Once again I ask, what is in the water over in Norway? The Windmill is yet another stellar progressive rock band from Norway, and though Mindscapes is their fourth studio album, this is my first experience with the band. With just four tracks, Mindscapes doesn't beat around the bush, pulling the listener in right from the start with the near 23-minute epic "Fear", a song that should instantly appeal to fans of Flower Kings, Transatlantic, or The Tangent. The band is made up of:
Arnfinn Isaksen: Bass guitar
Stig André Clason: Lead guitar
Erik Borgen: Guitars, Lead vocals
Jean Robert Viita: Keyboards, Backing vocals
Morten L. Clason: Flutes, Saxophone, Backing vocals
Nils Harsem: Drums
From the opening notes of "Fear", you'll instantly be swept away in The Windmill's brand of symphonic prog, and though this is very vocal-oriented music (Borgen has a great voice), expect a wide variety of hot solos from guitar, flute, sax, and various keyboards. Clason's flute often adds a Jethro Tull feel in spots, especially when the flute is flying over some muscular guitar and organ tones. "Calton Hill" is quite catchy and it rocks, while "I Still Care" blends '70s Genesis pastoral prog with soaring vocal harmonies that would fit right at home on a Flower Kings of Spock' Beard album. "Nothing in Return" closes out the album in hard rocking fashion, Borgen's forceful vocals taking center stage alongside big guitar riffs and flute blasts....this is certainly prog ROCK!
If the rest of their back catalog is this strong, I'll be quickly going back and investigating this fine band a bit more deeply. For now, Mindscapes is a must hear prog album from 2024.
Track Listing
1.
Fear 22:47
2.
Calton Hill 04:55
3.
I Still Care 06:52
4.
Nothing In Return 05:55
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