(50:27; Karisma Records) Track list: 1. Run 5:56 2. Lay Me Down 11:40 3. The Siren 7:29 4. Every Second Every Hour 13:20 5. Descending 4:34 6. Everything to Everyone 7:28 Line-up: Björn Riis - vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards with: Henrik Bergan Fossum - drums Kristian Hultgren - bass Simen Valldal Johannessen - piano Mimmi Tamba - vocals Prolusion. Norwegian artist Björn Riis has a by now long ongoing solo career that he caters to in between the role he has in the band Airbag, with four studio albums to his name with the first one appearing in 2014 and the latest one now in the spring of 2022. "Everything to Everyone" is the name of this most recent album, which was released by Norwegian label Karisma Records. Analysis. Björn Riis and his music as a solo artist is one that will always come with at least some points of reference to Pink Floyd in general and David Gilmour in particular, and that is the case for his new solo album as well. It can and should be argued that the m...

(34:40; Apollon Records) Track list: 1. Sheik Pt. 1 9:35 2. Sheik Pt. 2 0:32 3. The Last Stand 6:24 4. The Sunwatcher 1:44 5. Golden Comet 7:28 6. Totak 8:27 7. Undertow 0:30 Line-up: Ole Jörgen Bardal - saxophone Öyvind Nypan - guitars, electronics, soundscapes Per Harald Ottesen (RIP) - bass, guitars, electronics Jan Inge Nilsen - drums, percussion Prolusion. Norwegian band The Tronosonic Experience have been around since at least 2017, and have four studio albums to their name so far. "The Shadow Vol I" is the third of these albums, and the first of two albums released in 2022 through Norwegian label Apollon Records. Analysis. If it is the case or not I do not know, but the music on this production comes with multiple reference points to improvised music, to the point that this is how I would categorize this album overall. In a bit more detail I would specify that this is an instrumental variation of the form, and that the music overall fits nicely into a progressive rock ...

(38:54; No Broadcast) Back in May last year I was fortunate enough to catch No Broadcast supporting Dead Favours in Christchurch, since when I reviewed the title cut of this album when it was released as a single. Their last album was all the way back in 2015, but after four years hard work the guys are finally back with their third, and it was worth the wait. The trio of Joshua Braden (vocals, guitar), Chris Self (drums) and Kieran Colina (bass) are heavily influenced by the likes of Jakob, Mogwai, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, HDU, Muse, and the Mars Volta yet they also bring in pop sensibilities of the likes of Crowded House alongside Simple Minds and even some U2. As one can understand from the influences mentioned, this is a band producing music of great depth, with multiple layering throughout, and production used very much as an additional instrument as it is such an important aspect of the overall sound. Whereas some bands go into the studio, lay down a track and then go for a beer, on...

(53:49; Glassville Records) The Netherlands has long been a country which really appreciates its prog, and it is no surprise that so many bands have toured very successfully over there and often choose one of their venues as a place to recorded live albums and DVDs. Back in the early Nineties it was also the home of SI Music, one of the most important progressive labels around, and there seemed to be a never-ending roll call of great music coming out of the country. Over the years there has been a resurgence in older bands, but I have not seen many new ones coming out which are likely to shake up the establishment, but perhaps in Perfect Storm we have just that. Formed in Groningen, everyone in the band is active in other bands, coming together in this one and bringing all their own experiences and influences to bear. Founded by guitarist Gert-Jan Schurer, the rest of the band are Adel Saflou (vocals), Jesse Bosman (drums), Ard Offers (keyboards), David Klompmakers (bass) and Hiske Oos...

(59:04; Newdog Records) Here Robert has returned with his third solo album, which for the most part is just him and his new custom-built electric guitar which contains a Sustainer pickup to give life for the long-sustained notes. He also uses a guitar synth, and provides some percussion while his wife, Signe, joins him for background vocals plus there are additional themes and improvisations played on cello by Robert’s son Anti Jürjendal. It is an album of dreams, of meandering music which is relaxing and takes the listener on a journey as they gently float down the stream. There is little in the way of rapids, much more like a luxurious lazy river with much to see on the way. There are a few vocals here and there, but they tend to be low in the mix and are generally used as another instrument. Not too many guitarists use guitar synths these days, with Allan Holdsworth being one of the real innovators, and here Robert mixes the sounds from it with the guitar itself so that one cannot h...

(71:00; Giant Electric Pea) Thomas Thielen is back with his second album for GEP, his eighth overall, and on this one he only wrote, arranged, performed, recorded, mixed, and mastered the music which is why he only gets a co-credit for the artwork, I guess. I have followed his career with interest since I was sent his second album, ‘Voices’, some 16 years ago and have reviewed every one since. Some of them have received top marks, one only average, and the rest in between, so what would this album be like? Here we see Thomas moving more into art rock territory, and while some will point to bands like modern Marillion as influences, the one which stands out most to me is Bowie. He was one of a host of artists I referenced on his last album, 2019’s ‘Solipsystemology’, but here is it is much more obvious, especially as there is much more focus on vocals this time around. It is an album which does take repeated listening, at least for me, as the style being used is not one to which I liste...

(46:31; Singsong Music) I’ve not previously come across a concept like this before, but I must admit it is an interesting one, in that what we have here is a release by one of three bands with exactly the same personnel. Deckchair Poets material can contain humorous lyrics, Zorbonauts lyrics tend to be more serious, coupled with darker-edged music, while Zebras Don't Smoke is a name used for albums of cover songs. Who are the people behind this wacky idea? You may have heard of most of them given that it is Lynden Williams (vocals, Jerusalem,  The Britz,  OXOXOX), Ollie Hannifan (guitars & mandolin, Mister Kanish, Synaesthesia, Mamma Mia), Geoff Downes (keyboards, Asia, Yes, The Buggles, Downes Braide Association, Nick D'Virgilio (drums & percussion, Big Big Train, Spock's Beard, Mystery, Genesis, Tears For Fears), Dave Meros (bass guitar, Spock's Beard, Pattern-Seeking Animals, Iron Butterfly, Eric Burdon), and Rachael Hawnt (vocals, Cosmograf, The Beautiful Se...