Psykomagi
Apollon, 2022
10//10
The Trondheim, Norway guitarist and vocalist Jørgen Dretvik returns with a sophomore album, where he employs symbolic actions to release emotional and psychological blockages via his eclectic version of cautious and adventurous rock’n’roll.
“AminA” opens the listen with an infectious energy of upbeat and warm folk sounds that are as melodic as they are timeless, and “Tårnets Fall” follows with a driving and gritty display of flowing rock that recruits thumping drum acrobatics.
In the middle, “Når Æ Ser På Dæ” moves swiftly, where raw singing and swirling guitars make for an album highlight, while “Overvåka” trims the pace back with moody keys and a bouncy rhythm that emits a slight reggae feel.
Arriving near the end, the spacey sounds of “Min Kjære Hæks” lead into more psychedelic areas, and “Mamma” exits with a richly textured and diverse version of rock that’s mysterious and inviting.
Dretvik is joined by Jon Krogstad (bass), Sondre Mikalsen (drums), Pai Leer (electric guitar), and Ketil Kielland Lund (flugelhorn), and together they make for a very personal and musically unique listen that is perhaps one of the best on the Apollon label, which is no easy feat.
Travels well with: Anders Buaas- The Edinburgh Suite; Sleepyard- Head Values