Adventure

Prog Head

Member
The third album from Norwegian ADVENTURE is a real treat. :cool: Stylistically, 'Caught in the Web' sounds like a mesh of Uriah Heep (circa 'Firefly'), old Deep Purple, mid - 70's Alice Cooper, Jethro Tull, Camel and Pink Floyd. Total content holds the territory between classic rock and symphonic prog with a folk flair. Such kind of approach allows the material to give changes of pace and flow. Each composition effortlessly segues into its successor, giving the album a good feel of continuity... Having played together for more than 17 years, the core members Terje Flessen (guitars) and Odd-Roar Bakken (analogue keyboards) enlisted the help of several recruits: Terje Craig (bass, vocals), Elen Catherine Hopen Furunes (vocals) and Kristian Resell (drums). They are underpinned here by a superb singer Roar Nygard who's reminiscent of John Lawton - with the same tone, timbre and similar dramatic power. Two guest flutists, Lars Hyldmo and Tone Dahl, contribute their tinge to keep atmosphere over four tracks. Piano player Knut Erik Jensen gives an additional sense of variety to keep interest over the long haul. Adventure delivers a solid-catchy performance full of diversity and skill, nice on some quieter songs, yet mighty when the band rock out. Expertly sculpted in retro fashion, 'Caught In The Web' is dominated by vintage keyboards (Hammond, Moog). The orchestral grandeur from Odd-Roar Bakken reminds of Ken Hensley - although without sense of imitation. The guitar expert Terje Flessen has a wonderful ability to combine hard rock hooks and subtle melodies. A plodding rhythm section seems ready to burst at any moment, while flutes extend the musical horizon for listening pleasure. The beautiful female voice is simply haunting. Overall, an excellent stylized release. A solid step forward for Adventure, one that should get them the attention they deserve. This CD is beautifully packaged with a 16 page booklet featuring nice artwork, band photos and defined lyrics. For more information about the band check out the band's official website.


http://www.adventureprog.com/

Adventure 2014.jpg
 
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Prog Head

Member
Prog Head said:
Things are gathering pace for next full-length release. :cool:
Click to expand...

Preliminary track list.

1. Slow fanfare.
2. Eiriene.
3. Refugees.
4. Destiny.
5. Horizon.
6. Nothing Will Change.
7. Here to Stay.
8. With Tears in Their Eyes.
9. You Belong...
10. Lighthouse.
11. For the Fallen.


Although, this is subject to change. :)
 
John Watt

John Watt

Member
Prog Head! I saw that you first posted about this band, starting this thread in August 2014.
When I saw you were back here I had to look to see what's happening,
and I can always use a new Adventure, and I'm always looking toward a New Horizon.

Unfortunately, that's all I'm doing, looking.
Their photo on adventureprog.com is very interesting,
and looking at other links shows they always have wonderful artwork,
but I wasn't able to find a sample of their music.
Good for them, if they don't have to start giving it away for free.
That's being truly progressive as a band, if you're being a business to survive.

I have a small request for you. Have you ever heard of "Sinfonity".
Let me go for a YouTube link. I'm interested in seeing your reaction.
I used another video where they are playing a more interesting piece,
picking... oh yes... picking this one for you as an introduction.

I'm not saying my fretful picking could elevate this guitar orchestra,
but if they let me edit their English translation it would be more literate.
Unfortunately, no semi-solid-body guitars are involved.




I say, in terms of the Holy Bible in English, that we live in the worst of times.
Here in the Niagara Peninsula, my Mohawk friends say we live in an upside-down world.
My first comments about Sinfonity, if you started a new thread, would be about this.
Here I am, looking around YouTube and starting threads in classical music,
because I'm seeing symphonies and orchestras doing their versions of classic rock songs.
Here is the first electric guitar orchestra and they're doing their versions of classical music.
That's not just a duality, but polar opposites of who they are as musicians and what they are playing,
and for sure, it all has to be about what they can do to make a living as musicians.
okay... maybe some of them are like the senior bands that play around the peninsula,
retirees who have expensive hobbies.
Being in a rock band was more about meeting girls, as a classic motivation,
but what can symphony players say is their desire to play rock music?
It certainly isn't getting any of them up to dance while they're at it.
okay... okay... I've got more to say but I'll wait for you, if you want to.
 
