Destination Venus
Orangutwang, 2021
8/10
The guitar wizard Steinar Karlsen is in fine company here, as a dozen rock fusion tunes are fleshed out in unpredictable and exciting ways, where synth, mellotron and organ, among others, are part of the equation.
“The Goodbye” opens the listen and wastes little time making an impression with its bouncy bass and very precise drumming that’s quite warm and even hints at twang, and “Night Flight” follows with an upbeat and very dynamic approach of flowing, buzzing prog-rock.
Elsewhere, “Picnic On The Moon” shuffles with a playful energy you could dance to, while “Space Camel” brings a bit of culture to the equation amid plenty of intimacy thanks to some vintage keys. “The Trip”, one of the album’s best, then gets busy and rhythmic as Karlsen’s guitar acrobatics don’t disappoint.
“Venus” lands near the end and recruits chunky bass and thumping drums that flow with a timeless rock appeal, and “Acid Rain” exits the listen with much atmosphere as spacey, experimental ideas are present and appreciated in the brief finish.
Karlsen is joined by Martin Langlie (drums), Eirik Øien (bass), and Marita V. Igelkjøn (musical saw), and together it makes for a captivating listen that occasionally touches on jazz or New Age and is most certainly an instrumental listen that you’ll be immediately enamored with.
Travels well with: Magnatar- Parallel Worlds; Pixie Ninja- Colours Out Of Space