Airbag come up trumps with another progressive flavoured and atmospheric classic.
Release Date: 14th June 2024
Label: Karisma Records
Format: LP (coloured options with poster) / CD / digital
We have often extolled the virtues of the the vast musical library of Scandinavian Prog Rock. Norwegian band Airbaghave emerged to sit amongst the top echelon of this particular branch of progressive music. It might be a term many dislike, preferring a simple ‘rock’, but from the outset on The Century Of The Self, Airbag are right on the button.
Dysphoria develops from a stark and sparse opening, declaring how they don’t want any part of this conspiracy into a suitably grand opening piece. Subtle bass runs, melancholic synths and echoing guitar add up to a sublime atmospheric sound. On the other hand, Tyrants And Kings is more aggressive; crashing chords and a continual churning bass creates a majestic aura. This track builds and builds to a stunning climax before a solemn close.
Seeking an acoustic route on Awakening, Airbag show they are not one dimensional crash bang wallopers but can reveal clear understandable lyrics too. Adding a soothing yet chunky guitar solo, the whole track lulls you into a calm relaxed mood ideal for warm and friendly summer time listening. Talking of Erase as one of the heaviest tracks they’ve ever done, the prominent bass is more eerie with very satanic doom laden closure to the track. I really like the way Airbag accentuate the bass rather than hide it in the mix.
It’s perhaps no longer necessary to namecheck classic rock bands who have influenced Airbag but when they have put it all together they have a unique sound that creates interest in wanting to see them live, they are ideal for the late night festival arena.
For the finale, at a lengthy fifteen minutes, yet again they serve up a melancholic mood to wallow in. A subtle echo to the backing vocals and then a rise in dynamics stir you before it floats you back down into dreamland. Then a strong ending, again leading with a prominent bass line and an uplifting guitar solo to complete what’s sure to be declared by the likes of PROG mag as one of the strongest albums from the genre this year.
Here’s Erase:
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