AGE OF AMBER

Here is Oliver Rusing's new tour de force. Nearly two hours of exceptional passion and music. I was introduced to Karibow with their MONuMENTO album through Antony Kalugin of Karfagen and Sunchild fame. I would say I have never looked back, but I have in order to collect their back catalogue. And what an impressive catalogue.

I get the impression that Oliver is a positive person and this is reflected in this album. Even where the lyrics depict darkness, Oliver seems to find the silver lining or the positive narrative that provides hope to whatever problem is being addressed. For example from the song 'Falling Apart at the Seams' is the line that the song starts with, 'I'm celebrating my weakness today and I'm having the best time of my life. I'm chasing the storm, I break the walls.' Perfect example of turning the negative into the positive, accepting your flaws and embracing them, fighting them. In "The Animal", 'We gave ourselves a mission. We came to reign and multiply. Bad kings by definition subdue the earth and rule the sky. Hang on, hang on. Hold on, hold on to dignity.' If that is not a message of humanity, I don't know what is. Let us reach for that dignity as a race.

Usually with a two disc album, one disc tends to overshadow the other. Not in this case. A high standard and consistency is performed over both discs equally. All songs are strong with message, content and musical ability. However what impresses me the most is the solo's. If by keyboard, saxophone or guitar. These solo's are mini music masterpieces.

Age of Amber is a triumph. Oliver Rusing is a true talent in song writing, composing and as a musician. As a listener I can only hope Oliver is continually inspired by life to continue this amazing journey of music.