IDENTITY

I'm thinking this Norwegian band named themselves after the RADIOHEAD song because they play in that same dreamy, atmospheric style. Other bands I thought of were BAUER, NOSOUND, ANATHEMA (latest one) and FRAKTAL. I do like this style of music and these guys do it very well for the most part. AIRBAG are (were?) a PINK FLOYD tribute band called THE PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE. I heard the song "Steal My Soul" last fall and was so impressed I knew I had to check this album out.

"Prelude" opens with the sound of a ticking clock as synths wash in. The guitar before 2 minutes replaces the clock as synths continue. The soundscape is soaked with atmosphere. So good. "No Escape" is my least favourite only because it's less atmospheric and poppier. It settles with vocals quickly but the contrasts between the laid back and fuller sections continue. "Safe Like You" is similar to the previous song but a little better. A beat to start as synths roll in then vocals. Another dreamy track. "Steal My Soul" is a top three for me. Very spacey as keys come in then vocals. Great sound before 3 minutes as we get a thick atmospheric haze briefly. Strummed guitar and organ follow.The guitar simply soars 5 minutes in. Nice.

"Feeling Less" has a good intro especially the guitar. It settles in with vocals followed by guitar and drums. Organ before 3 1/2 minutes. Excellent tune. "Colours" is another top three. Strummed guitar and vocals early. I'm thinking of the new ANATHEMA here. It turns dreamy after a minute. Organ after 4 1/2 minutes as it settles. Guitar follows. Incredible track. "How I Wanna Be" opens with spacey winds and the sounds of people talking in the background. Keys then reserved vocals follow. A fuller sound before 1 1/2 minutes. More powerful 3 1/2 minutes in. "Sounds That I Hear" is the other top three. Atmosphere and piano to start. Vocals follow then strummed guitar before the floating organ arrives. Gorgeous track.

This album has a couple of so-so songs but the rest of this record is quite amazing.