REDWINGS NEST

Ok, let's attempt a review about one year after my last one... I have loved the first excellent album of this Norwegian trio and I have to say that this follow-up, even if quite different, is as good as that. There are some intersting news: Lars doesn't play tuba only but we can hear an excellent trumpet riff on "Morrakvisten", plus some noises and sounds throughout the album which should be coming from his pot. Skjalg's guitar is more "rude" and distorted, especially on the first three tracks, but also later there are some very rocking parts. Last but not least, it's good hearing a drummer-pianist not playing pop tunes in his old age.... The tracks are shorter respect to Kind of Saltz, but to me this means that the band has gone directly to the core of the musical ideas. The hard start becomes softer while progressing with the tracks, some jazzy moments are not far from Canterbury, but sometimes the energy rises again. Another new is that there are some guests. Cello and strings add a touch of chamber rock. The vocalists are at work not only to sing (few) but also to add speeches and a touch of crazyness to some tracks (but I haven't given much attention to them, honestly). This album is probably less spontaneous than the first, but it's more mature.

I apologize with the band for this is surely a low-quality review, but it's my first after a lot of time. If you have liked the debut which I actually rated with 4 stars, this doesn't deserve less. If you have missed it, this album will appeal fans of King Crimson which I suspect is one of the prinicipal influencer of the band, but also Canterbury in general. It appears clear that there's a lot of jazz skill behind the trio and even in the darkest moments the music is not too difficult even for listeners not used with this kind of things.

Morrakvisten and the title track are may personal favorites, but all the album is athe same excellent level.

4 full stars