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Prog Head

Member
John Watt said:
Prog Head! I saw that you first posted about this band, starting this thread in August 2014.
When I saw you were back here I had to look to see what's happening,
and I can always use a new Adventure, and I'm always looking toward a New Horizon.

Unfortunately, that's all I'm doing, looking.
Their photo on adventureprog.com is very interesting,
and looking at other links shows they always have wonderful artwork,
but I wasn't able to find a sample of their music.
Good for them, if they don't have to start giving it away for free.
That's being truly progressive as a band, if you're being a business to survive.

I have a small request for you. Have you ever heard of "Sinfonity".
Let me go for a YouTube link. I'm interested in seeing your reaction.
I used another video where they are playing a more interesting piece,
picking... oh yes... picking this one for you as an introduction.

I'm not saying my fretful picking could elevate this guitar orchestra,
but if they let me edit their English translation it would be more literate.
Unfortunately, no semi-solid-body guitars are involved.




I say, in terms of the Holy Bible in English, that we live in the worst of times.
Here in the Niagara Peninsula, my Mohawk friends say we live in an upside-down world.
My first comments about Sinfonity, if you started a new thread, would be about this.
Here I am, looking around YouTube and starting threads in classical music,
because I'm seeing symphonies and orchestras doing their versions of classic rock songs.
Here is the first electric guitar orchestra and they're doing their versions of classical music.
That's not just a duality, but polar opposites of who they are as musicians and what they are playing,
and for sure, it all has to be about what they can do to make a living as musicians.
okay... maybe some of them are like the senior bands that play around the peninsula,
retirees who have expensive hobbies.
Being in a rock band was more about meeting girls, as a classic motivation,
but what can symphony players say is their desire to play rock music?
It certainly isn't getting any of them up to dance while they're at it.
okay... okay... I've got more to say but I'll wait for you, if you want to.
Click to expand...

Hi John. Thanx for your message. A bit later, I shall take a listen...
 

Prog Head

Member
It took a while, but today I am capable to present my humble review... :wave:

What specific references should be found on CD 'New Horizon' if you go to this release featuring the twelve cuts? A pastoral opener 'Slow Fanfare' belongs to the instrumental type of sympho-prog overture that brings a classic Genesis-like vibe. On the other hand, it's a case of influence rather than imitation. The muscular track 'Destiny' runs through the dynamic rhythm and strong melodicism matched with the paradigm of Uriah Heep (John Lawton era). To be honest, I got a dual feeling about 'Horizon Suite' which contains the radically different movements. The first four minutes offer a sort of mellow composition featuring gentle piano, fragile vocal courtesy, tasty guitars, delicate keyboards and pleasant rhythmic backdrop. By contrast, the next part suddenly turns into overly aggressive hard-rock orgy accompanied by narrative inputs. There's no wonder that I savor the former and dislike the latter. After that, the potent outing 'Eirene (Goddess Of Peace)' which holds the captivating lead vocals, multiple harmonies, swirling keyboards, excellent guitar lines, competent bass and tight drums. Then, Adventure lean towards 'You Belong' bearing the stylistic parallels to Blind Guardian. Despite of its brief duration, superlative interlude 'With Tears In Their Eyes' manages to touch my heart and soul. The longest plot on the disk, 'Lighthouse' embodies kinda a cross between Uriah Heep, Jethro Tull, Deep Purple and Genesis. The subsequent, fast track 'Here To Stay' sounds like a melting pot of the piercing guitar attacks, vintage keyboard layers, stirring bass loops and competent drum work. Unfortunately, this fruition was spoiled by the awful voice of female lead singer. I also have some scepticism concerning two following songs, as both of them ('Nothing Will Change' and 'In Search Of (A New Life)' are sticking to the formula of trivial pop-music. That's not quite right with the progressive rock album. Being a penultimate item, the short interlude 'For the Fallen' has only a nice combination of soothing piano and spoken narration. The final track 'Refugees' is another nod to Uriah Heep (late 70's).
To conclude.. You may find the critical remarks above somewhat redundant, but they are here for a very simple reason - compared with the previous album by Adventure, CD 'New Horizon' has a handful of drawbacks. Nevertheless, it's a decent effort as a whole.

Adventure.jpg
 

Prog Head

Member
It's been a long while since the last update, but lockdown has actually made it a very productive and creative period for Adventure. In fact, the guys will need to decide how and when they release the double album.
 
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