Panzerpappa: Landsbyladder

An instrumental concept album, whose title Landsbyladder translates to “village gossip� is the latest release from Panzerpoppa. I went into this being unfamiliar with the band, and in the bio I read: “Norway’s most cordial avant-prog ensemble felt the time had come to release their first ever concept album�. I’ll admit, whenever I read “avant� or “RIO� I run for the hills. My experience with these terms has been noise without melody or tunefulness. Well folks, I am glad to say that was not what my ears heard, thankfully! Throughout the disc, the music is often led by the saxophone playing of Steiner Borve, with plenty of instrumental variety. “Ah, Nyhetspamp� features the sax and really opens up as you get into the song, and has an epic quality to it. The music takes a darker and heavier turn on “Kuldeskrik� with synth and saxophones ripping over a pounding rhythm section. A heavier guitar presence is heard on “Landsbyladder petty four� driving the song, these guys can throw a serious punch when called upon. This track shows how well the band integrates each instrument and gives each space to shine. I found similarities to bands like Miriodir, who I also think make the odd sound musical.

The only misstep is “Landsby Intermezzo� which is keyboard noise, this is where the avant / RIO tag rears its head, a pointless excursion that kills the momentum built on the first three tracks. “Landsbyladder pas de deux� shows a lighter side to their writing, the guitar and keyboards are playing interesting patterns underneath the saxophone. Anytime I hear a xylophone, my ears perk up, I love the percussive texture they add, even if it was done on synth.

Kudos to Panzerpoppa for creating a challenging yet musical listen. This is a grower, allow yourself multiple listens for it to sink in and you will be rewarded.

Track Listing
1. Ah, Nyhetspamp
2. Kuldeskrik
3. Landsbyladder petty four
4. Landsby Intermezzo
5. Landsbyladder pas de deux
6. Landsbyminiatyr
7. Pa jolla till Nordafjell

Added: August 6th 2025
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 171
Language: english

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