KROKOFANT III

Music out of the ordinary is rather normal in progressive music, and Krokofant are certainly not normal. With a drum kit, an electric guitar and a saxophone this Norwegian trio are doing their best to sound so improvised messy as possible with their jazz fusion-metal with a psychedelic vein. Often chaos, but every once in a while the rhythm is structured into nicely rocking tunes, albeit packed with quirky paces and odd time marks, as in the brilliant Juice and enjoyable first half of Wrong Turn. However, the album can become monotonous after a while, some additional instruments in the Pot could have made it more dynamic although it might just as well have been even messier. I do like the Q uite deep and heavy guitar sound, and the drummer is doing an admirable job. Overall, too little structure for me to enjoy repeated listening, but fascinating music nevertheless. Anyone with any fondness of improvisational style sax while simultaneously handling heavy guitar riffs will want to invest some time with this one.

KROKOFANT are a trio out of Norway playing guitar, sax and drums although the sax player also plays synths. This is album number three for these guys and as usual this is challenging music all the way. They should have some sort of warning label on these recordings really. I love the guitar and drums but it's the sax that attempts to drive me crazy. It reminds me of Elton Dean(SOFT MOUNTAIN for example) when he wails over the music just to see how thick our skins are. This is Avant music that is part composed and part improvised. It seems like every song has it's challenges but also some incredible moments to say the least.

"Tommy Synth" opens with guitar and some insane drum work. The sax kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes playing over top and it will get dissonant as the drummer continues his workout. Man he's good! The sax stops after 3 1/2 minutes as we get this amazing calm with sounds coming and going. So good! The guitar then starts to become prominent as the drums pound away. Check out the guitar 5 minutes in. So impressive then the sax returns 7 1/2 minutes in to end it.

"Clazz" starts with sax and drums and they will dominate the sound here until the sax steps aside before 2 1/2 minutes and the guitar jumps in. Love that guitar! The sax is back around 5 minutes and the drummer has not stopped yet.

"Juice" is my least favourite. Not into that catchy melody at all and the sax creates some challenges for me here. It's dissonant before 5 minutes. Yikes!

Double Dad" opens with sax and some insane drum work. A heavier sound 2 minutes in as the sax stops and the guitar comes to the fore. It settles back as the guitar becomes more of the focus, background synths as well. Love the guitar work that follows then the sax returns late to end it.

"Wrong Turn" opens with honking sax and drums then it settles before 2 1/2 minutes with growly sounds, sparse drumming and more. Love this! Check out the guitar expressions. More please! The guitar is lighting it up in a huge way and check it out before 7 minutes. Oh my! The sax is back 7 1/2 minutes in as the drums pound away without mercy.

I prefer this one and the debut which is hair raising music to say the least. What I like about this third album is that while the sax creates some issues for me at times there's always something that leaves me really impressed about each song, well except for "Juice". Patience is the key. Great album!