Tag: Airbag

Bryan’s Best of 2024

On By Bryan MoreyIn progressive rock2 Comments

Well here we are in early 2025, and I’m just now getting to my Best Of list for 2024. I know I’ve been pretty much AWOL from Progarchy over the past year. That wasn’t initially intentional, but it was a busy year with a lot of change for me. I started 2024 unemployed before having to move from St. Louis to Kentucky for a new job at the end of February. I’ve also been reviewing albums for over ten years now without much of a break, so I ended up using 2024 as a break, apart from a concert review here and a couple albums reviewed for the DPRP. My plan is to get back into it this year, starting with some highlights from last year.

Perhaps representative of my lessened interest in writing reviews over 2024, I wasn’t quite as adventurous with my listening. My list, then, is shorter than past years, and I think it is a weaker list than past years. I don’t know if that reflects the year in music or just my year. Whatever.

Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks – True

A fun poppy yet progressive album from the man with the ageless voice. Anderson sounds just about as good today as he did 50 years ago, and I’m glad he’s still making music. I didn’t listen to the album all that much, but it is one I want to return to in the future.

Vanden Plas – The Empyrean Equation Of The Long Lost Things

Germany’s best prog metal outfit returned with another concept album. It isn’t particularly groundbreaking, as very few of their recent albums have been. If you like Vanden Plas, you’ll know what to expect – symphonic, progressive metal with excellent vocals and cryptic storytelling.

Wheel – Charismatic Leaders

A solid album from the Finnish band. Unfortunately it didn’t go in the direction I hoped it would after their stellar 2022 “Rumination” EP, which is included at the end of this album on CD. It isn’t as heavy, and plays it a little safe. Nevertheless, it still drew me back again and again.

Devin Townsend – Powernerd

I haven’t given this one much time as I haven’t purchased the CD yet, but it is a fun run through Devin’s heavier but still approachable side. He has been busy with multiple projects over the last few years, with Powernerd being the first of more to come.

The Tangent – To Follow Polaris

With band members busy with other projects and mastermind Andy Tillison feeling the urge to create, this record is a Tillison solo Tangent album. He plays and sings it all here. Not to worry, though, because he’s still the masterful lyric-writer. He’s also learned a lot from his bandmates, making this a fine addition to their discography until they all get the time to sit down and work on another record as a group.

Steve Hackett – The Circus and the Nightwhale

A proper concept album from my favorite guitarist. This record didn’t speak to me as much as his past solo records from the past decade, but it is still very good and worthy of inclusion on this list. I still wonder how much of my apathy towards it has to do with what was going on in my life when it was released.

Airbag – The Century of the Self

I’ve been familiar with Airbag for years now, but I never really listened to much of their music. Over the last several years, however, I have dug into guitarist Björn Riis’ solo output, which is criminally underrated. So good. So when his main band released a new album, I gave it several listens, and it is quite good. Atmospheric, gloomy, contemplative – definitely a record worth checking out.

Frost* – Life In The Wires

Nice to have Frost* back making albums on a more consistent basis. This one is heavy, bordering on metal at points, but retaining that sound this is so unique to them.

Big Big Train – A Flare On The Lens (Live in London)

A brilliant live record from my favorite band. After seeing them live for my first time in March, this record is a wonderful companion with a similar setlist. The live record is taken from two shows played back-to-back nights at Cadogan Hall in London, with a bonus set featuring seven tracks only played the first night. The result is three hours of music with a terrific light show and brass band. The audio and picture quality are both top notch.

2. Big Big Train – The Likes Of Us

The band’s first studio album without David Longdon, and their first with Alberto Brevin on lead vocals. It’s a masterpiece, nodding to the band’s past while embracing its future. I have returned to the album consistently throughout the year, and it never fails to disappoint. “Miramare” is my favorite track off the album – the guitar solo making it worth the price of admission by itself. So glad the band decided to keep going and growing.

