D'AccorD: D'AccorD

Not often do the very first notes on an album give you a complete taste of exactly where a band releasing their debut are coming from, however the crescendo that introduces Norwegian band D'Accord leaves absolutely no room for any doubt. With a quick snare snap the guitars and organ bind together and elevate themselves into an unashamedly 70's styled prog delight. Within two minutes of twelve minute opener "Play By The Hall Rules", Genesis (even the title reminds of Rutherford, Banks and Gabriel), Uriah Heep and a dash of Yes and Deep Purple are strongly leant on to create a sound so authentically of the era that "retro" is not a representative word, as this is not a band mimicking the classic sound of prog, this is a band living in the classic sound of 70's heavy rock and prog. Hammonds abound all over the place, bass guitar runs ebb and flow and staccato chords and wailing solos mingle, mesh and meander through a vividly created back drop. Daniel Maage's vocals have the character, confidence and vulnerability of early Gabriel and the resemblance to the one time Genesis man is remarkable in places.

Vocals are not Maage's only forte, as he wrote, produced and mixed every note on show on this fine debut album and his knob twiddling has been put to great use as D'AccorD sound authentic to the genre they reside in, in fact even the drums sound like they were recorded thirty five years ago. That's not to say that it's a dated production, as the sound is clear, bright and sharp, however the essence of prog is captured and the expert mastering from one time Pink Floyd engineer Andy Jackson adds to the authenticity.

"This Is One" finds Maage breaking out his flute to add (obviously!) a Jethro Tull air to proceedings, however it's actually the fine guitar work of Stig Ari Sund that the track is based around and along with guest keyboard player Fredrik Hadn, whose work is tremendous across the whole disc, they combine to form some intricate yet instantly accessible passages. D'AccorD do mix things up a little with "BIN" and "Time To Play" as they add in sprinkles of jazz and early Floyd like psychedelic swirls, it is all done though within the reverential nod to the past and as closing track "Capitale Vendito" gently sways into view with a plaintive piano and flute the quieter moments of Roger Glover's The Butterfly Ball are even brought to mind. Once more Hadn's keyboard prowess is of huge benefit to the band (they really must make him a permanent member of D'AccorD) and along with the subtle building drums and bass of Bjartu Rossenhaug and Martin Sjoen the music grows slowly into an angular organ stabbing attack with the strong vocals from Maage adding an uneasy character. Sund gently strums one minute, while attacking his guitar the next and as things hurtle towards their conclusion he firmly takes control to bring order to the chaos.

Considering that D'AccorD is a debut album, its maturity and focus is surprising and with repeated listens the intricacy reveals ever more nuances. Sounding like it was made in and for the 70's and with excellent artwork (also by guitarist Sund) D'AccorD have put together an album that sounds welcomingly familiar and conveys the band's intentions perfectly. Some may wonder at the reverential fondness for the past, however if any of the influences mentioned above interest you, then this is highly recommend.

Track Listing
1. Play By The Hall Rules
2. This Is The One
3. BIN
4. Time To Play
5. Capitale Venditio

Added: March 17th 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Band's Web Site
Hits: 3885
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]