Record Reviews

TUSMORKE ~ HINSIDES SVART 089 (Barcode: 6430050669744) ~ NORWAY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2015 - 2016 Released: 2017 This is the fourth album by Norwegian Prog group TusmorkeFind albums by this artist, which consists of twin brothers: vocalist / bassist Benedikt MomrakFind albums by this artist and vocalist / flautist Kristoffer MomrakFind albums by this artist (both playing a plethora of other instruments between them), keyboardist Lars Fredrik FroislieFind albums by this artist (who is also a member of other prominent Norwegian Prog bands like WobblerFind albums by this artist, White WillowFind albums by this artist and others) and drummer Martin Nordrum KneppenFind albums by this artist (also a member of Wobbler). Sverre JensenFind albums by this artist plays several instruments and adds some vocals and Morten ObyFind albums by this artist plays congas on one track. The album presents five original songs, all written by the Momrak brothers, By the time this album was recorded Tusmorke crystalized their group sound and musical direction, emerging as one of the most important contemporary Prog groups. The music, based on the tradition set by Prog Godfathers in the late 1960s / early 1970s, which is cautiously preserved, is however completely original, and offers an updated version of the original Prog sound and aesthetics. The music has a distinct Medieval atmosphere, with the flute and a plethora of analog synthesizers perfectly setting the aural background. The album’s magnum opus – a twenty-three+ minutes long suite – references to the 14th Century Black Death pandemic (how appropriate for the times this text is written), St. Sebastian and his role as protector against plague. The lyrics include Latin texts from Medieval sources, and the entire piece sounds like a soundtrack of a sacral rite. Beyond the strictly musical aspects of the album, which are all wonderful, it is great to see the intellectual involvement invested in this project, again something typical of the overall approach of the early Prog idiom. For fans of the original Prog, the music of Tusmorke is a true blessing and as the people who experienced that music at the time it was born, a most welcome resurrection and a relief of the shallow (musically and intellectually) Neo-Prog attempt to carry on. Quite possibly the young listeners exposed to this music might also seek out some of the original Prog recordings, which really lost nothing of their charm over the five decades that passed so quickly. This album is an absolutely essential listening experience and as such is wholeheartedly recommended. Hats off!

Updated: 21/09/2021Posted: 01/03/2021

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