[Review] The Chronicles of Father Robin – The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book I (State of Nature)

The Chronicles of Father Robin is a Norwegian Progressive Rock supergroup featuring some of the best artists of the modern Scandinavian scene. The debut album “The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book I (State of Nature)” was released on Septemeber 15, 2023 via Karisma Records and contains 6 tracks. The first of a trilogy, the concept of which tells the story of Father Robin and his travels and adventures through the archaic world of Airoea. The album opens with two introductory tracks of about one minute, “Prologue” and “The Tale of Father Robin,” which take us through the listening. Nordic Progressive imprinting with an epic touch characterises this first part of the album, introducing us to the story that will be told in the three chapters and to the main character. “Eleision Forest” is the first epic track, over 11 minutes in length, which immediately shows us the superlative technique of the artists involved, both in composition and execution. Everyone collaborates, bringing their own omsuical baggage to the project’s sound, resulting in a Prog that brings the sounds of the 70s into a fresh and modern context. Keyboards are at the centre of the project, intertwining with the guitar in the melodies. The rhythm section is solid and elaborate, arrousing continuous tempo changes, while the vocals are dynamic and expressive, bringing the listener into the story. Inserts of horns, beautifully crafted instrumental textures with that Prog timbre made up of solo inserts from the numerous keyboards suyonate by the band. Choral refrains that give a melodic touch to the song and engage the listener. There is no better way to start a trilogy of albums, a true masterpiece of modern Progressive. Energetic drumming opens “The Death of the Fair Maiden,” which mixes modern traits with a touch of Nordic folk prog. The track unfolds with a distinctly retro sound, taking us back to the early 70s, which should be understood as an added value and not as an attempt to reproduce the past. An intense and passionate track, which develops in the second half with a musical crescendo that moves the ound into heavier territory with fresh, modern traits. The second epic track of the album, “Twilight Fields,” which exceeds 15 minutes in duration, opens with a darker-sounding introductory part. The flute intertwines with the guitar, while the rhythm section is granitic and full of tempo changes, creating a very refined heavy prog sound. The vocal parts are warm and expressive, alternating solo and choral passages that lead through the lyrics. Here too we find all the ingredients one would look for when listening to tracks of this type, between long instrumental sections with solos and more choral passages and intense vocal parts. The sound is solid and very elaborate, enhancing the compositional and performing technique of the band, the track maintains a very high quality level, a pleasure to listen to music like this. This first chapter of the saga concludes with “Unicorn.” A pastoral flute opens the track, then develops into an intense track incorporating elements of Symphonic Progressive Rock and Folk. Predominantly instrumental, it includes an incisive vocal in the middle part, then ends in an instrumental crescendo with forays into Heavy Prog. Another excellent project produced by Krisma Records, whose participants prove to be among the best artists on the modern scene. This first chapter of the trilogy is a sophisticated album in both music and lyrics, elaborate and technical. A mixture of symphonic prog and Nordic traits, it succeeds in bringing the atmospheres of the genre’s golden age into a modern context and with a personal style. A recommended listen for all lovers of Progressive sounds, a true masterpiece of modern music.

Tracklist

01. Prologue (01:06)
02. The Tale of Father Robin (01:16)
03. Eleision Forest (11:57)
04. The Death of the Fair Maiden (08:03)
05. Twilight Fields (15:24)
06. Unicorn (08:29)

Lineup

Andreas Wettergreen Strømman Prestmo / Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Synth, Organ, Glockenspiel, Percussion
Aleksandra Morozova / Vocals
Thomas Hagen Kaldhol / Guitars, Mandolin, Electronics & Sound Effects, Backing Vocals
Regin Meyer / Flute, Organ, Piano, Backing Vocals
Jon Andre Nilsen / Bass, Backing Vocals
Henrik Harmer / Drums & Percussion, Synth, Backing Vocals

With:
Lars Fredrik Frøislie / Keyboards, Organ, Mellotron, Piano, Synth
Kristoffer Momrak / Synth
Håkon Oftung / Organ, Clavinet, Mellotron, Strings, Electric Piano, Synth
Ingjerd Moi / Backing Vocals (4)

The Chronicles Of Father Robin |Official Website|Bandcamp|Facebook Page|Instagram|YouTube Channel|

Karisma Records |Official Website|Bandcamp|Facebook Page|Twitter|Soundcloud|YouTube Channel|