Airbag: The Century of the Self

Airbag's latest album, The Century of the Self, is a masterclass in melancholic storytelling, with a darkness that permeates the melodies, rather than the lyrics. The same trio as the previous album, A Day at The Beach, is joined by guest musicians, adding depth to the sound. Asle Tostrup's vocals are more heartfelt than ever, drawing the listener into the emotional vortex of each song.

The album is bookended by two epics, with the middle tracks showcasing a more moderate duration. Tostrup's vocals are warm and emotive, while Bjørn Riis' guitar work pays homage to David Gilmour, particularly in the opener "Dysphoria", where some hints to songs like High Hopes can be noted, as well as some psychedelic passages can remind us of the Meddle era, my favorite track by far. "Tyrants And Kings" revisits the dark, atmospheric sound of "Disconnected", while "Awakening" is a beautiful, acoustic-driven track that takes the listener even further back to their All Rights Removed album and showcases Tostrup's ability to craft simple yet grandiose melodies, no surprise it was chosen as the leading single for this album.

"Erase" maintains the laidback approach, but delves into profound lyrical territory, while "Tear It Down" closes the album with a beautiful, intense performance from Riis, whose guitar work on this album might be his best performance ever on any album, adding depth and emotion to the track. This is not an album for newcomers to the band’s music but is instead a personal, mature work that will resonate with Airbag's fans, particularly those who have grown with the band throughout their career. So, close your eyes, turn up the volume, and indulge in this sonic masterpiece with a glass of fine bourbon. Cheers!"

Track Listing:
1. Dysphoria (10:38)
2. Tyrants and Kings (6:47)
3. Awakening (6:44)
4. Erase (7:50)
5. Tear it Down (15:00)

Added: June 14th 2024
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 781
Language: english

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