Hokus Pokus / Ocean (Norway): Symphonic Prog

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This is a bit of a strange suggestion, because we have a band who have swapped names numerous times during the course of their evolution.
They originally started off as Ocean in 1983, a four piece playing instrumental music: http://www.festivalsforall.com/artist/hokus-pokus (short bio and some pics of the band).
Hokus Pokus itself was created in 1990, after the first incarnation of Ocean folded in 1989...But Ocean then re-formed in 2000 with some new members and lasted three years before folding again, placing the focus back onto Hokus Pokus. When all the co-founders of Hokus Pokus had retired by 2009, the remaining members reverted to the name Ocean, and then in May 2010 they became Lanthian Ocean. 

One bio: from a cache of the old myspace hokuspokusmusic site: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Avq1UHHEEHEJ:www.myspace.com/hokuspokusmusic+myspace+hokuspokusmusic&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk
Hokus Pokus was 4 gentlemen from Norway! Inspired by a lot of late 70's artists and newer progrock and jazz. The band changed name to Ocean november 2009. 

The new mypace for the band is thus at: www.myspace.com/norwegianocean

Member Since:
May 21, 2006

Members:
Geir Heigaard: Keyboards and bass pedals Arnt Knutsen: Guitars Andreas Barth: Drums Jon Lie: Fretless Bass

Influences:
King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Yes, Early Genesis, Brand X, Jethro Tull, Terje Rypdal, Marillion, UK, Porcupine Tree, Rush, Flower Kings, Gordian Knot, Dixie Dregs, Bela Fleck, Jaco Pastorius, Frank Zappa, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Spock's Beard, Arena, Patrick Moraz

Record Label: Unsigned

Originally a four piece playing instrumental music: http://www.festivalsforall.com/artist/hokus-pokus (short bio and some pics of the band).

See also http://progrockmetal.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/progressive-rock-progressive-metal-e_21.html: 

"This music is inspired by the 70's Symphonic Rock. Creamy Summer is an old song made in 1986 by "Lanthean Ocean" and recorded for the first time in 2009. This is the only CD made by a band called Hokus Pokus, a fusion band from Norway. We converted to more progressive rock at the end. Hokus Pokus was founded in 1990 and played as an instrumental group until 2008. The band is now retired but some of the songs are now played by Lanthean Ocean".
Ocean was one of the few bands in Horten / Norway who played Symforock 80s. Was among other things, on Vadla massacre in 1987, and played at Horten Festival 2001 and 2002.

See also: http://www.last.fm/music/Hokus+Pokus

Ocean restarted in autumn 2009 with a new lineup:

http://www.myspace.com/norwegianocean
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-fra-Horten/139598965257

Another bio from a cache of the old myspace of Lanthian Ocean (the band's latest name): http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:ylYjJRfn_VEJ:www.myspace.com/norwegianocean/blog+lanthian+ocean+myspace+blog&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk

History

Ocean is a Progressive rock band founded in 1983. Played throughout the eighties until 1989, producing more than 6 hours of music, but no albums were released.  Ocean did many gigs in different places Vestfold in Norway. Re united in 2000 with some new members, and played at the Roserock Festival in Horten 2001 and 2002. This version ended in 2003. Geir has for the six last year’s been playing Keyboards in a fusion band called Hokus Pokus, which he founded in 1990 with musicians from Drammen. But now all the cofounders have retired from Hokus Pokus and the rest of band agreed to call the band Ocean, as the songs now being played by Hokus Pokus were mostly old Ocean songs, composed in the eighties. Songs as Time, Ipso Facto, Alice in Wonderland and Mushroom Thinking are now on the repertoire, alongside the old Ocean songs 'Creamy Summer' and 'Akallabeth', which were released on the Hokus Pokus album “Videre fra der vi skulle ha vært”.  We will also continue to play The Hokus Pokus songs called Havregubbens Ball and Smaug.

On May 26th 2010 they wrote in their blog (the old myspace blog for Lanthian Ocean): "We have now decided to change name to from Ocean to Lanthian Ocean. Cause there are all to many bands around called Ocean... Hope you like it!"

And a review of the Hokus Pokus album 'Videre fra der vi skulle ha vært ': http://sandeavis.no/kultur/herlig-progrock-1.3103663 (article from Sept 2009 - includes band picture).

Here's a rough google translation - I reckon Aginor could do it a lot better for us!!

