SWF SESSIONS 1973

Here is a pleasant surprise and recording by a really obscure band that never broke through the barriers and boldly got to ride into Stardom City. Odin is a somewhat uneven but talented band from the early 70's and being from that era the music is really typical of the era, as far as Heavy prog is concerned. The recipe for their musical stew is a big dollop of hardrock, a generous splash of progressive textures with just a hint of avantgarde. Does this sound tasty to you? To me it's a satisfying blend but it's not the most fulfilling dish I've come across and the reason for this is their blend of own compositions and covers. My only real complaint or wish is that they had made or had been able to write and record more of their own songs, because they're really good.

The opening two songs are original compositions and to me they're the best of the lot on this album. "Turnpike Lane" is a playful tune that goes from sheer fun and upbeat tempo into serious jamming that lets my cup filleth over. But it is the second track, "Life is only", that is the jewel in the crown here. The simple opening riff is soon replaced by an avantgarde, sort of aschew theme which is quite agreeable and liberating. After some vocals it turns yet again into a serious jamming. If you don't like that sort of stuff you might Think it's boring but I like the instrumental excursions and it gets me thinking of other bands that got famous for this type of jams, like Deep Purple for instance. I love this track, beacause it is heavy, hits hard and the performance is really raw and passionate.

Odin seemed to really dig Frank Zappa and you hear bits and pieces that reminds you about him. Even in "Turnpike Lane". The track "King Kong" is a very well executed choice of a cover and it is great fun. "Oh no" is yet again Zappa and alright aswell. Like I said, I do like some well executed jamming. The album Closes with its third cover, "Make up your mind", originally by Quatermass. This being a live version it holds extended jamming as well. I like the song in it's original form but this brings a certain something to the table.

Now, this is sort of hard to rate. Do I think any prog music collection needs this album? Weeeell, no. Maybe not. Or I don't know. But I do like this album and it pleases me in ways that moves towards a spiritual experience. To me it is excellent, though my only wish is that they had played more of their own compositions. So, having said all that I will give it four stars but I will also offer a caution to those that look at my rating as being the same as the album being utterly groundbreaking, because it's not. It's simply heartwarming, passionate, joyful Heavy prog from the golden years of the early 70's. Try it, you might like it.