TARKA

Great spirit here! Not long ago I stumbled across this band from Norway which is still on the road nowadays. They just (2010) have released an album consisting of 'old' recordings from 1982/83. 'Tarka' comprises a relaxed psych/space ambience, coupled with a reasonable jazz/fusion and krautrock/ethno touch though. This ís carefully produced while provided with a balanced proportion of composition and improvisation - due to some overdubs very entertaining although this a three-headed group only. So first to say, the music is not randomly issued I'm sure, it's a well thought out concept to state.

The album is wrapped, rounded by the two Vata tracks showing thumb piano excursions and ambient/spacey synth patterns. Stygian Walls on the other hand has been worked out with the typical nordic melancholic mood in the likes of Terje Rypdal. The lengthy centerpiece Yatantah is divided in three sections and more of a jammig outfit with a haunting repetitive bass line. Where Part 1 and Part 3 are primarily heavier edged, the middle section comes more with a jazzy/spacey vibe - irresistible guitar work provided by Ronald Nygård, electric as well as acoustic. Causa Sui are able to deliver such an impressing vibe too.

Furthermore they take some steps towards more experimental fields including some emphasis on diverse cymbal instruments. Where the meandierung Hesperus works with an eclectic touch reminiscent to King Crimson Cinta is full of melancholy, even other-worldly somehow, like common krautrock stuff. Durra Durra then holds an oriental percussion drive, basically relaxed but then - fascinating - it gets out of control a bit in between, Hasse Horrigmoe's bass loses his bearing so to say. No problem though because at some point they get together again.

Reminding me of Weather Report, spheric impressions on Verbina are opening for the relaxed grooving Eidolon - once again provided with tribal percussion and excellent cosmic guitars. 'Tarka' offers roundabout one hour of entertaining, varied music - Terje Rypdal's spirit is present here and there, a lot of interesting stuff to explore. Although ... or maybe even because I have noted many references to other artists this is an impressing album according to my taste - 4.5 stars.