Whether it’s a sign of the times, or simply a yearning for change, there are more bands and musicians these days ditching the typical song writing formula and thinking outside the box. Not so much within pop-music; that’s mainstream as standard, but the indie scene. The modern musicians with fresh, innovative ideas…are not just creating music, but pushing the boundaries of music as an art form itself. A prime example would be Brighton based duo NORDIC GIANTS. Consisting of permanent members Loki and Roka, the pair have just released a brand new album; “A Séance Of Dark Delusions” via KScope Records…a rich tapestry of musical indulgence if ever there was one…let’s check it out…
After a period of silence, the album eventually gets underway with “Elysian Skies”; a slightly hypnotic, lavish instrumental introduction, setting the tone on an almost theatrical scale. It’s easy to see why they've been described as cinematic by many, and before we know it, without realizing we’re listening to “Evolve Or Perish”; the tracks blending into one, the continuation, musically, adding a degree of depth and storytelling with sound. To some extent it’s not unlike parts of “A Thousand Suns” by LINKIN PARK in places given its ambiance, also using quotations oppose to lyrical content….an interesting listen.
The first vocalist proper comes in the form of Beth Cannon on the track “Rapture”, who’s delicately sweet tones bounce off the bold, almost orchestral level of musicianship steering the album through each track, which can similarly be said about “Give Fight To The Imagination”. Vocalist Freyja this time, again, soft-spoken but with the track itself however being far mellower, while tracks such as “Illuminate” and “A Thousand Lost Dreams” keep up with the albums overall dramatic feel. It’s easy to dismiss records such as this as being pretentious, but in reality it’s refreshing to hear. Granted, it’s not the type of album you’ll pick up and play on a whim for entertainments sake, it’s something you’ll need to absorb and appreciate, and it’s fair to say it’s not for everyone; however, that doesn't automatically make this a bad album. Nordic Giants by name, cold and vast by nature…the séance is in session…please be seated. [6]
After a period of silence, the album eventually gets underway with “Elysian Skies”; a slightly hypnotic, lavish instrumental introduction, setting the tone on an almost theatrical scale. It’s easy to see why they've been described as cinematic by many, and before we know it, without realizing we’re listening to “Evolve Or Perish”; the tracks blending into one, the continuation, musically, adding a degree of depth and storytelling with sound. To some extent it’s not unlike parts of “A Thousand Suns” by LINKIN PARK in places given its ambiance, also using quotations oppose to lyrical content….an interesting listen.
The first vocalist proper comes in the form of Beth Cannon on the track “Rapture”, who’s delicately sweet tones bounce off the bold, almost orchestral level of musicianship steering the album through each track, which can similarly be said about “Give Fight To The Imagination”. Vocalist Freyja this time, again, soft-spoken but with the track itself however being far mellower, while tracks such as “Illuminate” and “A Thousand Lost Dreams” keep up with the albums overall dramatic feel. It’s easy to dismiss records such as this as being pretentious, but in reality it’s refreshing to hear. Granted, it’s not the type of album you’ll pick up and play on a whim for entertainments sake, it’s something you’ll need to absorb and appreciate, and it’s fair to say it’s not for everyone; however, that doesn't automatically make this a bad album. Nordic Giants by name, cold and vast by nature…the séance is in session…please be seated. [6]
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