1. Caligula’s Horse – Charcoal Grace

    The best album yet from Australia’s premier prog-metal outfit. Heavier than past efforts while retaining earworm melodies, crunchy riffs, and exceptional vocals. I’m bummed I only found out about their North America tour, including a stop in nearby Nashville, after the fact. This record has been the one I’ve returned to most consistently over the course of the year, and as such it receives my top billing for album of the year.

    My favorite concert of the year goes to Big Big Train. I’m so glad I was able to be there for the band’s historic first-ever American show at Sweetwater in Indiana, and I’ve already purchased my ticket for their upcoming show there in April. I’m not usually one to travel long distances for concerts, but this is one band for which I will make that exception. Here’s hoping it can be an annual event.

    Sorry again for being so absent this year, but I do hope to change that in 2025. Prog on.

    Forthcoming Bjorn Riis

    On By bradbirzerIn progressive rockLeave a comment

    I had no idea (until a few moments ago) that Airbag’s Bjorn Riis had a forthcoming solo album.  The teaser sounds gorgeous.

    Best Prog of 2016, Part III

    On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock3 Comments

    Ok, so I’m taking a bit to get through my best of 2016.  It was a GOOD year.  Certainly not when it came to violence or politics, but music.  It soothes my upset soul.  Thank you, fellow proggers.

    stranger-things-cdOne quick note before I dive into part III.

    I must mention an album (two parter) that brought immense joy to me this year: the soundtrack of STRANGER THINGS.  I’ve had the opportunity to sing the praises of this glorious 8-part nostalgia trip of a Netflix series elsewhere, and I’m terrible at trying to describe and review electronic music.  Regardless, this soundtrack captures the mystery of the series just perfectly.  I’ve seen the series three times, and I’ve listened to the two-CD soundtrack a million more.  Few things will define 2016 as much as this series did.

    Ok, back to regular programming. . .

    Continue reading “Best Prog of 2016, Part III” →

    Airbag’s DISCONNECTED: The Spirit of Mark Hollis and Rick Wright

    On By bradbirzerIn progressive rockLeave a comment

    Review of Airbag, DISCONNECTED (Karisma, 2016).  Tracks: Killer; Broken; Slave; Sleepwalker; Disconnected; Returned.

    airbag disconnected
    Airbag, DISCONNECTED (Karisma, 2016).

    identity
    IDENTITY (2009).  It could be none-more-Talk Talk.

     

    When Airbag first appeared on the prog scene with their extraordinary album, IDENTITY (2008-2009), they seemed a fascinating cross between Pink Floyd and Talk Talk, at least in their influences.  Or more accurately, perhaps, imagine Pink Floyd performing Talk Talk songs.  Even the cover of IDENTITY looked like something James Marsh would’ve painted.  The atmosphere the band created—at least in the studio—was nothing short of astounding.  Moody, driven, and meaningful.  One might be tempted to call their music prog shoe-gaze.

    Their first and only (as far as I know) live release, LIVE IN OSLO, proved just how amazingly talented the four members of Airbag are.  After hearing them live, no one could dismiss them as a studio band merely.  As much as I liked IDENTITY, it was the 24 minutes of LIVE IN OSLO that utterly blew me away.  Upon my first listen to this short album, I knew this band was something special.

    Continue reading “Airbag’s DISCONNECTED: The Spirit of Mark Hollis and Rick Wright” →

    RochaNews: Airbag’s new song, “Killer”

    On By bradbirzerIn Brian Rocha, progressive rockLeave a comment
     
    AIRBAG, PROG MAGAZINE PREMIERE NEW SONG “KILLER” FROM UPCOMING ALBUM “DISCONNECTED”
    “Disconnected” out June 10 on Karisma Records; new “Disconnected” website launched
    OSLO, Norway – Norwegian progressive rock act, Airbag, has teamed up with Prog Magazine to launch a new song, “Killer,” from the band’s upcoming fourth studio album, Disconnected, at: http://teamrock.com/news/2016-05-03/airbag-premiere-new-track-killer.


