Kosmodome: Kosmodome (2021)

(42:59; Karisma Records)






















Track list:
1. Enter the Dome 1:15
2. Retrograde 6:32
3. Hypersonic 3:43
4. Deadbeat 5:20
5. Waver I 4:46
6. Waver II 6:11
7. The 1% 6:30
8. Orbit 8:42

Line-up:
Sturle Sandvik - vocals, guitars, bass
Severin Sandvik - drums, percussion, vocals
with:
Jonas Saersten - Rhodes, organ, piano, Mellotron
Ole-Andreas Jensen - bass
Morten E. Olsen - guitars


Prolusion.
Norwegian band Kosmodome was formed a few years back, and following a self-released EP they were signed to Norwegian label Karisma Records. The band is now ready with their debut album "Kosmodome", which will be released in early December 2021.

Analysis.
The main style of this band is a retro-oriented type of psychedelic rock, and a variety of the style with a distinct progressive orientation at that. Mainly due to structural elements, but some of the arrangements and instrument details also point towards a more progressive take on psychedelic rock in this case.

Songs that ebb and flow in intensity is a specialty of the band, with calmer and more relaxed passages alternating with sequences with a tighter, former and harder overall sound an ongoing feature. Sometimes with a more nuanced difference only, on other occasions with a stronger distinction between the one and the other. In true progressive nature the band will also have songs with several different varieties of these differences, most prominently explored on the concluding cut 'Orbit'.

I note that some space rock details sneak in here and there, and that a retro variety of stoner rock often comes into play for the harder and firmer parts of the compositions. On one occasion details that have more of a folk and jazz attitude to them are used to conclude a song too.

Despite the ebb and flow nature of this production and the use of tighter and firmer passages there's also a relaxed general attitude about this production as a whole, a laid back nature of you like, where the relaxed and controlled lead vocals is the main element providing this feature. Another specialty of the band are playful guitar details, especially for the guitar solo runs but also whenever the band is exploring landscapes with more of a tender nature to them.

Conclusion.
Retro-oriented psychedelic progressive rock is what Kosmodome serves us on their debut album, and a variety of the style that comes with classic era stoner rock details and a slight flavoring of space rock elements at that. For those who feel such a description is alluring, this is an album you most likely will find to be quite the enjoyable experience.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, November 2021

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Kosmodome
https://www.karismarecords.no/

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