Strange Frame Of Mind
Karisma, 2021
8/10
Listen to Strange Frame Of Mind
A strong prog-rock outfit from Norway, Arabs In Aspic bring guitars, organs, Rhodes, mellotrons and synth to this 3rd album that was originally released in 2010 and is remastered here with the vision the band originally wanted for it.
“Aspic Temple” starts the listen with a progressive, warbly version of rock that’s both warm and mesmerizing before transitioning into the swift drumming and nostalgic rock of the organ friendly and soaring vocals that populate “The Flying Norsemen”.
Further along, “Morket” takes a thicker approach that textures ‘70s ideas with firm guitars, while “Fall til Marken” spends 7+ minutes impressing us with its precise rhythm section, soft vocals and folk rock tendencies. “TV”, a truly exceptional song, then recruits a retro flavor to both busy and calm moments of both anthemic and intimate song craft.
Rounding out the listen, the swift and rockin’ “Have You Ever Seen The Rain Pt. 2” is a wild and animated album highlight, and “Arabide” exits the listen calm, pretty and dreamy amid a pensive brand of prog-rock.
Formed in 1997 by Jostein Smeby and Tommy Ingebrigtsen, fans of Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Uriah Heep and King Crimson won’t be disappointed here, as Arabs In Aspic embrace everything we love about prog-rock and the ‘70s, and it sounds better than ever on this reissue.
Travels well with: Wobbler- Dwellers Of The Deep; Tusmørke- Nordisk Krim