PASTORALIA

"Pastoralia" is the most recent album from this Norwegian duo called JORDSJO. Six guests helping out with vocals, bass clarinet, guitar, double bass and violin. Like most I feel their previous album "Nattfiolen" is better and that 2017's "Jord" is their masterpiece. "Pastoralia" is maybe folkier with more space to breathe but this is no doubt JORDSJO thankfully. I remember the first time I heard them and being so surprised that they were from Norway when they sounded so much like ANGLAGARD and SINKADUS. Lots of mellotron and flute of course and in the liner notes they thank side project ELDS MARK along with AGUSA, TUSMORKE, WOBBLER and more.

I think it's so cool that they close this album with "Jord III" because "Jord I" and "Jord II" were on the "Jord" album from 2017. "Jord III" is my favourite track on here and at 10 1/2 minutes it is the longest tune. There's such a majesty to this song at times and I like the repeated themes. "Beitmark" reminds me that my sister was a biter but I digress. Love the electric piano early on with the bass clarinet. That guitar style is so Swedish 90's sounding. Some complain about the vocals but I wouldn't change them. They are in the realm of the singing from ANGLAGARD, SINKADUS, ANEKDOTEN etc. and fit the woodsy music like a glove. Sounds so much like ANGLAGARD after 4 minutes with that flute. The atmosphere builds and dominates to the end. "Fuglehviskeren" is kind of cool with the upright bass and acoustic guitar. Some percussion and more follows but very folky. "Vettedans" is similar but more electric and plenty of flute. After the short intro track we get three very, very good tracks making this a very solid 4 star album overall.

I don't find it as consistent as the previous record but man so much to love here. My music!