Record Reviews

WOBBLER ~ RITES AT DAWN KARISMA 210 (Barcode: 7090008312109) ~ NORWAY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2009 - 2011 Released: 2021 This is a reissue of the third album by Norwegian Prog group WobblerFind albums by this artist. Following the two first albums, which were recorded by a quartet lineup, which included guitarist Morten Andreas EriksenFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Lars Fredrik FroislieFind albums by this artist, bassist Kristian Karl HultgrenFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin Nordrum KneppenFind albums by this artist, the lineup was expanded to include vocalist Andreas Wettergreen Stromman PrestmoFind albums by this artist, who became the group’s lyricist (In English). The album presents seven original compositions, including two lasting over ten minutes, all written by the group members, five of which include lyrics and two short instrumentals open and close the album. Wobbler, like many other Norwegian Prog groups, explore the original sound Prog, which developed in the early 1970s, and often sound remarkably similar to Prog forefathers, completely skipping the dreaded Neo-Prog doodling. Prestmo, who’s vocal range is somewhat similar to Jon AndersonFind albums by this artist’s alto tenor, creates obvious associations, but does not go beyond into mimicking his style. The music is remarkably melodic, with the intrinsic Nordic melancholy well incorporated, but more energetic and harder sounding elements are also present, creating a fascinating continuity and remarkable coherence, which make this album a delightful sonic experience. For experienced Prog listeners, especially those well versed in the original Prog period, this album certainly rises fond memories and a worm familiarity. Prog, or rather the core of Symphonic Prog, to which this music belongs, it an intrinsically limited genre, and as such operates mostly within pre-destined limits, which allow little flexibility. Wobbles certainly manage to stretch the limits of the genre to the max, and their superb melodic and harmonic capabilities are certainly outstanding. Overall, this album and its two predecessors (“HinterlandFind albums with this title” and “AfterglowFind albums with this title”), all recently reissued, are a superb Prog triumvirate, which can be warmly recommended to all lovers of the genre. They proudly represent the Norwegian Prog scene, which is certainly alive and kicking, in parallel to the other Scandinavian Prog scenes. Great to have this available again!

Updated: 30/03/2022Posted: 23/03/2022

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