WIZRD: Elements

How to describe this album? I guess the best term for it might be “alt-prog.� It doesn’t quite fit into the RIO category and it has too many trademark elements of what we think of as indie rock from the 80s and 90s to be associated with bands we consider as avant-garde prog �" though you’ll find elements of both genres here too. Whatever it is, I like it.

The band can go from some very hooky material like the opening track, which has a repeating section that is still stuck in my head, to some pretty heavy jazzy material on songs like “The Void� and “!!!,� to near space rock on “Fylkesvei 33.� That alt-prog sound I mentioned earlier can be heard prominently on “Fire & Flames.� It reminds me of The Decemberists minus the nasaly vocals of Colin Meloy.

WIZRD is a four-piece from Norway. The band members are: Hallvard Gaardløs (bass and lead vocals), Karl Bjorå (guitar and vocals), Vegard Lien Bjerkan (keyboards and vocals), and Axel Skalstad (drums). They are gifted on their instruments, and I find all three of the vocalists competent enough. Elements is their second album and will be released on December 6th via Karisma Records.

I expect Elements might be a grower. I’m giving it 3.5 stars for now. In a month, I might say 4 stars. There are a few advance tracks from the album available on Bandcamp. Give them a shot.

Track Listing
1. GT, Me & My 6610 (3:56)
2. Mesmerized (4:52)
3. The Void (3:27)
4. Fylkesvei 33 (6:13)
5. National Day (3:05)
6. You're Exposed! (4:04)
7. !!! (2:04)
8. Fire & Flames (6:32)
9. Kaleidoskop (3:09)

Added: December 1st 2024
Reviewer: Aaron Steelman
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 317
Language: english

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