WIZRD is a Norwegian band made up of four artists who met at the conservatoire, offering Prog sounds with rich grooves and forays into Jazz Rock. “Seasons” was released on October 21, 2022 via Karisma Records and contains 8 medium-length tracks. The album opens with “Lessons,” a track that immediately shows the band’s aptitude for cracking engaging, groove-laden rhythm sections. The guitar and keyboard interplays are excellent, as are the vocal parts, while the sound ranges between Indie Rock, Prog and Jazzy traits, enhancing the technique of the artists involved. The guitar solo inserts in the second half are good, as are the vocal layering and use of effects. With its intricate and frenetic rhythm, “Free Will” is a very technical track, showcasing the more technical side of the band’s sound. A track that maintains its elaborate approach even in the parts with vocals, managing to combine engaging melodies in a very technical and intricate context. A musical crescendo that leads us in the second part to an instrumental section that includes elements of Psychedelia and an electric guitar solo. “Spitfire” opens with a rhythm section with tight drumming and a killer bass line with hypnotic traits. The guitar and keyboards work well and the sometimes choral vocals fit very well into the musical context of the track. A track full of groove, technical parts and Classical Rock inserts really well joined together, giving an engaging and original touch to the piece, thanks also to the continuous tempo changes. The album’s longest track “All Is As It Should Be” highlights keyboards and an intricate rhythm. Technique combines with vocal melodies, resulting in a sound that is both engaging and elaborate, where tempo changes and forays into purest Progressive are evident in the middle section. Constantly evolving and with refined solos, the track shows the more Prog and 70s-referenced side of the band, skilful in bringing those feelings to the present day. Another lengthy track “Show Me What You Got” continues the sounds of the previous one, with rich melodies and vocals and intricate, frenetic rhythms. The band’s Jazz traits come through, combined with Prog thanks to the excellent technique in both composition and performance, enhancing all the instruments. The tempo changes are an added value, as are the long instrumental textures, with forays into Fusion and a touch of Zappa in the sound. “Fire & Water” is a track with a more rock sound, but without lacking in elaborate textures. A gritty track with a solid rhythm and vocal parts with engaging choral inserts, while the sound has more modern traits. In the instrumental part, keyboards and guitar duet with fine solo inserts, then return to vocals and close. Combining their style with psychedelic traits, “Divine” is an excellent track that shows another facet of the band’s sound. Softer but full of interesting and refined nuances, with tempo changes and elaborate passages, it moves more slowly in the rhythm, enveloping the listener with the sounds and modulations the band offers. The album ends with “When You Call,” the most psychedelic track on the entire tracklist, also incorporating jazzy traits. The melodies are rich and enveloping and the vocals warm and expressive, only to increase in intensity in the middle of the track and offer an excellent instrumental section that accompanies us to the finale. When I receive records from the Karisma Records roster I am always happy because this label has always maintained a very high level over the years. This band also confirms that the Norwegian scene is full of artists who are very good technically and who offer a refined and sophisticated sound. A recommended listen for all lovers of Prog sounds with forays into Jazz, Psychedelia and Indie Rock, with elaborate tracks full of quality ideas.
Tracklist
01. Lessons (04:10)
02. Free Will (04:43)
03. Spitfire (04:59)
04. All Is As It Should Be (08:09)
05. Show Me What You Got (07:44)
06. Fire & Water (03:40)
07. Divine (06:03)
08. When You Call (04:24)
Lineup
Hallvard Gaardløs / Bass and Lead Vocals
Karl Bjorå / Guitar and Vocals
Vegard Lien Bjerkan / Keyboards and Vocals
Axel Skalstad / Drums
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