Tusmörke is a Norwegian progressive rock band, which was originally formed back in the nineties. Remaining primarily underground, they did not release an album until 2009 in the form of their debut Underjordisk Tusmörke, and earlier this year, they released their sophomore effort Riset Bak Speilet.
On this album, the listener is treated to a handful of neo-progressive compositions. Stylistically, Tusmörke's neo-progressive style is actually quite retrospective, paying homage to the Scandinavian progressive rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s as well as the general scene of that era. In particular, there seems to be a traceable influence from Jethro Tull, surfacing in the folksy characteristic of the entire album, and the presence of flute as part of Tusmörke's instrumentation. There is also an influence from traditional Scandinavian folk and medieval music in the form of, for instance, vocal harmonies heard in Nordic neo-medieval music, as well as from 80s progressive rock and Arabian music every now and then. Drawing on an old school progressive psychedelic feel, Tusmörke deliver some fairly multilayered songs whose structures are both complex and fluid.
Riset Bak Speilet may be labelled neo-progressive rock, but it strikes me as being decidedly retro, and fans of Jethro Tull and Gentle Giant as well as Genesis' more pastoral contributions should find it a very attractive album.
Tracklist
1. Offerpresten
2. Gamle Aker Kirke
3. Black Swift
4. All is Lost
5. Riset bak Speilet