MOTORPSYCHO AND STÅLE STORLØKKEN: EN KONSERT FOR FOLK FLEST

This is unique in MOTORPSYCHO's catalogue and why they made sure to record and film this live event. Held in the Nidaros Cathedral in their home town of Trondheim, Norway this was actually part of a wider event, in fact a Folk Festival. This isn't Folk music but I understand that word has a broader meaning in Norway. Recorded on July 31, 2014 the same year "Behind The Sun" was released, we get our MOTORPSYCHO trio plus Stale Storlokken who is given equal billing on the church organ. There are a couple of musicians playing strings but then the ace in the hole is a 24 piece choir and that is the focus of this recording.

I am not a DVD person at all, so I'm reviewing the audio cd and I can appreciate that watching the video would help with this review but that would mean watching the DVD. This is a long one at 72 1/2 minutes. The opening track is not the best way to start this recording when you can't see what is going on as we get clapping to begin with then faint spoken words to the audience then church bells when he finishes. Same with the 3 minute closer as it's all applause. But in between! That is where we get an incredible performance.

MOTORPSYCHO just doesn't seem to be the focus here other than that 9 minute third track which is my favourite as we get a heavy rhythm section from them and those Blasquiz-like male vocals from the choir bringing Zeuhl to mind which was so surprising when I first heard it. Love this stuff. The female vocals soaring over top is so cool. The followup track is the monster 17 1/2 minute "Lykkepilegrim" where they really stretch things out. That second track which is really the first with music sounds like a train's horn along with church organ and a powerful atmosphere. The female choir arrives for the final 2 minutes.

A lot of noodling on here which is fine, it just seems like a natural part of the performance. Organ and vocals rule the day here and it's quite the live document of a special event. Writing music for a choir must have taken them out of their comfort zones no? Talented band. I'm sure this was the highlight of the festival. Highly recommended.