Jordsjø – Pastoralia (Album Review)

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The Norway Invasion of prog just keeps on delivering its relentless onslaught of high-quality material. Among the ever-growing number of talented bands releasing new albums, Jordsjø are determined not to be left out as they follow up their fine 2019 release “Nattfiolen” with the colorful “Pastoralia”. As a duo, Jordsjø comprise of multi-instrumentalist Håkon Oftung (Tusmørke, Black Magic) and drummer Kristian Frøland, though on this release they bring in a number of guests including Ola Mile Bruland (Actionfredag), Håkon Knutzen, Vilde Mortensen Storesund, Mats Lemjan, Christian Meaas Svendsen and Åsa Ree (MEER, Tusmørke, Wobbler). The result is a continued progression of the band’s evolution, retaining the approach of previous releases but expanding the depth of their songwriting and sonic palette. Recorded from March to November, 2020, this is a full lockdown-era album, though the band was able to get out to play live briefly in the autumn of 2020.

Despite the turmoil of 2020, with millions of people staying indoors an inordinate amount of time, “Pastoralia” retains the warmth of Jordsjø’s connection with nature. Much of their material once again harkens to the forests, mountains and streams, which indeed served as the primary inspiration for the sounds herein. “Prolog” is a brief but exemplary way to open a Jordsjø album, sporting a jazzy cadence which beckons the listener down the rabbit hole at the base of a large tree in the forest. “Skumring I Karesuando” opens with keys reminiscent of Tony Kaye’s earliest days with Yes before guitars, bass and drums launch into the song’s theme. Delicate acoustic guitar accompanies the lyrical passages, sung in Norwegian with a sense of reverie, while flute is used to further the melody as the arrangement washes over us. The beautiful opening of “Mellom Mjødurt, Marisko og Søstermarihånd” brings together acoustic guitar, flutes and mellotron, inspired by Oftung cycling around the eastern part of Norway, near the Swedish border. The piece is a lyrical snapshot of each of three places that are very dear to him, which explains the vastly different textures and moods that are explored. The title track makes generous use of bass clarinet, piano, harpsichord, flute and more, along with the traditional rock instruments for an outing which may begin with pastoral flavors but ultimately ends quite mysteriously.

“Pastoralia” Album Artwork

Side two of the album makes itself known, even if listening continuously on a CD or download. As “Prolog” began side one, here “Fuglehviskeren” offers a wonderful instrumental intro on acoustic guitar, bass clarinet, spacious percussion and triangle. The following “Beitemark” (meaning Pastures) is a breezy highlight, opening with conga and embracing Scandinavian jazz territory. Frøland really opens up the space on this one with his drum kit along with the active bass lines. The vocals fall away for the final section in an evocative ending. “Jord III” is the lengthiest piece on the album, its predecessors having been recorded earlier in the band’s career. Here we get more a sense of a 20th century classical music composition, showing the extent of the band’s reach and offering an enigmatic ending to the album.

Jordsjø have much to offer the folky progressive rock scene, harkening back to earlier eras of the genre with grace and inspiration. Their sound may not have the bombast of several of their contemporaries but they wield a certain magic that can still capture attention. A welcome recording for the upcoming summer, enjoy “Pastoralia” as Jordsjø weaves their spell on you.

Released by: Karisma Records
Released on: May 7th, 2021
Genre: Progressive Rock

Musicians: 

  • Håkon Oftung / Vocals, guitars, flute, keyboards
  • Kristian Frøland / Drums, percussion

With guest musicians:

  • Håkon Knutzen / Guitar (8)
  • Ola Mile Bruland / Spoken word & poetry (8)
  • Vilde Mortensen Storesund / Backing vocals
  • Mats Lemjan / Bass clarinet
  • Christian Meaas Svendsen / Double bass
  • Åsa Ree / Vviolin & vocals (3)

Pastoralia” Track-listing:

1. Prolog
2. Skumring I Karesuando
3. Mellom Mjødurt, Marisko og Søstermarihånd
4. Pastoralia
5. Fuglehviskeren
6. Beitemark
7. Vettedans
8. Jord III

8.0 Great

Summer’s here and the time is right…for Jordsjø’s magic to sweep over you. The talented multi-instrumentalist Håkon Oftung and percussionist Kristian Frøland are an impressive match as they reveal their lush approach to folk progressive rock, mixed with several other genres. Three short instrumental pieces are intros to longer songs which journey through many shades of light and dark, residing in an organic spaciousness that is uniquely their own.

  • Songwriting 8
  • Musicianship 8
  • Originality 7.5
  • Production 8.5
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