Airbag – Disconnected (Karisma Records, 2016)
Norwegian progressive rock band has effectively taking the torch of the classic Pink Floyd sound. The group is characterized by melancholic vocals combined with guitars that channel David Gilmour. Additionally, the group adds effects and lavish electronic atmospheres that take the listener into a world of psychedelic progressive rock mixed with post rock sensibilities.
Guitarist Bjørn Riis provides the most significant moments throughout the album. Riis extracts a wide-range of sounds out of his electric guitars. It’s astonishing how he’s managed to emulate many of the sounds that David Gilmour showcased in his Pink Floyd albums and concerts.
The title of the album reflects the life changes experienced by guitarist and composer Bjørn Riis: “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.”
Riis and his colleagues discussed adding more electronic elements and giving more room to the drums, “allowing them to be more percussive and basically avoid the usual rock formula on all songs.”
The lineup on Disconnected includes Asle Tostrup on lead vocals; Bjørn Riis on guitars and vocals; Henrik Fossum on drums; Anders Hovdan on bass.
Airbag’s previous releases include Identity (2009), All Rights Removed (2011) and The Greatest Show on Earth (2013).
Disconnected is a well-crafted recording featuring a set of memorable relaxed songs heavily-influenced by Pink Floyd’s guitars.
Buy Disconnected