IDENTITY

A somewhat underwhelming effort first time out by this Norwegian band.

The 8 compositions on this album all follow more or less the same set-up: The songs are slowly paced, with few or none alterations throughout. Fluctuating, lush synths flesh out the compositions, while the guitars add either wandering mellow layers or fragmented licks or themes. Slow, steady rhythms underscore, and a clean, light lead vocal soars on top for the vocal passages.

Light, lush and dreamy soundscapes is the end result. A bit too lush and dreamy actually. It's light, fluffy material perfect for daydreaming, but even guitar soloing in the spirit of David Gilmour doesn't manage to add any real substance to these proceedings.

Identity is an album blending the most atmospheric parts of later day Pink Floyd with similar efforts from later day Hogarth-era Marillion, at least as I regard it, and those that find that description tantalizing should be at the heart of the buying audience for this effort.