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Thursaflokkurinn - Þursabit CD (album) cover

ÞURSABIT

Thursaflokkurinn

 

Prog Folk

4.17 | 34 ratings

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HolyMoly
Special Collaborator
Retired Admin
4 stars Icelandic band from the late 70s/early 80s. Had a progressive rock flavor, but the melodies were often adapted from or reminiscent of Icelandic folk songs. Generally used traditional rock instrumentation (guitars, Hammond organ, bass, drums primarily), but this album really struck my ear many years ago with its hauntingly arresting melodies and themes (a trait common to many Nordic/North European bands, from what I've heard). This is just a good solid, unpretentious, melodic prog album that really grows on you (me).

Quick rundown of the songs:

Sigtryggur Vann - an upbeat pop-rock beat, a bit uncharacteristic of the album, but good fun.

Brúδkaupssálmur - a brief a capella chant, introducing the next track

Brúδkaupsvísur - awesome Viking chant merged with powerful Gentle Giant-like prog.

XXX - just a few seconds of backwards noise.

Æri-Tobbi - where the real meat of the album starts. Great guitar, organ, electric piano, driving rhythms

Frá Vesturheimi - a darker song, with some deep tangled riffs, stops, starts, quiet, loud sections. Instrumental I think.

Skriftagangur - absolutely beautiful slow song with one of those Camel-like guitar melodies that just floor me.

Bannfæring - Another Viking-like chant number, lots of time shifts, and a cool unexpected acoustic guitar break

Sjö Sinnum - quiet and ominous number with Gregorian style chanting for a couple of minutes before going into a slowly-building prog number.

Tóbaksvísur - a hymn-like folk melody with just a hint of jazziness closes the album on a somber note.

While not a masterpiece, this album was a very pleasant surprise, considering its placement in the late 70s/early 80s when progressive rock was generally in a bit of a slump. Its melodies really stick with you, and some of the chord changes and melodic twists are REALLY incredible (e.g. Skriftagangur). Very consistent too - a lot of albums tend to peter out by the end, but this one is solid and engaging all the way through, even though there aren't that many "WOW" moments. It's intelligent, tasteful, and unpredictable. 4 stars, easily.

HolyMoly | 4/5 |

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