ANCIENT ASTRONAUTS

Motorpsycho's 2022 release, Ancient Astronauts, transcends the typical album format; it melds the band's progressive rock roots with cinematic and theatrical elements. Originally composed for a ballet and theater production, the four tracks explore themes of space, time, and artistic influence, while honoring the golden age of progressive rock.

The album emerged from Motorpsycho's collaboration with choreographer Hooman Sharifi, founder of the Impure Dance Company. After providing live music for a solo dance performance. This partnership with the Norwegian theater group De Utvalgte and local dancers culminated in a film project titled Ancient Astronauts, filmed at the Ringnes Festival in Skotbu, Norway.

Just a week after filming, Motorpsycho entered Amper Tone Studio in Oslo to record the album. As a trio, they performed most of the album live, only adding a few overdubs later. Due to travel restrictions, guitarist Reine Fiske couldn't join them from Stockholm, prompting the band to take on additional musical roles. Bent Sæther described their approach as "double and triple tasking," showcasing their versatility, particularly in the intricate 22-minute track "Chariots of the Sun ? To Phaeton on the Occasion of Sunrise (Theme From an Imagined Movie)." Louder Sound aptly called it "gnarly avant-rock that grows ever more urgent and intense."

The album opens with "The Ladder," a powerful introduction that balances heavy riffs with softer, reflective moments of a cosmic journey. "The Flowers of Awareness," featuring Helge Sten on Buchla synth, serves as a brief yet impactful interlude, characterized by controlled industrial feedback and rumbling drones.

"Mona Lisa/Azrael" stands out with its ambitious, multi-part structure that combines various musical styles. It transitions seamlessly from soft, introspective passages to intense, heavy segments, creating a dynamic listening experience. The intricate guitar work and layered harmonies typical of Motorpsycho's sound provide a meditative pause before the album's centerpiece.

"Chariots of the Sun ? To Phaeton On?" is an epic 22-minute exploration of progressive rock's many facets. The shifts in dynamics evoke the emotional depth of a theatrical performance, where each movement introduces new themes and moods. It serves as the heart of the album, where the band's influences come to life.

Drawing inspiration from the early years of progressive rock, particularly between 1969 to 1974, Bent Sæther remarked, "I'd say we're pre-progressive. I really enjoy the spirit of those albums and artists." This retro influence is evident in their songwriting and choice of instruments, including multi-neck guitars, classic synthesizers like the Mellotron and Buchla, and vintage electronics such as the Moog Taurus 3. Hans Magnus "Snah" Ryan's use of a Gibson SG Standard through Marshall JMP amps adds a rich, analog texture that feels deeply rooted in progressive rock history.

PopMatters highlighted the band's ability to "manifest 1970s progressive rock for contemporary times." The production reflects this era, with much of the album captured live in the studio, resulting in an organic sound. Sten's Buchla synth work in "The Flowers of Awareness" adds depth and an experimental edge, nodding to the band's avant-garde tendencies.

Despite its grand feel, Ancient Astronauts is not a concept album. The songs were created independently, allowing for greater freedom in exploring different musical and emotional landscapes. The only true concept albums in their discography are their commissioned works like The Death Defying Unicorn and En Konsert For Folk Flest.

The album cover features images of the band members from the film created at the Ringnes Festival, visually linking the music to its theatrical roots. The band supported the album with European performances and a 2023 tour of England, marking their first tour there in three years.

As Bent Sæther noted, the title Ancient Astronauts reflects their journey as artists, picking up traces from past pioneers while leaving their mark for future generations. This connects to the ancient astronaut theory, suggesting extraterrestrial beings influenced early human civilization. In a similar vein, Motorpsycho's music serves as a bridge between past influences and future innovations, contributing to the evolving musical landscape.

With Ancient Astronauts, Motorpsycho adventures in a new territory the territory of classic bands like Yes, Grateful Dead, Soft Machine and Pink Floyd whit those epic songs of more than 20 minutes, with long jams, but now in 2024 it seems that Motorpsycho doesn't feel good in that land. but they do it a perfect job on this record, and win the status of a grand progressive band.

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