Valesa- Chapter II: Viva The Apocalypse
Apollon, 2026
9/10
Listen to Valesa- Chapter II: Viva The Apocalypse
Bergen, Norway’s Major Parkinson are back with a 2nd chapter of their inimitable prog-fueled ways, where darker and louder ideas permeate this body of work.
“Elevator Pitch” opens with a quick bout of ambience before “Showbiz” enters dreamy territory thanks to Lars Christian Bjørknes’ floating synth, as Sondre Veland’s acrobatic drumming enters the hard hitting prog climate.
Entering the middle, “Father Superior” blends Eivind Gammersvik’s playful bass into the colorful delivery amid Hannah Emilie Wright Grung’s melodic pipes, while “Viva The Apocalypse!” emits warm keys that segue into an animated album highlight that places Jon Ivar Kollbotn’s gruff voice into the dynamic landscape.
“Maybelline” and “Kiss Me Now” exit the listen. The former radiates a sublime intimacy in its soft gestures that eventually starts chugging with intensity, and the latter is a charming moment of beats, haze and cautious instrumentation.
Øystein Bech-Eriksen and Sondre Skollevoll’s incredible guitar playing can’t not be noted here, as Major Parkinson swirl their cinematic melodies, infectious pop hooks, complicated rhythms and psychedelic lyrics into another top notch record.
Travels well with: Fälaren- Ljora; Lonely Crowd- By The Time You Read This