    “Killer was one of the first songs written for Disconnected,” commented Airbag guitarist Bjørn Riis. “I had this idea of this ruthless corporate guy who used everyone to gain success – sort of Bateman from American Psycho meets Wall Street’s Gordon Gekko. He’s outside, or disconnected from, the rules of our society.


    “Musically, ‘Killer’ is slightly different from what we’ve done before. There’s more emphasis on the drums, different rhythm patterns and electronic elements. It really was a band effort, where everyone was contributing ideas and trying out new stuff.”
     
    Disconnected, the follow-up to Airbag’s critically acclaimed 2013 release The Greatest Show on Earth, will release on June 10 via Karisma Records. 

    The band has launched a Disconnected website with several pre-order options, video content and more at: http://www.airbagdisconnected.com/.


    Featuring six songs with a common theme of alienation between the individual and society, Disconnected was recorded with long-time collaborator and engineer Vegard Sleipnes and produced by Airbag vocalist Asle Tostrup and guitarist Bjørn Riis.


    Guitarist Bjørn Riis adds: “The early demos for ‘Disconnected’ were written during a couple of months in late 2014. The idea and inspiration for most of the lyrics, and the title track in particular, came from me realizing that I had to make some changes in my life. I was tired of the daily routine, working 9-5 in an office doing basically nothing and never having enough time for my family and music. I took a year off and started writing for the album.


    “As for the music, you want to look forward and explore new sounds and musical ground. We talked a lot about wanting to use more electronic elements and giving more room for the drums, allowing them to be more percussive and basically avoid the usual rock formula on all songs. We also wanted to do a more stripped down production and create a more spacious and dynamic sound.”
     
    1. Killer
    2. Broken
    3. Slave
    4. Sleepwalker
    5. Disconnected
    6. Returned

    Airbag’s music is best described as scenic, epic rock – a sonic journey of lush soundscapes and arrangements, underlined by soaring guitars and soulful vocals. Airbag’s three previous album releases: Identity (2009), All Right Removed (2011) and The Greatest Show on Earth(2013) have gained the band a solid following and reputation among both fans and the press. Prog Magazine hailed The Greatest Show on Earth as a “confident step in the right direction, so much so you’re led to believe that album number four really could be the big one.”


    Over the years, Airbag has also become a solid live act, playing at several major festivals and as support and in double-bills with bands like Marillion, Anathema, Pineapple Thief, Riverside, RPWL and Gazpacho.


    Stay tuned for more information on Airbag and Disconnected, out next month on Karisma Records.
     
    -###-
     

    RochaNews: New Airbag

    On By bradbirzerIn progressive rockLeave a comment

    I’m absolutely thrilled to read this news.  I think the previous three albums have been outstanding, each better than the one before, and the solo album by Bjorn Riis was a thing of beauty as well.  They started off rather Pink Floydish, but they’ve certainly become their own band with their own sound over the past two albums.–Brad