It's not exactly commonplace to hear Norwegian band currently playing progressive rock and jazz rock with strong influences from the 70s. But Hokus Pokus do  - and how wonderful and masterful way they do it!
The band, which has been going since the early 90's with some changes of the crew along the way, is finally ready to release their first CD, "Videre fra der vi skulle ha vært".
Among the current crew of five, consisting of three men in their prime, a young gentleman on bass and an even younger female vocalist, we find guitarist Arnt Knutsen from Sande. He is joined by Marianna Lest Berg (vocals), Andreas Barth (drums), Henrik Sandåker Tangen (bass) and Geir Erik Heigård (keyboards and backing vocals). The CD is also the former bassist Jon Small with three songs.
Arnt Knutsen was with quite early in the band's history, such as being away for many years, until he was two and a half years ago was in place. But enough about that ...
A sparkling plate!
The debut "Videre fra der vi skulle ha vært" is finally out - and a lovely plate it has been!
It combines grunnsjangerne rock, classical, psychedelic and literary music by a team of very good musicians in the four songs "Det er i vår livstid", "Akallabeth", "Creamy summer" and "Der ingen blomster varer".
As it should be in prog we are here presented with technical brilliance, sparkling solo performances, magnificent musical epics and an unknown number of tempo changes, by long melodies.
Hokus Pokus convinces from the first note and show that they have mastered this style to the fullest.
A good sense of humor
For those who are familiar with this genre as it is the music that comes first, instrumental tracks are in the majority and many band has no vocalist in the stable.
And expends first texts, they can easily become so deep that one can hardly understand what the artist wants to convey to the listener.
This is not the case with Hokus Pokus. It can be technically difficult to combine music with funny lyrics.
A little philosophy on life and other things, of course, been fit, but it's also opened for subtlety and humor in the lyrics.
The text of "Creamy summer" could just as easily have been signed Frank Zappa! Summer, ice cream and sunbathers bodies bathed in sunscreen lotion is here put into perspective.
Even the CD cover, which is actually painted by keyboardist itself exudes humor - with his own cat that looks beyond a futuristic Yes scenery from the 70s.
Great enthusiasm
It is clear that mumbo jumbo like what they're doing and enjoying the music. This reflects the CD, infused with great enthusiasm.
Some store tipping is obviously not to release a prog-disc in 2009, provided one is not called Pink Floyd or Genesis, but there is great respect by a band claiming that they like to play - all free of prostitution and charts in mind.
Playing in the sand!
Hokus Pokus garnered rave reviews after they played at Horten Festival and it is high time that also shows itself in the sand. Here in the village CD currently only for sale at the pub, which should also be a suitable place for concert band. Or how about letting them drop to a draw and source of inspiration for the great music scene on Friday rocks ...

And now at last some music:

There is also plenty to stream on myspace: https://myspace.com/norwegianocean/music/albums

The album 'Videre Fra Der Vi Skulle Ha Vært' can be bought very cheaply on Amazon (all sites). It is also on cdbaby, emusic, iTunes and probably other places too.

And I guess that's about it....    

