WHEELS WITHIN WHEELS

Here we have the third album by the Norwegian octet fronted by brother and sister Johanne-Margrethe Kippersund Nesdal (lead & backing vocals) and Knut Kippersund Nesdal (lead & backing vocals, keyboards) who are joined by Eivind Strømstad (electric & acoustic guitars, electric baritone guitar, keyboards, programming, backing vocals), Åsa Ree (violin, backing vocals), Ingvild Nordstoga Sandvik (viola, backing vocals), Ole Gjøstøl (acoustic grand piano, keyboards, programming, electric organ, church organ, backing vocals), Morten Strypet (bass, backing vocals) and Mats Fjeld Lillehaug (drums & percussion, backing vocals). Of course, as there are not enough of them in the band, they also have some guests as well. I must confess to being somewhat at a loss as to why this is the first time I have come across them as what we have here is a crossover progressive pop band with wonderful vocals, hooks, and songs which are immediate and grandiose.

There are times when they remind me of Coldplay, others ELO, and somehow, they still manage to keep space and separation within the instruments which is no easy feat given just how much is going on at any particular time. It is dramatic, passionate, with clear and unaccented English vocals (which are important for many, although it has never been an issue for me) and while they are happy being gentle and quiet they really know when to turn it up with "Behave" demonstrating just how important it is to use many different types of contrast to really get the message across. This is music which can be perceived at one level and enjoyed at that, but if one is prepared to really listen to it, one comes across the progressive layers and arrangements which is what makes this stand out. This is class from beginning to end, and the more it is listened to the more can be obtained from it. The first time I played this I felt it was delightful, but the more I listened to the harmonies and arrangements the more I felt it was much more than "just" that. What we have here is a modern progressive rock album which weaves in pop sensibilities and an innate understanding of what works to create an album which is simple yet massively complex all at the same time.