STORM SEASON

Here we have the fourth in the series of six White Willow reissues being undertaken by Karisma Records. Originally released in 2004, it was their fourth album, and the original seven songs have been remastered by guitarist and bandleader Jacob Holm-Lupo. It was the first album which sold more than 10,000 copies for the Norwegian proggers as they became more metallic and heavier, but the intensity of the sessions had a major impact on those involved, with singer Sylvia Erichsen leaving the band for a few years and not appearing on the next release. "We wanted to create an album that felt like a storm ? a reflection of the turmoil in the world with climate change and political unrest, and also within our own lives," explains Lupo.

For some reason, and I have no idea why, I never heard this album when it came out although I reviewed both 2000's 'Sacrament' and 2006's 'Signal to Noise' when they were released. The album has been officially unavailable for some years, although there have been numerous reissues, so it is wonderfully to finally hear it. I have always been a fan of Erichsen's vocals, and the music here is grandiose, pompous and fulfilling which provides a wonderful backdrop as she rises above it all. There are times when it can be quite driving, others it is almost folklike with plenty of nods to Gabriel-era Genesis, and it seems quite strange to me that this album seems to have been overlooked by many as the most recent review on PA is from 2012. I remember when White Willow were being talked about as one of the new hopes out of Norway, and this album demonstrates clearly why that is the case as although it is immediate and enjoyable the very first time it is played, there is a lot going on and it takes multiple listens to get the most out of it.

The strings are sparing, but when they are utilised, it makes a real difference, and one can tell just how close arranger Tirill Mohn was with the band (she played on their debut), while the use of cello and flutes alongside multiple keyboards and twin guitarists provide for plenty of different musical avenues to be discovered while the rhythm section keeps it nailed to the floor. This is possibly my favourite release by the band, and I do wish I had come across it 20 years ago, and all thanks to Karisma for working with the band to get it remastered and reissued as this is a delight.

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