Jordsjø is a Norwegian duo that has made a name for itself in the modern Progressive music scene thanks to outstanding record releases. Their fourth album “Salighet” was released on October 06, 2023 via Karisma Records and contains seven long tracks. Opener “Invokasjon” immediately immerses us in the band’s musical atmosphere with interweaving keyboards, horns and a granitic, elaborate rhythm section. The tempo changes are an added value, moving from more energetic moments to symphonic openings, enhancing the whole range of instruments the duo plays. Solid guitar riffs open “Sankeren,” which unfolds offering a blend of 70s-style Progressive Rock to the band’s personal style. The duo is adept at mixing Nordic Folk sounds with their idea of Prog, resulting in a sound that is always intense and elaborate. The vocals in Norwegian are warm and expressive, the tempo changes always precise and to the point, allowing them to elaborate the track with intricate passages, symphonic openings and instrumental parts rich in interweaving between instruments. The flute gives that Folk touch to the sound, while the keyboards, especially the organ, emphasise the more Progressive and retro side of the band. The following tracks make up a two-part suite beginning with “Salighet I.” Guitar arpeggios intertwine with a pastoral flute, creating a dreamy atmosphere that explores a deeper, more intimate aspect of the duo’s sound. The track evolves, increasing in intensity as the minutes go by between fine keyboard melodies and a dynamic, enveloping vocal. The sung parts alternate perfectly with intense and elaborate instrumental sections that explore all the musical facets that make up the project’s distinctly personal style. The second part interweaves Folk and Progressive sounds in a long and elaborate instrumental section of absolute value. The second part of the album’s title suite “Salighet II” is characterised by a more intricate sound, while retaining the band’s stylistic characteristics. A killer bassline and solid, elaborate drumming create some hypnotic passages and continuous tempo changes that elaborate the structure of the song. The vocals are soft and enveloping, while the instruments intertwine creating instrumental passages in which solo inserts and phrasing take the listener into the magical world of Jordsjø. A suite that for 12 minutes enhances all the duo’s compositional and performing technique. “Ura” is a track with a distinctly retro imprint, with that Nordic touch that characterises the band’s compositions. The instrumental passages develop on phrasing between pompous keyboards and guitar, on an elaborate rhythm section, offering a melancholic and at times technical and very refined Prog. Predominantly instrumental, this is a long journey through the duo’s sounds, between more choral parts and solo inserts. A shorter passage “Danseritualer fra Jordsjø – Prosesjon & Ekstase” combines Folk sounds with the more elaborate yet energetic sounds of Progressive and Rock. Entirely instrumental and with interesting flute inserts that give that folk touch to a granitic and engaging sound. The album ends with the longest track in duration, “Stjernestigen,” which is over 10 minutes long and opens with elaborate piano melodies. Slowly the track increases in intensity, evolving into a delicate, symphonic Progressive Rock with fine workmanship. The duo confirms itself as one of the most interesting and original on the modern progressive scene, managing to offer a mixture with markedly personal traits. Nordic Folk and retro Symphonic Prog sounds are skilfully interwoven and interpreted with a modern and very sophisticated touch. Long instrumental textures enriched by tempo changes and the phrasing of the numerous instruments played by the duo alternate with warm and intense vocal parts sung in Norwegian. A recommended listen for its originality and wealth of ideas, a masterpiece of modern Prog music. Merit is also due to Karisma Records, a label that has always promoted the best artists of the Scandinavian scene.
Tracklist
01. Invokasjon (02:52)
02. Sankeren (07:21)
03. Salighet I (06:17)
04. Salighet II (06:10)
05. Ura (06:38)
06. Danseritualer fra Jordsjø – Prosesjon & Ekstase (02:54)
07. Stjernestigen (10:21)
Lineup
Håkon Oftung (Tusmørke, Black Magic, The Chronicles of Father Robin) / Vocals, Guitars, Flute, Keyboards
Kristian Frøland / Drums & Percussion
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