RITES AT DAWN

To me this is the first truly great Wobbler album. These guys had really done their homework here. I honestly didn't miss their previous vocalist Tony Johannessen as his vocals were a bit difficult for me to take. In comes Andreas Prestmo, once a vocalist for Les Fleurs du Mal (an early incarnation of Tusmørke) and his vocals are more easy on my ears. The band was no longer trying to be the next Änglagård but they went for a more melodic symphonic prog approach with obvious Yes and Gentle Giant influences. The songs are shorter but a couple pieces do go over 10 minutes. Lars Fredrik Frøislie had purchased himself a Chamberlin M1 from an American seller and puts it to good use alongside his Mellotron. Here the music has an even more retro vibe to the point you could be easily fooled for a '70s recording. The music has a more pastoral feel despite largely using electric instruments. The band also kept the album around 45 minutes just right for a single LP. Nothing like the Flower Kings where a two CD set totaling 2 hours is modest. For me Rites at Dawn is the first in a winning streak that continues with From Silence to Somewhere and Dwellers of the Deep. This is their first essential album that's a must have!