Eclectic, eccentric, and quirky are three words that always come to mind whenever the subject of Tusmørke comes up either when listening to or discussing the group’s music with one’s fellow minded geeks and freaky friends. Psychedelic prog rock with a seemingly endless stream of creativity running through it might be the most apt way of summarizing what these musically adventurous Norwegians do yet it also feels slightly like selling them short as there is much more to their sound and expression than that. None of their albums sound exactly alike yet there is no mistaking that unique and easily identifiable style, charisma, and melodic flair of theirs.
Their upcoming LP titled Hestehoven is a deeply atmospheric and evocative offering that perfectly encapsulates everything that is great and special about the ensemble, and it covers quite a bit of musical ground. Things move seamlessly between the folk-esque and whimsical and from hazy psychedelia to complete darkness. Melodically strong and hard-hitting but also with a prominent sense of melancholy that one simply does not come across anywhere else, there is absolutely nothing ordinary or pedestrian about this gem. With its warmth, analogue vibe and organic feel, the entire opus is nothing if not vibrant and dynamic, and there is so much light and shade as well as wicked details and nuances to be discovered and enjoyed throughout that it almost borders on the ridiculous. In other words, there is longevity to this endlessly fascinating output, and this is one of those vigorous-sounding excursions into progressive musical territory that is chock full of surprises and infinitely rewarding if one is merely patient and focused.
Hestehoven is a stately piece of innovative prog that ought to please all fans and lovers of forward-thinking music that are on the lookout for something with an abundance of mysticism, folklore, dark humour, and a subtle aura of something ever so slightly sinister coursing through it.
Hestehoven will be out via Karisma Records on August 18, 2023.
