Wobbler – Dwellers of the Deep (Karisma Records, 2020)
Wobbler is undoubtedly one of the finest progressive rock acts in the current international scene. The Norwegian band plays state of the art progressive symphonic rock that is deeply influenced by the great classic bands of the early 1970s, free from sappy pop and annoying metal riffing.
Dwellers of the Deep is Wobbler’s fifth album and is yet another gem. On Dwellers of the Deep you’ll hear echoes of progressive-era Yes, Canterbury legends Hatfield and the North, Van der Graaf Generator and the masterful Italian bands PFM and Banco. However, Wobbler has developed a sound of its own.
Wobbler has all the ingredients of a superb progressive rock band: excellent musicianship, engaging vocals, memorable melodies, captivating interplay, exquisitely crafted arrangements, and a mix of epic pieces and delectable pastoral moments, with a fabulous grand finale titled “Merry Macabre.”
Lars Fredrik Frøislie uses an arsenal of beloved keyboard instruments: mellotron, electric organ, piano and synths. Geir Marius Bergom Halleland is a master at both electric and acoustic guitars. The bass work is equally outstanding. Kristian Karl Hultgren delivers creative bass lines throughout Dwellers of the Deep while drummer Martin Nordrum Kneppen provides skillful beats. Wobbler’s lead singer Andreas Wettergreen Strømman Prestmo is a talented artist who contributes varied, deeply satisfying vocal work.
The lineup includes Lars Fredrik Frøislie on keyboards and backing vocals; Kristian Karl Hultgren on bass, bass clarinet, bass recorder; Martin Nordrum Kneppen on drums, percussion, recorder; Andreas Wettergreen Strømman Prestmo on vocals, guitar, glockenspiel, percussion; and Geir Marius Bergom Halleland on lead guitar, backing vocals.
Dwellers of the Deep is a top contender for best progressive rock album of 2020.
The band’s previous recordings include Hinterland (The Laser’s Edge, 2005), Afterglow (Termo Records, 2009) , Rites at Dawn (Termo Records, 2011) and From Silence to Somewhere (Karisma Records, 2017).