Soft Ffog – Focus (Is it Jazz? Records, 2025)
Norwegian progressive music band Soft Ffog returns with Focus, a follow-up that is at once tighter, bolder, and more expansive than their debut. Released through Is It Jazz? Records, the 2025 album dives headfirst into classic progressive rock waters, embracing the spirit of 1970s giants like Focus (Netherlands) and Camel (UK). Yet, crucially, the band does not simply replicate the past. Instead, they weave fuzz-drenched guitar lines, odd-meter grooves, and sprawling instrumental explorations into a sound that leans closer to contemporary jazz’s adventurous spirit than pure prog-rock.
At the heart of this artistic leap is guitarist Tom Hasslan, whose compositions navigate intricate, often dazzling terrain without sacrificing melody. His writing steers the quartet into spaces that feel challenging yet deeply satisfying. Alongside Hasslan, a heavyweight lineup, featuring Axel Skalstad (Krokofant, Red Kite) on drums, Trond Frønes (Grand General) on bass, and Vegard Lien Bjerkan (WIZRD) on keyboards. They never lose sight of the group’s jazz roots, striking an impressive balance between precision and freedom.
Recorded at Studio Paradiso by Christian Engfelt (who also co-produced), the album was mastered by Espen Høydalsvik. The fantasy style cover art is by Einar Evju, with design contributions from Tom Korsvold.
Track list:
- Camel
- Pocus
- Focus
- Oh Jimi
Buy Focus.