Infringement – Transition
Infringement was another of my favorite band surprise finds of 2019. I did not know the band before hearing their new album, Alienism. That album finished 6th on my list of favorite albums of 2019.
The band sent me their debut album, Transition, released May 17, 2017, and I am enjoying getting to know this band even better. When I was writing the review for Alienism, I found out that Transition “follows the development of a local society through the last couple of centuries. Focusing in on one family across different generations, seen through the eyes of an anthropomorphic house”. A very interesting concept, that I had to hear and now review.
On Transition, Hans Andreas Brandal sings a lot like Fish on the album, opener “Conception”. The music has that IQ sound, mixed well with maybe some Arena. A good opener. Good balance between keyboards and electric guitars.
Drums, then electric guitars as we move into “Infancy”. Brandal sings well with hard bass and organ surrounding him. The drums are well placed and the electric guitar riffs are perfect.
“Childhood” settles down after an 80s metal/rock opening, to cool keys and guitars. It stops and starts with good time sequences. Very much like Arena and early Marillion.
“Adolescence” opens with cool keyboard and vocal echoes and Brandal singing like Jeoff Tate. More of that cool Marillion/Arena musical sound, but not enough of the original sound we will hear in Alienism.
“Passage”, may be one of the best songs on this album. The lead guitar solo with backing keyboards is a triumph. It only lasts 1:08, but it is magic!
“Adulthood”, is also one of the best songs on the album. The keyboard and electric guitar opening is just perfect. A deep, Arena – like welcome. Brandal sings soft before a powerful IQ, overwhelming deep, dark keyboard and electric guitar theme. This song is one of the best songs on the album.
“Patina” is the best song on the album. It opens with a cool keyboard buzz, then that Dream Theater-like buildup. Drums and soaring lead electric guitar, well-balanced with sprinkles of, just the right keyboards. Then some growling, heavy guitar. Power Rush guitars and organ. Just devastating. This is also the epic track on the album at 9:56, complete with guest female vocals as well from Elisabeth Syrdal Ellingsen.
The closer, “Rebirth”, is a short but satisfying way to close out this album and point towards the next.
Transition is not as unique as Alienism, but it is a great debut album that I’m sure would have made my top albums list; just because this band is so unique and influenced by Arena’s band leader. Please get out there and listen to this album and Alienism. This band is one of the best new Neo Prog bands I’ve heard lately.
Transition is produced by Stig André Clason and Kristoffer
Utby. The album was produced at the Progshack Studio. The album was mixed by
Arild Brøter, at the Spider Room Studio. Album mastering was completed by David
Zells – Lydspesialisten. Artwork and design by Stig André Clason. Øystein Heide
Aadland plays awesome guest keyboards. Clive Nolan, plays lead keyboards on “Adolescence”
and “Patina”. Elisabeth Syrdal Ellingsen, sings guest vocals on “Patina”. Morten
L. Clason, plays saxophone, on “Midlife”.
Track List
- Conception – 3:50
- Infancy – 7:21
- Childhood – 6:01
- Adolescence – 7:36
- Passage – 1:08
- Adulthood – 6:28
- Midlife – 3:53
- Patina – 9:56
- Rebirth – 2:16
https://infringement.bandcamp.com/album/transition