HATCHLING

'Recorded during Covid lockdown ...' (bandcamp info), this is a quirky hatchling really. In order to get deeper multiple attempts are absolutely required. Not a surprise, or what? Some years ago MYTHOPOEIC MIND has been formed by some wellknown musicians from Norway. First and foremost to name the current Panzerpappas Steinar Børve (saxophone) and Trond Gjellum (drums). Also involved are Anders K. Krabberød (guitars) and Ola Mile Bruland (bass) who both also must be counted to the extended band family in some way or another. Thriving while ranging diverse genres, also using lots of electronics, their sophomore 2021 album comes as a fresh and modern eclectic prog album, tending towards sophisticated art rock on this occasion. Regarding some acceptance you definitely will also need a faible for folk music, and especially wind instruments. Summed up the song collection (six pieces) is entertaining in its entirety concerning musicianship, arrangement as well as diversity.

A proper role is assigned to the female vocals, contributed by Veronika Hørven Jensen. Sound-wise a big plus manifests, because actually this comes totally different to the music of bands they are otherwise involved with, like Panzerpappa, The Glutton, Surburban Savages aso. Hence I hear more reminiscences to Ciccada for example, or even Polytoxicomane Philharmonie. I'd like to highlight two tracks here. Winter Of '73 works with a wonderful psychedelic tinged opening including celestial voices, and then gives pace. A happy mood, great guitar solos, fantastic! Finally the super relaxed Supreme Vision is dominated by saxophone and spheric keyboards respectively synths, and releases the listener with much feelgood factor. Very well done. A superb album.