MYTHICAL RIVER

3.5 stars. You can almost look at "Mythical River" as a companion album to their previous studio album "Arrival Of The New Elders". The band has shown some maturity on these two records, a more contemporary sound if you will. Songs are more structured, and there's less energy, these two albums are more reflective. While Stale decided to let the electric piano have the spotlight for a change on "Arrival Of The New Elders", he's back with the organ dominating once again, but this is way more laid back than those earlier records.

The album opens and closes with these short spacey atmospheric pieces. I do like the 8 minute title track. The way it builds up to around 5 1/2 minutes, then a calm but also a brighter sound with the keys. "Pretty Among The Stars" is the one track that seems like a nod to the past. At least the energetic, organ led sections are. These are contrasted throughout with other sections. "Chamber Of Silence" is interesting. Headphone music in fact, as there seems to be lots going on despite it being quiet.

"Heading For Desolate Wastelands" is a slow build and very laid back early on. Mellotron on this one. A pretty good final minute with the organ leading the way. I like the first minute of "Star Cluster Detective" where the drums and organ lead. "Caravan Of The Red Lion" has a very interesting opening minute. Experimental is the word, and then it starts to move with the organ leading the way.

I'm not really liking this new direction. I think there is potential though for something special to be created as they move forward in this more conservative style. Still, I also did not see this on many year end lists. Very few in fact. But, I can't wait to spend time with "Catching Fire With Terje Rypdal" where I think a lot of the maturity goes out the window. "Silver Mountain" with Reine Fiske continues to be my favourite ELEPHANT9 album.