Violent Years, The: Via Antarctica

I am hearing more and more great bands from Norway (look out Sweden) and you can add The Violent Years to that ever growing list. The band formed in 2003 and has released three full length albums thus far, including their latest titled Via Antarctica. The band cite influences such as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Beatles and David Bowie. I have to say this new album is a splendid slice of sophisticated pop music.

The album contains ten tracks beginning with “Via Antarctica�. A huge drum sound, tasty guitar riffs and catchy piano propel the song forward before Bowie-esque lead vocals in the lower register grab the listener’s attention. Definitely pop music with an edge. Biting guitar and a massive bass riff highlight the excellent “Shots Of Love� followed by “Who Decides� having a more subdued vocal approach with catchy backing vocals and textured synths and guitar. The Stranglers came to mind while listening to this one. The expertly crafted “Failure� has an XTC vibe while ‘Praise The Rain� is dark and moody which is appropriate considering the subject matter of global warming. The guitar solo has a slight psychedelic edge. There are five more tracks to wrap your head around.

This is sophisticated pop music with an artful twist. Highly recommended.

An Apollon Records release.

The band is:
Kenneth Bringsdal (lead and backing vocals, guitars, piano, Rhodes, synth, bass)
Jack van der Hagen (bass)
Kjetil Sjølingstad (piano, organ, synth, Mellotron, backing vocals)
Lars Erik Humborstad (lead guitar, synth, backing vocals)
Erland Dahlen (drums, percussion)

Track Listing:
1. Via Antarctica
2. Shots Of Love
3. Who Decides
4. Failure
5. Praise The Rain
6. New World Order
7. Stone Among Stones
8. Rebels With A Cause
9. Here Comes The Fear
10. The Plague

Added: May 12th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1462
Language: english

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