FROM SILENCE TO SOMEWHERE

I haven't had a prog album grab my attention so quickly and so fully since I was a teen, and discovering albums like 'Close To The Edge' and 'Foxtrot' for the first time. Wobbler has been my favourite prog band of the last ten years or so, since 'Afterglow' for sure. So to hear the band mature so fully, and execute their vision so successfully is especially satisfying. Though I'm always hesitant to prognosticate, I can easily see 'From Silence to Somewhere' occupying a place among my favourite progressive rock albums of all time.

Though there are many levels on which I appreciate this album, I have to mention the work of rhythm section Kristian Karl Hultgren on bass, and Martin Nordrum Kneppen on drums. Their playing reminds often me of Chris Squire and Bill Bruford, and moves easily from light, gentle passages to heavy, symphonic moments with ease. And as always, Lars Fredrik Frøislie's keyboards are a delight. His playing really deserves to be considered in the same breath as Emerson, Wakeman, Moraz, Banks, Bolin, and the other great prog keyboardists. New guitarist Geir Marius Bergom Halleland brings a heavier edge to things, which I think helps the band's sound immensely. Much like John Weathers' heavier drumming helped Gentle Giant move up a level, the guitars here really bring out the band's capacity to be heavy.

And then there is Andreas Wettergreen Strømman Prestmo's voice. I've read some describe it like Jon Anderson's, and I can see that to a degree, but I think he really brings a new, fresh voice beyond the sum of his influences. He can do moving, soft passages, be he's also capable of holding his own against loud, busy symphonic sections, too.

Influences of Yes, King Crimson, Nektar, Gentle Giant, Genesis, and so many other great prog bands. This isn't an album to be missed in 2017, or any year.