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Apollon, 2021
8/10
A trio from Oslo who are firmly indebted to the ‘70s, Morten Lund, Jarle Wangen, Andreas Eriksen and Bjorn Stokkeland, i.e. 35 Tapes, deliver an easy going and feel good brand of progressive rock on this instantly enjoyable sophomore album.
“Undertows” starts the listen with mysterious keys as a throwback atmosphere is built with thumping drums, bouncy guitar lines and laid back singing, and this retro formula continues to the acoustic guitar fueled and dreamy “Wave”, as well as the soothing, agile and highly melodic “Well”.
The back half of the listen includes the fuller, textured beauty of “Onward”, while the sprawling 9+ minutes of “Walk” is prog-rock genius that soars high amid a timeless spirit. “Epilogue”, the album’s last track, then offers a swirling, sonic adventure of serene melodies, bouts of more furious song craft, and a vintage quality that we will never tire of.
The 35 tape rolls of the Mellotron made quite an impression on the band many decades ago, and their precise use of keys, perch, lap steel, guitar and bass alongside flowing vocals from Lund and Wangen makes for a very warm, retro appeal on this superb 2nd record.
Travels well with: Wudewuse- Northern Gothic; Pymlico- On This Day