Twilight Cinema
Apollon, 2021
9/10
This is the 3rd album from the Norway staples Major Parkinson, and it just might be their most ambitious to date. Darker in scope while still retaining their doom like qualities and densely packed melodies, the aptly titled Twilight Cinema meshes pop, psychedelia and progressive song craft into a very stimulating affair.
“Skeleton Sangria” starts the listen with dark storytelling as a mysterious, cinematic climate unfolds with punchy drums and soaring strings, and “Impermanence” follows with a quick pace of well timed keys, haunting singing and a busy delivery that meshes alt-rock and prog-rock.
“The Wheelbarrow” occupies the middle spot and displays warm accordion that bursts into a carnival-esque version of rock, while “A Cabin In The Sky” is a playful, dance friendly journey into buzzing cabaret ideas that are as charming as they are unique.
Near the end, “Beaks Of Benevola” moves cautiously with soothing female vocals that builds into a symphonic rock adventure, and the title track exits the listen firm, innovative and steeped in iconoclastic song craft.
Originally released in 2014, this repress has colored vinyl options, and represents some of the most interesting music coming out of the always fertile Norwegian rock scene.
Travels well with: Wudewuse- Northern Gothic; Brudini- From Darkness, Light