Shamblemaths 2
Apollon, 2021
8/10
Norway’s Shamblemaths thankfully don’t hide their ‘70s influences, and this sophomore album brings a massive amount of exploration as well as intimacy to some very diverse songs.
“Måneskygge” begins the listen with a brief bout of soothing winds before “Knucklecog” bursts into a busy and dynamic blend of warm drumming, layered keys and strategic double bass as Marianne Lønstad’s alluring pipes guide the louder climate.
In the middle, “D.S.C.H. (Op. 110 String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Mvts. 1 and 2) Imaginary Friend” trims the volume back initially with a cinematic quality before erupting into almost operatic rock territory that’s wildly intense and welcomes vocals from Pia M. Samset, while “Lat Kvar Jordisk Skapning Teia” unfolds in 9 parts that showcase Anna Gaustad Nistad, Eivor Å. Ellingsen and Samset on vocals amid the adventurous prog-landscape that sometimes hints at jazz and other times avant-garde rock.
“Been Gone” and “This River” exit the listen, where the former is a quick track of plucked bass and mysterious atmosphere, and the latter offers 9 minutes of soothing singing that escalates into an ebullient, charged finish.
An album that took years to make, it’s quite obvious that a lot of work went into the listen, and it all unfolds with Simen Ellingsen (soprano/alto/tenor/baritone sax, guitar, vocals, recorder, sundry implements) and Ingvald A. Vassbø (drums, percussion) hosting many guest musicians for the exciting and timeless effort.
Travels well with: Flying Norwegians- Wounded Bird; Aadal- Silver