THAERIE WIIGHEN

So we have four bands on this site called OCTOPUS. I went to review this album here a few years ago when I realized they hadn't been added as yet. This is an obscure band from Norway who released this concept album in 1981. Vocals are in their own native language. This album is a little light for my tastes but it certainly has it's moments.

"Overture-Del 1" opens with the sound of water splashing against the boat before this light sound comes in with BEACH BOYS-like harmonies. It's bright. Guitar to the fore after 2 1/2 minutes before a calm arrives as we can hear sea-gulls and voices. Synths are prominant too. "Del 2" opens with laid back piano as reserved vocals join in. It picks up 2 minutes in then settles back as contrasts continue. "Del-3" is better even though it's still mellow with the focus on the vocals. That changes when the mournful guitar arrives before 3 minutes then it calms right down. Nice. It picks back up and becomes catchy.

"Del-4" opens with acoustic guitar and flute before the vocals join in. "Del-5" is eventually vocal led but then the sound becomes more urgent before 1 1/2 minutes. Guitar follows and the sound becomes dramatic after 4 minutes. "Del-6" features light keys and drums with harmonies early but guitar, synths and vocals take over before 1 1/2 minutes. "Del-7" is my favourite section. It's light with vocals outfront but then it picks up. "Del-8" has somewhat theatrical vocals and they reprise a melody from the opening track. Sea-gulls are back to end it.

I'm sure that this was an important album for Prog fans in Norway in the early eighties.