HULEMYSTERIET

This is the first album by PANZERPAPPA that I heard, and I'd like to open to this review by saying that it's very good! When you first read the name of the band and face some slight reading comprehension problem you can think that it's something like PANZER ZAPPA, maybe a FRANK ZAPPA tribute band. However, PANZERPAPPA isn't not like that. This band plays some fine music that can be defined IMO as a combination of RIO and Canterbury and even some soft symphonic touches, and their music is totally instrumental. There is no single voice, not to mention a vocal on this album. I can't think about similiar bands at the moment, but I can say that if you are a fan of RIO bands, you will certainly enjoy this album. This music is a bit jazzy, but I can't call it jazzy RIO if you consider UNIVERS ZERO chamber RIO. I can't say that this is obscure music like many other RIO bands including the one mentioned in the line above, but this isn't conservative progressive rock. In short, it's a GOODIE!

This is their second demo that had received an issue, and although theoretically out-of-print, the band still deals the demo through homemade CD-r. Mine arrived in a sampling bag with a large Norwegian orange info-sheet and a much smaller white English translation. Up to you to fit this into a jewel case or not: it doesn't fit without some adjustments. Musically speaking, if you know the group's two official releases, you'll get no surprises here either as the group develops their usual brand of avant-prog, somewhere between Miriodor, chamber music, & more symphonic Scandinavian prog (ala Angladotenberk) if you can believe: I know it might be difficult to "picture" their musical landscape, but that's about as good as I can make it.

On the one hand there is the soft avant-prog that a sedated Alamaailman Vasarat or Von Samla might dish out (Yiddish Fake Polka), at times, you'd swear you're listening to a Swedish Crimsonic version of Univers Zero (the title track), while some modern Norwegian symphonic bands like Wobbler or Gargamel are interfering in both the left and the right channel of your stereo hi-fi system. Among the better tracks is the lengthy Tool Is The 23rd Solution with its wild interplay and constant breaks. And the closing 99 Steps with its loadful of mellotrons and trons of changes is not too shabby either, but my fave must be Sick Samba.

While not really all that essential Hulemysteriet to progheads, it is quite a nice "mise-en-bouche" and personally, I consider this "demo" as a perfect complement those two full-blown prog "legit" albums.

In early 2001 Panzerpappa started writing down material for a second album, but soon Knut Tore Abrahamsen had to leave the band, as he got married and was going to move to Denmark.His replacement was a friend of Gjellum, Endre Begby.Rehearsals proove to be a difficult thing, as Jorgen Skjulstad was busy with other commitments, but when Panzerpappa entered the Sogn Studios in late 2001 they sounded as solid as ever.The recordings were finished in February 2002 and the new album ''Hulemysteriet'' was released later in the year.

The partly chaotic debut of the band had now given its place to a cohesive, complex and rich Progressive Rock with dominant R.I.O. and Jazz influences, while for the first time Panzerpappa start to resemble strongly to their heroes SAMLA MAMMAS MANNA.The KING CRIMSON influence is still apparent in the guitar parts and the cold rhythm section, however the smoother playing of Begby seems more suitable to Panzerpappa's style.The all instrumental tracks are full of calm and more powerful sax interventions, very complicated ideas with breaks and dissonant textures as well as some nice interplays with a cool Scandinavian taste.Still the album is not emotionless, as there are plenty of great, pleasant and optimistic tunes with light folky vibes around.The keyboards remain a second choice for Steinar Borve, but when used they make the sound even richer and definitely more charming.Relaxed Mellotron passages with an ANEKDOTEN touch, careful use of synths and some dramatic, nostalgic organ washes reveal Panzerpappa's potential in full mode.The Norwegians eventualy use their technical accomplishment to compose pieces that work well between emphatic, complicated themes and more lightweight overtones for their own good.

Very good follow-up to the rather problematic debut of the group.Conveincing, well-executed instrumental Progressive Rock for all lovers of irritating and challenging listening adventures.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.