KIRUNA

It turned out that Kiruna was a band from Norway and Irun (2003) was their first album released 2 years earlier.

I got home and put it to play and it turned out that the album wasn't quite what I expected. This is instrumental Space Rock kind of Prog with many improvisations (in a Jazz Fusion fashion) and without any guitars. Their music is based on the keyboards and the tight bass/drums duo. I can`t say it`s a bad album, cause it isn`t, but this is the kind of music that never found a home in me. And I`m pretty sure it`ll never find anyway.

The band is still active releasing albums each 4/5 years, but it`s quite impossible to find any decent amount of info about them (vide the low ratings and reviews about the band here).

Anyway, if you like this kind of music and find them around, go for it!

The opener Preglow appears like a warmup - a mixture of electronic sounds with a spacey background. KIRUNA is gliding into April 19 then - a song which reminds me of Terje Rypdal first, escalating more and more with drums, organ and bass inspiring each other. Belonging to my favourites Black Widow follows with a fusion inspired groove and wonderful Rhodes add-ons. On Raldo's Autostrada the band is supported by guest guitarist Rolf Yngve Uggen (ex Gluecifer). Dynamic pure and my highlight. This song has reached for a comfortable place in my best of song collection in the meanwhile - what a powerful heavy psychedelic presence! The 'Bitches Brew' and Soft Machine inspired The Underworld shows the three basic instruments soloing and swirling around each other lead by a special dramaturgy - wow! The vinyl only bonus track San Francisco Car Chase finally attracts my attention because made up like a Weather Report inspired fusion piece.

KIRUNA defines an unique environment with the songs. As for a conclusion my feelings are so so - I like those already mentioned tracks very much - they are more catchy I would say. But with the others I'm not able to make friends (at least yet) because they are crossing an imaginary line - too weird and free-formed noisy. Anyhow - 'Tarasarus' will appeal to fans of an avantgarde experimental approach for sure - 3.5 stars.