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I’m not sure what it is in the Scandinavian
water or air that produces so many progressive rock bands
but I’m sure glad it’s there. Not only have they produced
top quality bands such as the Flower Kings and Anglagard (and
many others too numerous to mention here) but now they’ve
given us Retroheads. And I suspect this is one band that’s
going to drive some critics to drink. ***
Retroheads was formed in Norway
in 2003 by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Tore Bo Bendixon.
He was working as a sound producer in radio and TV but was
desperately looking for more of a creative outlet. So from
August 2003 through April 2004 he began writing the material
that we now have Retrospective. Over that time Tore also recruited
four other individuals from a wide musical background bringing
the actual band up to five members. All five share the same
musical vision that music should be without limits or commercial
restrictions. Which to my ears sounds like we’re heading into
progressive rock territory. ***
There are nine tracks on Retrospective,
four of which clock in at over eight minutes, a couple in
the six minute range and the shortest is just over five minutes.
So right away you see there’s lots of room to musically maneuver
in these compositions. The primary reason for adopting the
Retroheads moniker was that the band wanted to identify their
musical approach, one that looked backwards for inspiration
but then looked forwards for execution. There is no question
Retroheads draws inspiration from the seventies, all you have
to do is look at their instruments, Hammond B3, Mellotron,
ARP, Minimoog and Taurus Bass pedals. But wait it’s what they
do with these instruments that gives Retroheads a very modern
and contemporary feel. The compositions are melodic, weaving
in and out of different themes, incorporating a variety of
musical motifs that build on each songs rhythmic qualities.
There are more than enough structural changes and subtle shifts
to satisfy the prog listener. Huge Mellotron flourishes one
minute and quirky counterpoint the next. Lyrically the songs
deal with the big issue such as life, the universe and everything,
with vocal duties shared by Tore and Ann-Kristin Bendixon.
And just to irritate some critics it is sung in English. ***
I mentioned at the outset that
Retroheads may pose a problem for some critics. Of course
I’m referring to those critics who have no room in their small
prog world for a musical approach that hearkens back to an
earlier time. What’s more Retroheads seem to be thumbing their
noses at this attitude by adopting such a blatantly descriptive
name. If it weren’t for the fact these guys create some beautiful
progressive rock music the critics could have had a field
day. Fortunately, the band wins the day here. ***
It’s always a pleasure to be made
aware of such talent. Retrospective is an amazing release
full of musical depth and sonic variety. The folks at Unicorn
are to be commended for having the conviction to release this
CD. If you’re a fan of bands such as the Flower Kings or Scandinavian
bands in general this will be thoroughly enjoyable and probably
spend a lot of time of the CD player. Retroheads’ Retrospective
is packed with great musicianship and unique compositions.
All in all this is a remarkable first effort. ***
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