More info: www.retroheads.com , www.unicornrecords.com
Verdict: 70s prog revamped (86%)
The Retroheads, consisting of the follow people:
- Tore Bø Bendixen: Vocals, keys, guitars, bass and programming
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Ann-Kristin Bendixen:Vocals and eggs
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Tommy Berre: Acoustic & Lead guitars
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Harald Skullerud: Percussion
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Ole Staveteig: Lead guitar
, was started by Tore in Norway in 2003. The band consists of musicians of various musical backgrounds ranging from pop and rock to jazz and world music.Their objective is to play music with total creative freedom.
The name of the band really gives away where they are coming from. These retroheads take us back to the 70's when Progressive Rock was at it's height, with bands like Pink Floyd, Yes and Genesis in their heyday. The band recreate all those vintage keyboard sounds such as Mellotron, Hammond B3 and MiniMoog, but they do it using the latest technology. That approach also summarises the overall impression from the album - the past revisted, but with an up to date perspective. The album has a vibrant feel to it which goes against the expectations for such a project.
Right from opening track, "Earthsong", the band seem able to gel together to create some fresh classic progressive rock. The tracks combine elements from lots of musical genres without ever diverting the band from their central prog rock theme. "Judgment Day" eventually develops into a funky fusion feast with the rhythm section getting somewhere close to reggae. Another factor which contributes to album's success is the dual vocals of Tore and Kirstin-Ann. Kristin-Ann's vocals parts on "Dreams" add the necessary heavenly quality. In terms of the influences coming through, well I heard quite a few - Pink Floyd, Camel, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Yes - and experts in this musical genre could doubtless come up several more. There is enough variety here to keep you listening all the way through.
When describing the album, it is important to say that those keyboards mentioned at the start of the review are an important part of the bands overall sound and combine with some excellent guitar work to create an effectve reminder of how good 70s prog can still sound. It is clear the band have a real passion for this genre.
