Waiting For The Sun
Apollon, 2021
9/10
A Bergen, Norway outfit whose formula certainly makes us nostalgic for the sounds of rock’s past but who aren’t strangers to balladry and even punk moments, Going Up North return with a sophomore album that continues their very enjoyable song craft.
“Twenty More Years” opens the listen with plenty of melody and rhythm as sturdy riffs and an energetic rhythm section flow with much grit, and “I Can Hear You Calling” follows with expressive singing alongside the ‘70s swagger that’s quite jangly, too.
“Spirit” lands in the middle and offers a bare, folksy strummer with gorgeous female vocals, while “Planet Nine” resides in retro-rock territory with its groove filled landscape. “The Winds In Chicago” then gets a bit rugged with a thicker appeal of fluid dynamics and much attention to structure.
Nearing the end, “Fade Away” is a busy and crisp rocker that’s full of driving melodies and soaring backing vocals, and “Little Sparrow” exits the listen with a bit of mystery amid the hazy delivery.
Yet another exciting and diverse rock focused band from Norway, Going Up North make the most of every second here, and it ends up being 10 tracks of eclectic and charming rock’n’roll.
Travels well with: Alwanzatar- Den Glemte Dalen; Tusmørke- Nordisk Krim