It is an immense pleasure to be able to listen to and review the new chapter of the Norwegian Progressive Rock supergroup The Chronicles Of Father Robin. Titled “The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book II,” it was released on 08 December 2023 via Karisma Records and contains 6 tracks ranging from 4 to over 8 minutes in length. Following Father Robin and his travels through the archaic world of Airoea, Book 2 takes our protagonist to the underwater city of Oriasaleah and over the Sea of Ayrouhr. The album opens with the shortest track in duration “Over Westwinds,” with dreamy atmospheres and choral vocals that combine Prog and a touch of Folk. An introductory track that gently immerses us in the sounds of the album and begins the narration of the second chapter of the story. Atmospheric keyboard sounds characterise the introductory part of “Orias & the Underwater City,” the longest in duration, exceeding 8:30 minutes. Sonorities that weave futuristic keyboards and a Nordic Folk atmosphere, choral vocal parts envelop the listener and the intensity increases as the song flows and evolves. The second part evolves into a modern electronic sound with ethnic melodies. With “Ocean Traveller” we return to the band’s signature sounds, combining vintage prog and folk with their personal style adding a modern touch. The intensity increases as the song progresses, alternating between sung and instrumental parts with guitar and keyboard interlacing, tempo changes and a distinctly original and well-crafted Prog sound. “Lady of Waves” evolves from a melodic intro, developing into an intense prog track with dreamy atmospheres rich in guitar and keyboard interlacing. The rhythm section is solid and elaborate, full of tempo changes that allow the band’s good ideas to develop, enhancing both their performing and compositional technique. Vintage imprinting is mixed with a fresh, modern touch in “Green Refreshments,” a track that is both technical and symphonic. More classic Progressive Rock is intertwined with Folk sounds, exploring all the facets that make up the band’s sound, alternating intense instrumental parts with dynamic vocal parts and choral parts. The intertwining of the instruments, flute, guitar and keyboards also offers sophisticated solo cues. The listening termian with “The Grand Reef,” an energetic and engaging piece of Folk Prog with positive melodies and fine intertwining of flute and guitar. An energetic and elaborate rhythm section, rich in tempo changes, allows the song’s theme to evolve with refined instrumental parts and dynamic vocal parts. In the second part, the track evolves with a more experimental section, before returning to the vocal for the last verses and concluding. This second instalment of the trilogy also showcases all the compositional and performing techniques of these artists, offering a very interesting album full of ideas. Nordic-style Folk is mixed with more vintage Progressive Rock, thanks to the band’s personal style. A very intense record from start to finish, exploring all the nuances that make up the band’s fresh and modern style. A recommended listen for all lovers of classic Prog sounds with forays into Folk, this chapter also confirms all the qualities of the band and the ability of Karisma Records to enhance artists from Northern Europe and beyond.
Tracklist
01. Over Westwinds (03:59)
02. Orias & the Underwater City (08:37)
03. Ocean Traveller (06:22)
04. Lady of Waves (05:38)
05. Green Refreshments (07:09)
06. The Grand Reef (07:13)
Lineup
Andreas Wettergreen Strømman Prestmo / Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Synth, Organ, Glockenspiel, Percussion
Henrik Harmer / Drums & Percussion, Synth, Backing Vocals
Regin Meyer / Flute, Organ, Piano, Backing Vocals
Jon Andre Nilsen / Bass, Backing Vocals
Thomas Hagen Kaldhol / Guitars, Mandolin, Electronics & Sound Effects, Backing Vocals
Aleksandra Morozova / Vocals
With:
Lars Fredrik Frøislie / Keyboards, Organ, Mellotron, Piano, Synth
Kristoffer Momrak / Synth
Håkon Oftung / Organ, Clavinet, Mellotron, Strings, Electric Piano, Synth
[…] Read our Review of Book II here: [Review] The Chronicles Of Father Robin – The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book II […]