Holon: The Time Is Always Now

Welcome to the eerie world of Norwegian musician Ronny Pedersen and his new project Holon. Pedersen started writing these songs ten years ago and after a meeting with fellow Norwegian Rhys Marsh, he offered to mix and produce the album at his Autumnsongs Studio in Trondheim, Norway. Helping out Pedersen (guitars, bass, sitar, programming, lead and backing vocals) are Geir Anfinn Halland Johansen (Anfiisaas, Stilk, Trasig) on drums, Silje Leirvik and Kari Harneshaug on vocals, Ketil Vestrum Einarsen (Jaga Jazzist, Kaukasus, White Willow) on flute and Lars Fredrik Frøislie (Wobbler, White Willow, Tusmørke) on Hammond organ. Marsh also adds vocals, pedal steel, bass and various keyboards including Mellotron and Rhodes.

Pedersen is clearly influenced by '60s psychedelic rock and pop as well as folk and of course progressive rock. This is another exceptional recording that will appeal to a wide range of progressive rock listeners. Pedersen's nod to Eastern flavourings can be heard throughout the first track "Overture: The Belly Of Being" as his sitar is put to great use weaving gentle folk inspired lines until the music builds in heaviness with low rumbling guitar riffs and dramatic motifs. The lovely vocal harmonies and guitar solo only add to what is a great track. On "The Times They Are A-Taming" a beginning tinged in folk builds into soaring melodic prog. Gentle acoustics take their cue during the verse while the rising chorus is very melodic and catchy. Fans of Wobbler should find a lot to like here. "Dancer In The Sky" is slightly dreamier as is the beginning of "Falling" with its gentle acoustics and violin building gradually until Floyd-like shards of guitar take us to the mid '70s. Simply outstanding.

Fabulous melodies and musicianship help to define The Time As Always Now as one of the best releases so far in 2016. There is a little something for everyone here but if you are a fan of White Willow and Wobbler this should be mandatory listening. Excellent stuff!

Track Listing:
1. Overture: The Belly Of Being
2. The Times They Are A-Taming
3. Dancer In The Sky
4. Falling
5. Time To Go
6. Two Grains Of Sand
7. The Time Is Always Now
8. A Drop Of Me

Added: October 25th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's official Site
Hits: 2238
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]