Lullabies in a Car Crash (Karisma Records, 2014)
Bjørn Riis is best known as the guitarist and backing vocalist for Norwegian progressive rock band Airbag. On his first solo album Lullabies in a Car Crash, fans of the band will encounter the familiar Floydian guitar sounds as well as the toned-down melancholic vocals inspired by Tim Bowness and Nick Drake.
The lyrics describe fear of abandonment, disaffection and loss. The music, however, is much brighter, combining exquisite mellotron and ambient electronics throughout the album with a rich set of guitar techniques, featuring Bjørn Riis’ signature solos inspired by David Gilmour and Steve Rothery. He also uses the post-rock techniques to create different moods.
Highlights include the first track, an instrumental ambient piece; and the lively ‘The Chase’ where Riis drops the gloomy feelings and ventures into full blown Pink Floyd-inspired progressive rock with outstanding guitar work.
The lineup on “Lullabies in a Car Crash”includes Airbag’s Henrik Fossum on drums and Asle Tostrup delivering loops and effects. Long-time Airbag collaborator Vegard Sleipnes co-produced the album together with Riis.
Lullabies in a Car Crash is a splendid debut album by Bjørn Riis that will appeal to fans of Pink Floyd.
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