    AIRBAG ANNOUNCES FOURTH STUDIO ALBUM “DISCONNECTED” ON KARISMA RECORDS
    “Disconnected” out June 10; teaser video streaming online
    OSLO, Norway – Norwegian progressive rock act, Airbag, has announced its fourth studio album, Disconnected, to be released on June 10 via Karisma Records. A teaser video for Disconnected, the follow-up to the band’s critically acclaimed 2013 release The Greatest Show on Earth, can be seen on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/gG8vNaWnm1g.
    Guitarist Bjørn Riis comments: “The early demos for ‘Disconnected’ were written during a couple of months in late 2014. The idea and inspiration for most of the lyrics, and the title track in particular, came from me realizing that I had to make some changes in my life. I was tired of the daily routine, working 9-5 in an office doing basically nothing and never having enough time for my family and music. I took a year off and started writing for the album.
    “As for the music, you want to look forward and explore new sounds and musical ground. We talked a lot about wanting to use more electronic elements and giving more room for the drums, allowing them to be more percussive and basically avoid the usual rock formula on all songs. We also wanted to do a more stripped down production and create a more spacious and dynamic sound.”
    Featuring six songs with a common theme of alienation between the individual and society, Disconnected was recorded with long-time collaborator and engineer Vegard Sleipnes and produced by Airbag vocalist Asle Tostrup and guitarist Bjørn Riis.
    1. Killer
    2. Broken
    3. Slave
    4. Sleepwalker
    5. Disconnected
    6. Returned
    Airbag’s music is best described as scenic, epic rock – a sonic journey of lush soundscapes and arrangements, underlined by soaring guitars and soulful vocals. Airbag’s three previous album releases: Identity (2009), All Right Removed (2011) and The Greatest Show on Earth(2013) have gained the band a solid following and reputation among both fans and the press. Prog Magazine hailed The Greatest Show on Earth as a “confident step in the right direction, so much so you’re led to believe that album number four really could be the big one.”
    Over the years, Airbag has also become a solid live act, playing at several major festivals and as support and in double-bills with bands like Marillion, Anathema, Pineapple Thief, Riverside, RPWL and Gazpacho.
    Stay tuned for more information on Airbag and Disconnected, out this June on Karisma Records.
    -###-
    Airbag is:
    Bjørn Riis – guitar
    Asle Tostrup – vocals, keys, programming
    Anders Hovdan – bass
    Henrik Fossum – drums
    Airbag online:

    Dark Nordic Lullabies

    On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

    Review of Bjorn Riis, LULLABIES IN A CAR CRASH (Karisma Records, 2014).  52 minutes.  Six songs: A New Day; Stay Calm; Disappear; Out of Reach; The Chase; Lullaby in a Car Crash.

    From Karisma Records.
    From Karisma Records.

    Without a doubt, my favorite Porcupine Tree song is “Arriving Somewhere But Not Here.”  If you could take the best of that 12 minute song—its moodiness, its psychedelic atmosphere, its thundering bass and guitar, its surrealism—and expand it to 52 minutes in length, you’d have Riis’s solo album, LULLABIES IN A CAR CRASH.

    Of course, you might also find yourself with a slightly less depressing version of Pink Floyd’s ANIMALS or THE FINAL CUT or a less religious and more nordic version of Talk Talk’s SPIRIT OF EDEN.

    Whatever you’d have, you’d be listening to and holding something of intensity, struggle, and beauty.  LULLABIES couldn’t be any moodier, frankly.  In fact, if you’re feeling the holiday blues at all, don’t come near this album.  If, however, you’re in a good state of mind, in a darkened room, wearing your state-of-the-art headphones, and sipping a vodka-tonic, then you’re a blessed listener.  It won’t get better than this.

    Indeed, this is the perfect early 1980s album, the type of album that you could (and probably will, even if you’re now in your 40s) listen to again and again and again, trying to immerse yourself in the very Riis-Hollis-Waters-Wilson atmosphere: thick, claustrophobic, and all-pervasive.

    Bjorn Riis, having entered the Norse pantheon of prog deities.
    Bjorn Riis, having entered the Norse pantheon of prog deities.

    No one can avoid comparing Riis’s work here or with Airbag to Floyd and PT.  Yet, there’s something distinctively Riis-ian, too.  This is no mere cover band.  By no means.  In large part, Riis brings three critical things to each of his albums: 1) a haunting vocal style; 2) the uncanny ability to allow his music to flow, organically, as did Mark Hollis; and 3) an outrageously fine sense of audiophilia.

    Of course, has there been a misfire from any Scandinavian prog release since Roine Stolt’s mind-bogglingly good THE FLOWER KING?  Not that I know of.

