Wheels Within Wheels
Karisma, 2024
9/10
Listen to Wheels Within Wheels
A Norwegian prog outfit spearheaded by the brother and sister duo of Knut and Johane Nesdal, Meer return with a 3rd album, where their symphonic and pop friendly formula is full of tuneful ideas.
“Chains Of Changes” opens with much attention to mood, where pretty keys lead into bright singing and Mats Fjeld Lillehaug’s thumping drumming, and “Behave” follows with a frisky climate, as vocal harmonies recruit Eivind Strømstad’s soaring guitar.
“Golden Circle” and “Today Tonight Tomorrow” occupy the middle spots. The former makes great use of Åsa Ree’s intricate violin and Ingvild Nordstoga Sandvik’s well timed viola, while the latter is emotive and powerful thanks to the heartfelt singing and rich instrumentation that bridges rock and orchestral ideas.
Near the end, “Something In The Water” is a dense moment of cinematic nods via the tense strings, gorgeous singing and firm drums, and “This Is The End” exits with 9+ minutes of thick rock, meticulous strings and soft versus hard hitting gestures.
A truly original effort, Meer create a complex, exciting and textured version of symphonic prog-rock that few others could parallel.
Travels well with: Ritual- The Story Of Mr. Boyd- Part 1; Lars Fredrik Frøislie- Fire Fortellinger