Hatchling
Apollon, 2021
8/10
This sophomore album from the Norwegian prog-rock outfit Mythopoeic Mind was birthed during the lockdowns due to the pandemic, where the 6 members brings a wealth of instruments to the diverse and creative 6 tracks.
“Fear Fiesta” begins the listen with creative brass before thumping drums enter the 8 minutes of soulful singing and retro rock spirit, and “Winter Of ‘73” continues the creativity with a light buzzing amid playful percussion and soaring guitar work that illuminates the firm prog-rock.
In the middle, “Fog Vision” leads with bare brass and mysterious ambience, which segues into a dreaminess and ethereal singing, while “Cottage Of Lost Play” flows with a charming cinematic appeal of strategic brass, expressive vocals from Veronika Hørven Jensen and emotive guitar playing that finds a nice groove.
The final two tracks are “Hatchling” and “Supreme Vision”, where the former is a folk influenced journey of beauty and grace that benefits from a bassoon, and the latter showcases glowing saxophone amid a hazy atmosphere that fades out with a curious finish.
Sometimes touching on classical and jazz ideas, the shifting moods and creative melodies make Hatchling a listen that the prog inclined will adore, as Mythopoeic Mind continue to refine their craft.
Travels well with: Alwanzatar- Den Glemte Dalen; Vestamaran- Bungalow Rex