    Riis ably follows in this noble tradition.

    To learn more, visit Riis’s official site: http://www.bjornriis.com/about/

    Don’t Overlook Airbag

    On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music2 Comments

    One of the best and most interesting Englishmen I’ve never actually met in person, Richard Thresh, recommended I check out a Norwegian band, Airbag, about two summers ago.  Richard’s views and recommendations are almost always (in fact, I can’t think of one with which I’ve disagreed) spot on.  He cautioned me that a lot of prog folk in the U.K. have dismissed them as warmed-over Pink Floyd, but that I should still listen to them anyway.

    Airbag GreatestI did.  But, appearances first.

    Their first album cover—the best in my opinion—could be the sequel to Talk Talk’s The Party’s Over.  This has James Marsh written (illustrated!) all over it.  A single bulbous blue eye cries a teardrop of blood.  It is equally disturbing and artistically enticing.

    Before even talking indepth about the music, let me add up a couple of things.  A recommendation from Richard Thresh, a band from Norway, and a cover painting inspired by James Marsh.  Three for three.

    What about the music?  Yes, they wear their Pink Floyd (mostly Gilmour) influences rather dramatically on their psychedelic sleeves.  In fact, they do so really loudly.  And, the cover of their most recent album, Greatest Show on Earth, has a very 1980s Floydish look.  The guitarwork could be done by a student of Gilmour’s, and the organist possesses a rather Wrightish touch.

    Comparing them to Floyd, though, isn’t enough.  Not surprisingly, especially given the artwork of the first album, a rather strong air of Mark Hollis and Tim Friese-Greene hangs over all in a thick entangled and shifting haze as well.

    Some reviewers also have heard some A-ha in Airbag.  Granted, each band begins with an A, and each is from Norway.  Otherwise, I hear no similarities at all between the two.  This, though, is quite possibly a limitation on my part, as I own all of Airbag’s music, while I’ve listened to only two of A-ha’s albums—each years ago.

    Whatever influences these guy wear openly, they are their own band.  The musicianship of Airbag is simply outstanding.  For proof of this, listen to their two-track live album, Live in Oslo (2008).  Holy smokes, this is great stuff.  Though only 24 minutes long, Live in Oslo ranks, at least in my mind, as a live recording up there with Rush’s Exit Stage Left and Anathema’s Universal.  These guys can really, really, really (I could keep going here) play.

    It was listening to this short live album that convinced me of their excellence.  The two songs sound almost conducted in the sense that Bruno Walter conducts the Viennese Philharmonic.

    airbag identityA point about the lyrics.  I know absolutely nothing in any personal way about the musicians in Airbag.  If they vote socialist or if they worship Freya—I have no idea.

    But, I really (yes, multiply this word several times) like their lyrics.  The lyrics are more Hollis than Floyd.  And, that’s a good thing, as they reach a very poetic level.  One could easily listen to the vocals merely as another instrument in the Airbag’s music–the singer is this good to be a standalone instrument—but one should really attempt to bring the lyrics and their meaning into he music.  As just mentioned, they reach poetic levels, but they also deal very interestingly with what might be called, apolitically, libertarian themes.  Meaning, they lyrics explore very nicely and intelligently the role of community, individuality, rights, artistry, creativity, and conformity.

    My final word in this post.  Don’t let the comparisons to Pink Floyd throw you off.  Yes, the band is rather proudly and openly Floydian, but in terms of skill, musicianship, harmony, purpose, and lyricism, they reach toward great heights.

    When your monthly budget allows you to purchase that next cd and you’re in the mood to try out a new band, don’t overlook these guys.

    I almost did, but Richard Thresh prevented me from making this mistake.  Start with the two-song live album.  If you like it, purchase any or all of their three studio albums: Identity; All Rights Removed; and/or The Greatest Show on Earth.  You won’t regret it.  In fact, you might even need to send a thank you note to Richard.

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