Edited by yam yam - June 22 2013 at 00:47

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yam yam Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Crossover Team Joined: June 16 2011 Location: Kerberos Status: Online Points: 7087	Topic: Hokus Pokus / Ocean (Norway): Symphonic Prog Posted: June 22 2013 at 00:35
	This is a bit of a strange suggestion, because we have a band who have swapped names numerous times during the course of their evolution. They originally started off as Ocean in 1983, a four piece playing instrumental music: http://www.festivalsforall.com/artist/hokus-pokus (short bio and some pics of the band). Hokus Pokus itself was created in 1990, after the first incarnation of Ocean folded in 1989...But Ocean then re-formed in 2000 with some new members and lasted three years before folding again, placing the focus back onto Hokus Pokus. When all the co-founders of Hokus Pokus had retired by 2009, the remaining members reverted to the name Ocean, and then in May 2010 they became Lanthian Ocean. One bio: from a cache of the old myspace hokuspokusmusic site: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Avq1UHHEEHEJ:www.myspace.com/hokuspokusmusic+myspace+hokuspokusmusic&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk Hokus Pokus was 4 gentlemen from Norway! Inspired by a lot of late 70's artists and newer progrock and jazz. The band changed name to Ocean november 2009. The new mypace for the band is thus at: www.myspace.com/norwegianocean Member Since: May 21, 2006 Members: Geir Heigaard: Keyboards and bass pedals Arnt Knutsen: Guitars Andreas Barth: Drums Jon Lie: Fretless Bass Influences: King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Yes, Early Genesis, Brand X, Jethro Tull, Terje Rypdal, Marillion, UK, Porcupine Tree, Rush, Flower Kings, Gordian Knot, Dixie Dregs, Bela Fleck, Jaco Pastorius, Frank Zappa, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Spock's Beard, Arena, Patrick Moraz Record Label: Unsigned Originally a four piece playing instrumental music: http://www.festivalsforall.com/artist/hokus-pokus (short bio and some pics of the band). See also http://progrockmetal.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/progressive-rock-progressive-metal-e_21.html: "This music is inspired by the 70's Symphonic Rock. Creamy Summer is an old song made in 1986 by "Lanthean Ocean" and recorded for the first time in 2009. This is the only CD made by a band called Hokus Pokus, a fusion band from Norway. We converted to more progressive rock at the end. Hokus Pokus was founded in 1990 and played as an instrumental group until 2008. The band is now retired but some of the songs are now played by Lanthean Ocean". Ocean was one of the few bands in Horten / Norway who played Symforock 80s. Was among other things, on Vadla massacre in 1987, and played at Horten Festival 2001 and 2002. See also: http://www.last.fm/music/Hokus+Pokus Ocean restarted in autumn 2009 with a new lineup: http://www.myspace.com/norwegianocean https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-fra-Horten/139598965257 Another bio from a cache of the old myspace of Lanthian Ocean (the band's latest name): http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:ylYjJRfn_VEJ:www.myspace.com/norwegianocean/blog+lanthian+ocean+myspace+blog&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk History Ocean is a Progressive rock band founded in 1983. Played throughout the eighties until 1989, producing more than 6 hours of music, but no albums were released. Ocean did many gigs in different places Vestfold in Norway. Re united in 2000 with some new members, and played at the Roserock Festival in Horten 2001 and 2002. This version ended in 2003. Geir has for the six last year’s been playing Keyboards in a fusion band called Hokus Pokus, which he founded in 1990 with musicians from Drammen. But now all the cofounders have retired from Hokus Pokus and the rest of band agreed to call the band Ocean, as the songs now being played by Hokus Pokus were mostly old Ocean songs, composed in the eighties. Songs as Time, Ipso Facto, Alice in Wonderland and Mushroom Thinking are now on the repertoire, alongside the old Ocean songs 'Creamy Summer' and 'Akallabeth', which were released on the Hokus Pokus album “Videre fra der vi skulle ha vært”. We will also continue to play The Hokus Pokus songs called Havregubbens Ball and Smaug. On May 26th 2010 they wrote in their blog (the old myspace blog for Lanthian Ocean): "We have now decided to change name to from Ocean to Lanthian Ocean. Cause there are all to many bands around called Ocean... Hope you like it!" And a review of the Hokus Pokus album 'Videre fra der vi skulle ha vært ': http://sandeavis.no/kultur/herlig-progrock-1.3103663 (article from Sept 2009 - includes band picture). Here's a rough google translation - I reckon Aginor could do it a lot better for us!! It's not exactly commonplace to hear Norwegian band currently playing progressive rock and jazz rock with strong influences from the 70s. But Hokus Pokus do - and how wonderful and masterful way they do it! The band, which has been going since the early 90's with some changes of the crew along the way, is finally ready to release their first CD, "Videre fra der vi skulle ha vært". Among the current crew of five, consisting of three men in their prime, a young gentleman on bass and an even younger female vocalist, we find guitarist Arnt Knutsen from Sande. He is joined by Marianna Lest Berg (vocals), Andreas Barth (drums), Henrik Sandåker Tangen (bass) and Geir Erik Heigård (keyboards and backing vocals). The CD is also the former bassist Jon Small with three songs. Arnt Knutsen was with quite early in the band's history, such as being away for many years, until he was two and a half years ago was in place. But enough about that ... *A sparkling plate!* The debut "Videre fra der vi skulle ha vært" is finally out - and a lovely plate it has been! It combines grunnsjangerne rock, classical, psychedelic and literary music by a team of very good musicians in the four songs "Det er i vår livstid", "Akallabeth", "Creamy summer" and "Der ingen blomster varer". As it should be in prog we are here presented with technical brilliance, sparkling solo performances, magnificent musical epics and an unknown number of tempo changes, by long melodies. Hokus Pokus convinces from the first note and show that they have mastered this style to the fullest. *A good sense of humor* For those who are familiar with this genre as it is the music that comes first, instrumental tracks are in the majority and many band has no vocalist in the stable. And expends first texts, they can easily become so deep that one can hardly understand what the artist wants to convey to the listener. This is not the case with Hokus Pokus. It can be technically difficult to combine music with funny lyrics. A little philosophy on life and other things, of course, been fit, but it's also opened for subtlety and humor in the lyrics. The text of "Creamy summer" could just as easily have been signed Frank Zappa! Summer, ice cream and sunbathers bodies bathed in sunscreen lotion is here put into perspective. Even the CD cover, which is actually painted by keyboardist itself exudes humor - with his own cat that looks beyond a futuristic Yes scenery from the 70s. *Great enthusiasm* It is clear that mumbo jumbo like what they're doing and enjoying the music. This reflects the CD, infused with great enthusiasm. Some store tipping is obviously not to release a prog-disc in 2009, provided one is not called Pink Floyd or Genesis, but there is great respect by a band claiming that they like to play - all free of prostitution and charts in mind. *Playing in the sand!* Hokus Pokus garnered rave reviews after they played at Horten Festival and it is high time that also shows itself in the sand. Here in the village CD currently only for sale at the pub, which should also be a suitable place for concert band. Or how about letting them drop to a draw and source of inspiration for the great music scene on Friday rocks ... And now at last some music: There is also plenty to stream on myspace: https://myspace.com/norwegianocean/music/albums The album 'Videre Fra Der Vi Skulle Ha Vært' can be bought very cheaply on Amazon (all sites). It is also on cdbaby, emusic, iTunes and probably other places too. And I guess that's about it.... Edited by yam yam - June 22 2013 at 00:47

