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"Less direct and easy to access than its predecessor, "Introspective" is no less interesting and Retroheads remains a sure value in progressive rock."
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4/5
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After a first album " Retrospective " which was one of the very good surprises of the year 2004, Retroheads is back with this second release entitled " Introspective ". The Norwegian band, despite having an excellent first album, does not seem to rest on its laurels and rather than offering us a " Retrospective 2 ", takes the risk of disconcerting the listener a little by moving away from their too obvious influences. As a result, this second album is marked by a much more assertive personality that surprises on the first listen.
Indeed, it is very difficult with the first track "Rainy Day" to see any relationship with "Retrospective", except in the characteristic use of certain percussion. It must be said that the band went from four to seven members and, at the same time, had to replace its drummer ! One can note in particular the arrival of a new singer Mike Mann replacing Tore Bo Bendixen, concentrating on his bass and keyboards, and more surprisingly the arrival in the line-up of a flautist.
Let's come back to the vocals... The arrival of Mike Mann is salutary because the new frontman brings a freshness and a new professionalism. This one with a more "modulated" style offers much more possibilities to the group. Fortunately, Ann-Kristin is always there to ensure her numerous backing vocals as well as to double the main vocals, the band's trademark.
Musically, it's always great class. The keyboard flights are always as deliciously grandiose as those, although a little rarer, of Tommy Berre's guitar. These two instruments being completed with a good rhythm section, everything is in place for " Introspective " to be a model of its kind.
The compositions are frankly less direct. Cultivating much less our nostalgic fiber, the album takes more time to reveal its richness. "Introspective" is more homogeneous and has less ups and downs than its big brother. I can still quote the excellent " Living In A Bubble " with a very good Mike Mann or " Black Hole Eyes " which seems to be straight out of " Retrospective ".
You understood it, although it takes a little time before to tame it," Introspective " is a great success. Retroheads has matured, it can be felt! Of course, I confess that I still have a very slight preference for its elder brother (damn nostalgic fiber!) but I applaud just as much the extra personality and risk-taking as the result. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Rainy Day - 05:28
02. Living In A Bubble - 08:31
03. Black Hole Eyes - 06:50
04. One World - 05:35
05. Be Aware - 06:20
06. I Turn To You - 06:32
07. Slaves Of Gold - 07:13
08. Tidel Wave - 08:25
09. Karma - 09:28
LINEUP:
Ann-kristin Bendixen: Chant
Deborah Girnius: Flûte
Gry Anett Stordahl: Claviers
Mike Mann: Chant
Tommy Berre: Guitares
Tore Bo Bendixen: Basse / Claviers
Trond Gjellum: Batterie
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READERS
5/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (2 view(s))
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