JORD

1. "Over Vidda" (1:48) cool album opening with discordant, non-Western sounding flute and low and windy synth washes. (--/10)

2. "Abstraksjoner Fra Et Dunkelt Kammer" (6:50) nice retro electric guitar intro reminiscent of the work and stylings of ÄNGLAGÅRD's Jonas Engdegård. The vocals in the second minute take it out of the realm of their countrymates, but the ensuing guitar-led organ-supported instrumental section bears much resemblance. Bare bones organ with flute in the fifth minute before screeching guitar kicks us back into full gear. (9/10)

3. "Finske Skoger" (2:56) continued guitar lead with a folk melody seeming to be the dominant theme here. I feel like I'm listening to Greece's great CICCADA. Amazing how melodies from different (and distant) folk traditions can sound so similar. Like the TULL-like flute work. (8.5/10)

4. "Jord I" (6:24) technically and conceptually brilliant but lacking that hook or melodic element that invites the listener into the music. Could be said to be too mental, lacking emotion or soul. (9/10)

5. "Jord II" (8:27) blessed with the album's most engaging, melodic, and emotional passage in the keyboard-led mid-section (which is then repeated in a more symphonic form in the finale), this song shows the promise the band holds: to perhaps not only impress but engage. (9.5/10)

6. "La Meg Forsvinne!" (6:38) interesting WHITE WILLOW and WOBBLER-like song. Much more "human" and accessible if "prog-by-numbers." I like the sonic nods to EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER. (8.5/10)

7. "Postludium" (4:42) obviously a solo offering from bandleader Håkon Oftung, this keyboard-based, almost Berlin School sequencer type of prog elecronica, is a cool song, all four movements and its bridges. My favorite song on the album. (9/10)

Total time 37:45

I've been listening to this somewhat short album off and on since it came out in January. My gut feeling is quite similar to that of the music of ÄNGLAGÅRD: technically and conceptually brilliant but lacking something inviting or engaging for the listener. The music could be too cerebral and not emotional enough--especially when the guitarist is the lead/dominant instrument. The keyboards offer a much more engaging sound and styling.

4.5 stars; a near-masterpiece of technical, symphonic progressive rock music.

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