ASTROMALIST

So, the mad Norwegian are finally back! And let me tell you straight: this one is absolutely their best to date! Having gained a lot of experience and popularity from extensive touring during the years, they have conceived an album that oozes of maturity. From the opening track with its riff in 5/4, you feel and know that it will be a treat! There are plenty of tricky meters (check the fantastic 11 + 10 on track 6!), the instrumentation is very rich and varied, the melodic threads always carry you to fantasy filled dreams and the rhythmic madness makes sure to wake you in time, even using alarm clocks! (track 5, ironically starting in 5/4!! before bringing in plenty of cross rhythms). In the guest list, we'll note the appearance of a familiar name: bassoonist Michel Bercmans, from Univers Zéro fame! Last but not least, the mix and mastering has been done by the talented hands and ears of Udi Koomran, which is a signature in itself and a guarantee that this is gonna sound real good .... and it does! The rare notes to be found on the back pannel of this three-fold digipack say that the music was recorded by the band at various locations, but I'm inclined to believe that it may have been taken from live recordings, to be later processed and worked in the studio; this album sounds so good that you probably wouldn't say it's a live recording if you were asked in a blindfold test. Anyway, this is a true masterpiece, reflecting the maturity and still growing creativity of a band still able of surprising and shaking us for many years to come. Grab a copy and enjoy!