar Haugaløkken Stangeby's Fender Rhodes. At the very end of the second minute Katrina's dreamy/airy voice enters and the band forms beneath her, congealing into a gorgeous little modern-day Canterbury tune à la bands like OIAPOK, INNER EAR BRIGADE, and GADADU. Beautiful singing from Katrina. Beautiful support from guitar, keys, and drums. (9/10)

9. "Slipp Ivar Fri" (5:04) more quirky, jumpy modern day Fender Rhodes-dominated Canterbury with Martin's lead vocal skirting HUMBLE GRUMBLE territory. Odd tom-tom solo in the middle. Some magical parts, some that completely miss the mark (for me). (8.875/10)

10. "Litt Mye" (1:38) family-playing-at-the-beach sounds with someone stroking some guitar chords and, eventually, a few voices joining in with a lyric and melody.

11. "Thank You Kleveland" (4:09) sounds a lot like Detroit's RASCAL REPORTERS--like a Canterbury étude: it just goes round and round with more instruments (orchestral) joining in with each time through. Nice cinematic journey with nice melodies throughout (created mostly by the lead guitar). (8.75/10)

Total time: 41:38

B/four stars; an excellent collection of original Canterbury-inspired (which I find myself calling "modern Canterbury") songs. Definitely a band to keep watching.

ACTIONFREDAG are a six piece band out of Norway, and this is their sophomore release from 2024. And while their debut was just released a year earlier in 2023, that album was recorded in the fall of 2020. I say that because the music here is different. Yes, they walk those familiar Canterbury paths with the keyboards and female wordless vocals, which along with the similar themed art work connects the two recordings. We get the same lineup as well it should be noted.

They thank "All the lovely people in..." And they mention Jordsjo, Wobbler, The Chronicles Of Father Robin, Tusmorke, Panzerpappa, The Samuel Jackson Five among others. Some returning guests like the duo from JORDSJO and a couple of others. Unfortunately Steiner Borve is not back from PANZERPAPPA playing sax. Both albums are 40 minutes but this one has ten tracks while the debut has six songs. And while a couple of reviewers whose opinions I respect feel this second one is much better than the debut, I have to disagree. Just my musical tastes really, but I feel the debut is a 4.5 star record while this is a solid 4 stars, so a step down.

I like the debut cover art more as well, especially when you open it up to that two panel scene. Having said that if I could pick one song from either album I would pick the closer from this second one called "Thank You Kleveland". I'm at a bit of a loss to explain why, other than I love how repetitive it is, and the intensity. It turns more powerful late. Now the previous three tracks before this closer are probably my least favourites. So yes I feel this album isn't as consistent as the debut.

I do really like both of the "Dali Lamas Five-Dollar Mamas" tracks very much. They remind me of the debut with so much going on and there's plenty of energy too. Brighter sounds thanks to the keyboards. Catchy and a nod to Canterbury. That opener is a new direction and one I do like. The first section is familiar with those avalanche of sounds that fluctuate. How good is this! But then the change as it turns darker and more intense. A nice contrast as well between the opening two songs.

Track three is mellow with female vocals. Too relaxed really. A miss. But then "Planet Bygningsetaten" makes up for it. Next to the closer this is my second favourite. I love the contrast of the two sections, with one being female vocal led and the other male vocal led. Canterbury keys as well. "Cloudboy Blidbop" starts off in a relaxed way with guitar leading before keys and a more dynamic sound take over after 2 minutes.

This is a band I will be "in on" for a while. So much talent, and I want to see where they go from here. I will be riding this bus for a while. Nice picture of the band doing these challenging poses in the liner notes. Again the keyboardist makes me laugh.