RISET BAK SPEILET

It must be the time of year for prog folk releases, as Tusmorke (meaning "twilight") and Ian Anderson have both released new albums recently. If I have to be honest, though, I much prefer this new album from Tusmorke, "Riset Bak Speilet". These Norwegians have some inspired passages to share with us, even if it's done in a not-so-perfect fashion.

A very "full" sounding prog folk music, Tusmorke combine the standard organ and flute with other prog rock instruments to make a lusher soundscape. The music is rather dark at times, though never suffocating. More than anything, the music just meanders along pleasantly while taking some downward dips here and there. I rather like the use of the flute to keep a constant flow of melody, rather than just use it to play solos, like some other artists. Tusmorke likes to build a foundation of flute from which they can add more touches of other instruments to create an overall eeriness or beauty, whatever they desire.

The first and last songs are sung in Norwegian, I believe. The rest are mostly sung in English. I appreciated that, as an English speaker. The vocals are basically constant harmonization between two singers, and they perform very well. I honestly feel that their tone is perfect and wonderfully smooth. It adds a great touch to the already full feeling of the album.

"Riset Bak Speilet" features five great tracks, though I honestly do connect more with the English-sung ones. I especially love the deliciously eerie "Black Swift", as it's chorus is fantastically harmonized and the rest of the song is so delicately black and haunting. It also includes the best instrumental passage of the album. "Gamle Aker Kirke" is a wonderful, more upbeat track that I appreciate for its vocals, especially. "All is Lost" is also a flute- laden journey into darkness and momentum. I rather like its nuances and its atmosphere, as well as some well-timed signature changes therein.

Overall, Tusmorke have composed a wonderful album that will appeal to any fan of prog folk music. The middle three tracks are specifically good and more structured, regardless of the language differences. There is a certain maturity at work in this band's music, and a hypnosis that they try to engage, and succeed many times in creating. This is certainly an album worth hearing this year.

3.5 stars