seventhsojourn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: December 11 2009 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 4006	Posted: June 23 2013 at 05:16
	Those live videos are a bit rough but the first tube, ''Akallabeth'' from the ''Videre Fra Der... '' album definitely sounds like Symphonic Prog. Wonderful music, but I don't envy any team trying to sort out this one.

yam yam Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Crossover Team Joined: June 16 2011 Location: Kerberos Status: Online Points: 7087	Posted: June 23 2013 at 05:57
	Iván has had a listen (I sent him a p.m. with a link to the thread since it was rapidly being driven towards the bottom of page one!). He has said in his reply that he will probably vote in support of the band's inclusion, but his team cannot carry out an evaluation until Fritz returns from a short vacation. If voted in, Iván will certainly enjoy sorting it all out - he is pretty meticulous, and I expect he will go through all the available information with a very fine toothcomb to make absolutely certain the entry is spot-on.

seventhsojourn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: December 11 2009 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 4006	Posted: June 23 2013 at 06:19
	It would have saved me time for other suggestions if I had known that earlier.

AtomicCrimsonRush Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: July 02 2008 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 14258	Posted: June 23 2013 at 06:55
	I will give it a listen and vote soon too - My vote has to line up with Ivans and Fritz's who will vote when he gets back... Cheers!


SouthSideoftheSky Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Symphonic Team Joined: June 29 2008 Location: Close To The... Status: Offline Points: 1960	Posted: July 03 2013 at 03:51
	I've been back for a week or so, but have missed this suggestion until now. From what I've heard so far, I am positive to the suggestion. Band is also on Spotify.

AtomicCrimsonRush Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: July 02 2008 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 14258	Posted: July 03 2013 at 06:26
	Yeah it is prog. Just have to work out what genre - lots of synth workouts so thats a good sign...


Ivan_Melgar_M Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: April 27 2004 Location: Peru Status: Offline Points: 19557	Posted: July 03 2013 at 12:58
	My vote is also YES


AtomicCrimsonRush Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: July 02 2008 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 14258	Posted: July 04 2013 at 07:34
	YES for me too so this is hopeful for inclusion


Ivan_Melgar_M Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: April 27 2004 Location: Peru Status: Offline Points: 19557	Posted: July 04 2013 at 13:43
	Accepted by unanimous vote Iván


sqwalker Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Newbie Joined: December 28 2007 Location: Utah Status: Offline Points: 3	Posted: July 09 2013 at 22:56
	Would love to stock your CD's. Please contact us (Syn-Phonic) at this email address: [email protected]. Thanks, Greg www.synphonic.8m.com
	Syn-Phonic Music www.synphonic.8m.com

Ivan_Melgar_M Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: April 27 2004 Location: Peru Status: Offline Points: 19557	Posted: July 16 2013 at 18:03
	http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=8306 Added to Symphonic