ELDS MARK

Elds Mark is a side-project by two members of the Norwegian retro-prog outfit Jordsjo - who's latest release 'Nattfiolen' was one of my favorite records of 2019. I recently looked up Jordsjo on facebook where I read about this 'Elds Mark' release. On this fully instrumental release of chamber folk-jazz from the forest you'll hear some very warm symphonic folk with that magic touch of 'Mirage'-era Camel (the quiet parts) and Bo Hansson's 'Sagen am Ringen'. Perhaps a bit of Focus on its more classical music inspired tracks. The sound of the recording is full of that nostalgic warm analogue bliss and the instrumentation evokes many pleasant memories. That clean and slightly distorted guitar tone of Robert Fripp, that organ tone of early Camel, the doubled flutes of Harmonium and an overal pastoral feel that sometimes reminds me of Popul Vuh. Then there is that mysterious 'Norwegian' folk vibe as well. Though all pieces have their main themes and melodies, none of them really progress al that much. In a way this really is Jordsjo without much of the progressive rock element, and that's just fine. Perhaps it's more like a soundtrack than a formal album. I love moody folk music that is predominantly in the minor key, and Elds Marks delivers just that. The watercolor artwork (both front an back of the vinyl sleeve) looks great and the sound quality of the vinyl is strong as well. A great relaxing listening experience or high-end musical wall- paper when at work - I can't fault this fine record by Elds Mark.

Half the lineup Norwegian Prog Folk ensemble, Jørdjso, going a bit more to the folk side of prog folk--and instrumental. It's good stuff!

1. "Telg og Sti" (5:25) like some of the laid-back music of 1990s band LANDBERK. Nice. (8.5/10)

2. "Stova" (3:24) more gentle relazing music similar to that of LANDBERK or PAATOS--even a little DUNGEN. (8.75/10)

3. "Spor" (4:32) if Landberk merged with Crosby, Still, Nash & Young. (9/10)

4. "Lauvdal I" (2:27) modern-day ERIK SATIE. Nice but a little too repetitious. (4.25/5)

5. "Varder" (4:41) a jazzier side on display here--jazzier than RAGNARÖK. THE AMAZING could go this direction. Very nice. Great drumming. (9/10)

6. "Jordreis" (4:18) more cinematic acoustic jazz. Almost METHENY-HADEN-esque before the flutes and then electric instruments and drums are added. Great little REINE FISKE impersonation. A well developed jazz-fusion beauty. (9/10)

7. "Laudval II" (3:15) bass, high-pitched percussives, and heavily-distorted electric guitar open this one before gelling with and organ into a LANDBERK-like song. (8.25/10)

8. "Vår Skog" (4:04) dull and plodding while allowing the display of synth, electric guitar, and organ. (8.25/10)

9. "Sunket" (1:48) situational cinematic interludepiece. (4.25/5)

10. "Elds Fall" (6:10) now this one sounds like Ragarök! but then it goes full-on FOCUS! (8.75/10)

11. "Vandring (3:25) two (or three) acoustic guitars picking away before multiple flute tracks add their repeating arpeggi. Later the odd presence of a FRIPP-like electric guitar makes itself known. Shades of THE ROCHES Keep on Doing. (8.5/10)

Total Time: 43:29

Overall, much of the music on this album bears a striking resemblance to the musics of LANDBERK though with a slightly more acoustic orientation than that of the Swedish quartet.

B/four stars; an excellent album of catchy little instrumental Prog Folk ditties for you to check out for yourselves.