Airbag: The Greatest Show on Earth

Airbag returns with The Greatest Show on Earth after their two critically acclaimed albums releases, Identity in 2009, and All Right Removed from 2011. They have built a strong and reliable following and reputation among both fans and the press. Airbag has supported several major progressive rock bands from Europe including: Marillion, Anathema, Pineapple Thief, Riverside, RPWL and Gazpacho at several major festivals and as support and in double-bills.

"Airbag was formed in 2004 by five class mates from Oslo, Norway. The band recorded their first EP, Come On In, the same year, followed by Sounds That I Hear (2006) and Safetree (2008)".

The opening moments of "Surveillance 1", off The Greatest Show on Earth, will take you right back to the sounds you will remember from classic Pink Floyd with a twinge of Rush bass thrown in for variety. A solid opener, sure to be a concert favorite.

"Redemption" has a "Comfortably Numb" feeling to it. Full of the many images of Pink Floyd guitar and extraordinary keyboards including some hints back to Animals and Wishing You Were Here.

Asle Tostrup's vocals are somewhere in between both Roger Waters and David Gilmour, with maybe a wee tilt towards Waters. He gives Airbag their original sound as the band squeezes out more Pink Floyd memories with "Silence Grows". The heavy Hammond and keys mixed well with powerful lead electric and deep supporting bass sounds magnificent.

The title track is the most original sounding song on the album. Unfortunately it is also one of the shortest. The lyrics are familiar Waters' flair, including alienation and seclusion.

The lyrics to "Surveillance Parts 2 and 3" sound straight out of a book written by Edward Snowden. The song opens with that familiar piano entry you may remember from many a Pink Floyd classic. The slow paced drums and bass help carry the rhythm as the Animals memories fill the airspace.

When you name an album The Greatest Show on Earth, be careful what you ask for. However, Airbag succeeds in creating a spirited and emotional trek back in time to the highlights of Pink Floyd, while at the same time providing enough diversity of sound to make it their own.

Track Listing:

1: Surveillance 1
2: Redemption
3: Silence Grows
4: Call Me Back
5: The Greatest Show On Earth
6: Surveillance Parts 2-3

Added: April 21st 2014
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: http://www.airbagsound.com/
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Language: english

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