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WOBBLER
"Hinterland"
(The Laser's Edge; 2005)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Wobbler is a Norwegian band that plays progressive music in early '70s style symphonic progressive rock. Wobbler's songs exhibit an emphasis on truly progressive song structures and the incorporation of classical and folk elements. The result is a somewhat dark and somber expression of deliberate musical landscapes highlighting mostly keyboards and acoustic guitars. The baroque feel of the music is most evident in the extensive use of acoustic guitars, but the keyboards play a huge role in creating that atmosphere.
The CD contains four tracks. Although the intro is less than a minute long, the three remaining tracks are the massive, complex, sublime, symphonic 27-minute title track, and the more reasonable length of "Rubato Industry" (12 minutes and by far the 'heaviest' track) and "Clair Obscur" (15 minutes and quite progressive in the traditional sense of the term).
Wobbler's music is certainly epic in scope and musical themes drift in and out in waves of layers of progressive symphony. The music may be (mostly) mellow, but it's a challenge to absorb, appreciate, and fully understand – and I mean ‘challenge' in the best light possible. Wobbler's music may sound a bit pedestrian to the casual listener, but it's not.
Wobbler's brand of progressive music will be appreciated by fans of ELP, Yes, Anglagard, White Willow, early Genesis, and early King Crimson.
"Hinterland" was produced by Wobbler, Jacob Holm-Lupo, and Oysten Vesaas. The production is clear yet somehow maintains an old-school non-polished edge to it.
Wobbler: Tony Johannessen on vocals, Lars Frederik Froislie on keys and other various instruments, Morten Andreas Eriksen on guitars, Kristian Karl Hultgren on bass and saxophones, and Martin Nordrum Kneppen on drums and percussion.
For more information visit http://www.wobblermusic.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
30 Sep 2024 15:31:17 -0400.
