Originally Posted by
John Watt
Prog Head! I saw that you first posted about this band, starting this thread in August 2014.
When I saw you were back here I had to look to see what's happening,
and I can always use a new Adventure, and I'm always looking toward a New Horizon.
Unfortunately, that's all I'm doing, looking.
Their photo on adventureprog.com is very interesting,
and looking at other links shows they always have wonderful artwork,
but I wasn't able to find a sample of their music.
Good for them, if they don't have to start giving it away for free.
That's being truly progressive as a band, if you're being a business to survive.
I have a small request for you. Have you ever heard of "Sinfonity".
Let me go for a YouTube link. I'm interested in seeing your reaction.
I used another video where they are playing a more interesting piece,
picking... oh yes... picking this one for you as an introduction.
I'm not saying my fretful picking could elevate this guitar orchestra,
but if they let me edit their English translation it would be more literate.
Unfortunately, no semi-solid-body guitars are involved.
I say, in terms of the Holy Bible in English, that we live in the worst of times.
Here in the Niagara Peninsula, my Mohawk friends say we live in an upside-down world.
My first comments about Sinfonity, if you started a new thread, would be about this.
Here I am, looking around YouTube and starting threads in classical music,
because I'm seeing symphonies and orchestras doing their versions of classic rock songs.
Here is the first electric guitar orchestra and they're doing their versions of classical music.
That's not just a duality, but polar opposites of who they are as musicians and what they are playing,
and for sure, it all has to be about what they can do to make a living as musicians.
okay... maybe some of them are like the senior bands that play around the peninsula,
retirees who have expensive hobbies.
Being in a rock band was more about meeting girls, as a classic motivation,
but what can symphony players say is their desire to play rock music?
It certainly isn't getting any of them up to dance while they're at it.
okay... okay... I've got more to say but I'll wait for you, if you want to.
Stylistically, 'Caught in the Web' sounds like a mesh of Uriah Heep (circa 'Firefly'), old Deep Purple, mid - 70's Alice Cooper, Jethro Tull, Camel and Pink Floyd. Total content holds the territory between classic rock and symphonic prog with a folk flair. Such kind of approach allows the material to give changes of pace and flow. Each composition effortlessly segues into its successor, giving the album a good feel of continuity... Having played together for more than 17 years, the core members Terje Flessen (guitars) and Odd-Roar Bakken (analogue keyboards) enlisted the help of several recruits: Terje Craig (bass, vocals), Elen Catherine Hopen Furunes (vocals) and Kristian Resell (drums). They are underpinned here by a superb singer Roar Nygard who's reminiscent of John Lawton - with the same tone, timbre and similar dramatic power. Two guest flutists, Lars Hyldmo and Tone Dahl, contribute their tinge to keep atmosphere over four tracks. Piano player Knut Erik Jensen gives an additional sense of variety to keep interest over the long haul. Adventure delivers a solid-catchy performance full of diversity and skill, nice on some quieter songs, yet mighty when the band rock out. Expertly sculpted in retro fashion, 'Caught In The Web' is dominated by vintage keyboards (Hammond, Moog). The orchestral grandeur from Odd-Roar Bakken reminds of Ken Hensley - although without sense of imitation. The guitar expert Terje Flessen has a wonderful ability to combine hard rock hooks and subtle melodies. A plodding rhythm section seems ready to burst at any moment, while flutes extend the musical horizon for listening pleasure. The beautiful female voice is simply haunting. Overall, an excellent stylized release. A solid step forward for Adventure, one that should get them the attention they deserve. This CD is beautifully packaged with a 16 page booklet featuring nice artwork, band photos and defined lyrics. For more information about the band check out the band's official website.
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