KARI RUESLATTEN

Even if the artist had been familiar to me in advance, I wouldn't have dared to suggest her into the ProgArchives database myself, and, at least on the light of this particular album, definitely wouldn't have expected her to land on Prog Folk subgenre. Of course her other albums may contain more distinctive folk flavour, but I don't hear much of folk -- or prog, although as pop/rock this is admittedly quite eclectic and sonically experimental at times. Labels aside, I'm evaluating this music for what it is and how I personally like it.

Kari's high, clear voice reminds me a bit of TORI AMOS or LOREENA McKENNITT. There's a slightly similar emotional depth in her expression, but without similar manners, and overall in a bit higher (soprano) range. The title track starts the album in a serene, accessible way. Pretty nice, harmonic song actually. 'Sorrow to My Door' reminds me, for the singing and the melodies, of Loreena McKennitt but without any ethnic/ World Music elements. The arrangement is modern, half organic and half programmed. 'Cry' and 'Dogstar' are fairly good art-pop/rock songs with inspired soundscapes that make me think of DAVID SYLVIAN or NO-MAN.

'When Lilies Bloom on Winter Days' is among the finest songs on the album. I could imagine it as a Tori Amos song. 'Push' and 'Ride' are a bit too restless and industrial-sounding for my taste, but perhaps many prog-minded listeners would thank them for bringing some harder edges to the whole. 'Fishing' starts in an a cappella approach, and the arriving synths remain suitably gloomy in the background. A fine, moody track showcasing Kari's vocal skills. The two final songs are OK without bringing anything new to the table.

3½ stars actually. Fairly enjoyable if you like arty female singer-songwriters such as Tori Amos.

All I know about KARI RUESLATTEN's past or present is what her mini-bio in PA depicts. And that coincidentally, with what I have reviewed lately, she is also from Norway. It is quiet surprising that this artist has recieved such a lukewarm reception here in PA! ......I guess that's one of the drawbacks of not being a "north-american" musician. Less exposure!

Anyway, as with all vocalist, if you like their timbre you are half-way in. With "PILOT" the musical language itself, is diverse from start to finish. And there is a lot of experimentation from a wide scope of angles along the way. These transitions vary in tone and mood but not to opposite directions.

No "dark" Heavy Metal stuff, but some "obscure" AV like passages. These songs contrast to its more "folksy" moments, like "Pilot" the song and "River". The other 10 songs fluctuate between "atmospherics", ethereal and minimalistic, low key "grandeur".

And all of them by themselves range in style from "prog/electronics" to "cappellas", to straight down, slow 60s Rock (without the fireworks), to Folk, to brushes of Rock/Pop and to "one on one" synths and voice structures. And best of all, a completely owned musical idiom!

Her lyrics are intillegent and unpretentious as they are intriguing. The whole effort is a pleasurable journey that makes no concessions to not any other purpose but its music. And "PILOT" as such is that.

I will keep this one, I hope you do the same. ****4 PA stars!