|
|
"Meer is right at the top of the list of progressive bands to watch. The incredible quality of the compositions, arrangements and interpretation mean that no-one should miss out on “Wheels Within Wheels”."
|
5/5
|
|
|
|
When it comes to progressive rock, Norway is generally characterized by bands with a 1970s feel, or at the opposite end of the spectrum, by strong metal tendencies. However, for several years now, the octet led by siblings Johanne and Knut Nesdal has been bringing us a breath of fresh air marked by a highly judicious progressive pop, of which “Playing House”, their second production, offered us a splendid compendium in 2021.
Meer's return in 2024 comes in the form of a musical hour featuring eleven tracks under the title of “Wheels Within Wheels”, which opens with the first nugget, 'Chains of Change', where sumptuous arrangements rub shoulders with syncopated rhythms in the background as a progressive build-up culminates in an amazing symphonic finale. Johanne's voice evokes Maggie Reilly, while her brother's counterpoint is reminiscent of Roland Orzabal. And when the roles are reversed, the reference to Tears for Fears, “The Seeds of Love” period, is even more striking.
These patterns are happily repeated, with each melody seemingly chiselled to perfection to titillate our attentive ears while gradually embedding itself deep within our being, giving way to an in-depth listening experience that reveals an incredible richness in the arrangements. The arrangements, whether spare in the quiet parts or majestic in the more symphonic passages, are an integral part of the ambience. And a multi-layered listening experience is required to grasp all the subtleties, all the underground melodies that develop beyond the sung parts.
The highlight of the album is 'Today Tonight Tomorrow', a track that perfectly encapsulates all the band's talent. The first part is a magnificent ballad sung by Knut, soberly accompanied by piano and strings. The melody immediately sends shivers down our spines, and the track gradually gains momentum, with increasingly flamboyant symphonic accompaniment leading to a luminous guitar solo.
Beyond this fine collection, Meer offers us a rather unexpected conclusion with 'This is the End', a 9-minute track much more progressive than the previous ten tracks, more committed, with a few furious passages. Don't worry, though, if you're averse to metal protrusions: we're just dealing here with a few more determined riffs and choruses, without the symphonic aspect of the track being called into question, like a final firework display punctuating a superb album.
With this third production, Meer has climbed to the top of the list of progressive bands to keep an eye on. The incredible quality of the compositions, arrangements and interpretation mean that no-one should miss out on “Wheels Within Wheels”, a rich, totally addictive album accessible to the widest possible audience. - Official website
|
|
|
|
|
TRACK LISTING:
 01. Chains Of Changes
02. Behave
03. Take Me To The River
04. Come To Light
05. Golden Circle
06. To What End
07. Today Tonight Tomorrow
08. World Of Wonder
09. Mother
10. Something In The Water
11. This Is The End
LINEUP:
Åsa Ree: Violon
Eivind Strømstad: Guitares / Claviers / Backing Vocals
Ingvild Nordstoga Sandvik: Backing Vocals
Johanne-margrethe Kippersund Nesdal: Chant
Knut Kippersund Nesdal: Chant / Claviers
Mats Fjeld Lillehaug: Batterie / Backing Vocals
Morten Strypet: Basse / Backing Vocals
Ole Gjøstøl: Claviers / Backing Vocals
|
|
| |
|
(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top of the page
|
| |
|
|
(2) COMMENT(S)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
READERS
4.5/5 (4 view(s))
|
STAFF:
4.9/5 (7 view(s))
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
IN RELATION WITH MEER
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
OTHER REVIEWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT MEER
|
|