ANCIENT ASTRONAUTS

The Norwegian band are already veterans in progressive rock. Since their first release in the early 90's they have already released a handful of albums, some of which I believe are a reference in today's progressive rock. Possessors of an original eclecticism where progressive developments are mixed with psychedelic, hard rock, jazz, pop and even country influences. A formula that has allowed them to navigate from the accessible territories of neo-progressive to much more elaborate and complex formulas. A menu for varied palates. And this latest album "Ancient Astronauts" is good proof of that.

An album that despite not being very long, just over 40 minutes, concentrates a whole dose of musical expressiveness in only 4 themes, two of them of long duration. Especially the last one, of 22 minutes in which they make a kind of soundtrack of an imaginary movie.

Mostly instrumental themes in which they flirt with post-rock and in which the developments are very well worked to convey a sense of fluidity and continuity that makes the album listen from end to end with hardly any low points.

I would highlight the great role that the bass has in the configuration of the themes, having moments in which it is almost the protagonist. And next to it, an intelligent instrumental combination that allows the development of the themes to pass from melodic phases to long atmospheric passages.

One can only praise the genius and good taste of this band to concentrate in a short space of time so many musical ideas, very well linked and that above all they know how to transmit that epic, emotional and intellectual sense that characterizes the best progressive rock.

I don't know if it will be one of the releases of the year, but it is certainly a work to take into account both in the discography of Motorpsycho, as well as in the discs to take into account in this 2022.