By The Time You Read This
Apollon, 2026
8/10
Listen to By The Time You Read This
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Norway’s Lonely Crowd, and here the frontman Stig Jakobsen welcomes some excellent players for the 11 diverse tracks.
The warm duet, “Wait Till Tomorrow”, starts with a cozy lushness that’s heartfelt, and “Appalling Laughter” follows with Kevin Armstrong’s flowing guitar which suits the rhythmic climate.
In the middle, “Not On My Watch” recruits graceful cello and keys amid Jakobsen’s deep pipes that complement the rich textures, while “So Tired Of Waiting” finds a dreamy place to reside, where buzzing synth and Arve Henriksen’s well timed trumpet won’t go unnoticed.
Closer to the end, “Blue Monday” is an intimate take on the New Order classic that welcomes beats near the finish, and “Morning Star” exits with talking and singing in a lullaby-esque last tune.
Let’s hope it isn’t another decade+ before we hear from Lonely Crowd again, cause Jakobsen’s version of rock that flirts with alt, prog, chamber and pop sure is memorable.
Travels well with: Gjenferd- Black Smoke Rising; Whispers Of Granite- Liquid Stone