THE CENTURY OF THE SELF

Asle Tostrup (vocals, keyboards and programming), Henrik Bergan Fossum (drums), and Bjørn Riis (guitars, bass, keyboards and backing vocals) are back with the sixth Airbag album, and this time around are joined by guests Kristian Hultgren (bass on "Dysphoria" & "Tear it Down"), Ole Michael Bjørndal (guitar on "Dysphoria", "Tyrants and Kings" & "Tear it Down"), and Simen Valldal Johannessen (keyboards on "Tear it Down"). I felt they lost their way somewhat with 2020's 'A Day At The Beach', but this is a return to form with an album which is incredibly reflective, using acoustic guitars when the time is right and a great use of space to allow the instruments and vocals to breathe and have the room to fully come into their own. At times both the arrangements and melodies are simple yet brought together in a manner which is sheer beauty and delight. Yet there are others when the music is more menacing and direct in its approach.

There are only five songs within the 47 minutes, but nothing overstays its welcome and there is a place for everything. Lyrically they discuss the themes of cancel culture and the rewriting of personal histories, offering a commentary on a world steeped in fear and condemnation. Time and again we return to a simple musical approach which allows the guys to build and take us on a journey as there is plenty of contrast and dynamics contained within. This is not an album to be taken lightly or to be placed to one side after just a few listens as it is only after it has been played constantly that the real beauty and hidden gems make themselves known. It is a grower in the true sense of the word and let us hope it is not so long until they return with the next one.