SOT: Redwings Nest

Redwings Nest is the second offering from Norway's SOT, their first Kind of Saltz was released in 2011. The band members are Skjalg Reithaug (guitars, sound effects, vocals), Lars Andreas Haug (tubmarine, trumpet, tuba, sax, trombone, sound effects) and Anders Hunstad (drums, piano).

Redwings Nest is one of those albums that is difficult to get your head around, especially if you haven't been exposed to RIO or avant-garde music. Even though the band are all over the map musically speaking, there should be enough melodies present to keep the uninitiated at the very least interested. You will get a good idea of what the album is like from the first three tracks. "They Called Me Sotanic" starts with gentle guitar and soothing wisps of cymbals before the heavy lifting begins with intense riffs. It is these unexpected twists and turns that make Redwings Nest such a unique album. The guitar takes on a psychedelic nature as the song shifts to various moods and textures. The dreamier part is quite trippy with some nice effects laden piano from Hunstad. The playful "Odd Jethegrythe" is another wild ride with heavy guitar riffs accentuated with bursts of tuba. It is these strange combinations that make this music so exciting. With the intriguing "Ming-Mang Dynasty" your head will be spinning trying to keep pace with the changes. Eerie sound effects and moody guitar establish the main theme before bursts of metallic riffs enter the fray, highlighted with trombone accents. The music is highly adventurous but I did find it a little disjointed as some of the transitions are not as smooth as I would like. That said, this is a minor complaint as the song is still highly enjoyable. The rest of the album is equally as adventurous with the twists and turns coming from every possible angle. The best part is there are still songs buried underneath all the insane musicianship.

Jazz rock and avant-garde metal fans will surely want to check out Redwings Nest, especially if you like music that pushes the boundaries and doesn't conform to the norm. Your dive into the avant-garde awaits…

Track Listing:
1. They Called Me Sotanic
2. Odd Jethegrythe
3. Ming-Mang Dynasty
4. Morrakvisten
5. Jan Mayen
6. Anne Kath
7. Redwings Nest
8. Second Row
9. Han Sagde Sa
10. Tore Hund
11. Journey

Added: September 9th 2014
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1995
Language: english

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