IN THIS ROOM

This Norwegian band has established themselves as one of the most convincing and creative within the atmospheric realm. Beautiful, tranquil and serene sounds can be heard on albums such as Tears Laid In Earth and Painting On Glass. However, In This Room is by far the group's most experimental and ambitious work. Waves of sonic bliss can still be heard, mostly in the album's highlight moments of "Harvest", "Sort Of Invisible" and the closing combo of "The Barge" and "Sleep". Yet there can also be found experiments into avant-garde art music, some of which works, some of which is highly annoying and even in some instances downright awful ("Sophisticated Vampires" and "So Pure".) Ann-Mari Edvardsen sings hauntingly one moment and soothing the next, while the band goes from art/lounge rock to ambient soundscapes.

Not as enchanting as past efforts, In This Room is ideal for late night listening and can be concentrated on or act as background music to nightly activities.