The Windmill

Prog Head

Member
'To Be Continued' is the debut album by Norwegian band THE WINDMILL. It has been two years since I've heard their demo material and I for one have been looking forward to this CD. Influences from IQ, Pallas, Arena, Pink Floyd, Pendragon, Salmon, Alan Parsons Project, Camel, Jethro Tull are clearly present. You should trust this enumeration as in it is true and on obvious parts of music from above-mentioned acts can be found. The opening track 'Cinnamon' suggests from its intro that this album may be a trip into high-quality neo-prog style. And The Windmill does it so well that the best thing to do is to sit back and indulge yourself...:)
A bit IQ-ish, but these guys do it justice. Lovely keyboard sounds and great guitar playing. 'The Colour Of Seasons' is a bit more different in its construction. A cross between Pink Floyd and Uriah Heep's keyboards. But the music is great presented up with an epic-number 'A Day In A Hero's Life' (21:43) - where all sections flow effortlessly... Another instrumental composition ('The Eagle') is split into some parts run together successfully identified by the change in instrumentation. 'Don't Be Afraid' sound like a mixture of Jethro Tull, Alan Parsons Project and Led Zeppelin...
The album ends on the Camelesque instrumental title-track with a superb characteristic.

http://home.online.no/~erborgen/News.html
 
teddy

teddy

Duckmeister
Another interesting piece Prog Head. You obviously feel passionate on this subject Keep them coming please

teddy
 

Prog Head

Member
‘The Continuation’ is the second CD from THE WINDMILL. The band succeeds in creating a sound of their own even though there’re some similarities; fortunately only on the surface level. The first influence is Camel and the very beginning of the album makes that clear. It develops into a hypnotic groove bearing fine resemblances to Jethro Tull, Genesis and Pink Floyd. A few sumptuous neo-progressive components float around. The whole album comprises over 53 min, giving time and scope for thematic developments from beautiful piano and flute embellishment to pulsing synthesizer work intertwined by subtle yet powerful guitars. Throughout, the good production allows every element to have enough space to be heard. The lush orchestration is full of contrasts and variety. A chief protagonist Jean Robert Viita succeeds to draw attention by swirly keyboards. There’s superb guitar performance from Erik Borgen and Stig Andre Clason, who are sparring off each other in-between different parts of the material. Worthy of note is drummer Sam Arne Noland. He underscores each piece with beats, while Arnfinn Isaksen does a vibrant job on the bass. A mention should also go to Morten Clason (saxophone, flute, singing). Top notch musicianship, great instrumental tones and distinctive vocal performances. :) If you appreciate a fairy standard progressive rock, then you can find much to enjoy by joining The Windmill’s musical voyage... Not to forget the artwork, which is really special – Kirsten K. Viita has done an excellent booklet with images that fit the music inside very well. :cool:

http://www.thewindmill.no/The_Windmill/Home.html

The Windmill.jpg
 
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Prog Head

Member
Below you can see a front cover for the upcoming album named 'Tribus'.

Tribus (cover).jpg


Track-listing is as follows:

1. The Tree.
2. Storm.
3. Dendrophenia.
4. Make Me Feel.
5. Play With Fire.


Will be available on November, 15th.
 

Prog Head

Member
Overview.

‘Tribus’ is my third encounter with Norwegian band THE WINDMILL that does live up to expectations. Once again, the keyboard player Jean Robert Viita and his crew (respectively, Erik Borgen – lead singing & guitars; Morten Loken Clason - flutes, sax, b/v; Sam-Arne Nøland - drums; Stig André Clason - guitars, Arnfinn Isaksn - bass) have proven their talent and masterity. There's so much going on the new issue to provide a substantial added value. As starting point, I have to say that 'Tibus' comprises five tracks to extend almost 53 minutes, where each sonic excursion is perfectly done, leaving the listener enough of time to explore the musical approach.. Now for a look at the songs individually. The album comes off with a multifaced epic ‘The Tree’, builded around improvisational prowess. The pastoral introduction brings a recognisable Genesis hallmark which gradually flows towards to the pulsating template of IQ. What emerges after a while is a gentle piano accompaniment, leading up to the emotive voice of lead singer and lovely harmonies, whilst the stylish guitar excursion and rhythmic background are succeeding to pose the tight display of ensemble musicianship. In terms of execution, this part is reminiscent of the Dutch neo-prog scene. The continuation reveals a bizarre collage featuring sax and flute, jazzy tones and folky themes changed by latino colors and sudden acapella performance, the exciting instrumental propulsions alongside movie soundtrack feel. The later segment harks back to a mellow pattern, standing pretty close to Silhouette. Using a fadeaway formula, the whole thing ends with a graceful melodic signature comparable with classic Pendragon. Sure, that was a tremendous start for the journey. Then 4 more chapters to go. A sensitive instrumental piece titled 'Storm' has the main focus on exploring moods and atmospheres, complete with sound waves and deep space in the production department. The core influences here are ranging from the orchestration type of Alan Parsons Project to the 70's Genesis paradigm in an intriguing manner. By the token, Camel and Fish On Friday also come to my mind. To surprise, the distinctive guitar passages may be associated with such masters as Vinnie Moore and Joe Satriani. The next track ‘Dendrophenia’ switches to realm of hard- rock, most closely reminding about Deep Purple - just think of their 'Come Taste The Band' album and you won’t go far wrong. The follow-up, melodically crafted ‘Make Me Feel’ sounds like a nod to Arena. The influence is apparent, albeit the embodiment is a bit different. Rounding out this disc, a peppy cut ‘Play With Fire’ wraps things up in a Jethro Tull styling. As final point, I would say that the cover art (by Kirsten Knoph Viita) is well suited to the repertoire and overall it’s a beautiful package. The lyrics and drawn images complement the quality of music contained within. All in all, The Windmill have done a great job. So folks, make no hesitation and reserve a spot for "Tribus" on your CD shelf. RECOMMENDED!

The Windmill.jpg

http://thewindmill.no/music.html
 
John Watt

John Watt

Member
Prog Head! This is the most recent of two of your threads that got bumped up over my new one.
I don't know if this is you, but if it is and you're still looking, I'm here for you.

I asked you about Sinfonity, if I remember the name correctly, and I'm still interested in your comments.

But I'm here mainly to ask if you saw my new thread about a request for a new forum,
that I call "symphonic electric". I would think you would support me with this.
It's in line with "electric guitar orchestras", whether they recreate classical sheet music,
or perform originals, with or without drummers, a conductor, a mosh pit or vocalist.
I see this as being as much of an evolution of the human musical mind,
as the change from Chuck Berry style rock and roll to bands like Deep Purple and Yes.
I know you can document that far more than me,
and I'm confident you can dive into it with a far bigger splash than I can.
I might be trying to set the stage, but so far it's just a lonely request.

If being in this domain, Magle.dk, was like playing in a bar in Niagara Falls for American tourists,
logging in would be like paying a cover charge to get inside, and if this domain was like being the band,
I'd be delivering this request by putting a five dollar bill in front of Frederik Magle onstage,
hoping he would get the band, his admins, go along with it.
If I could do that I would, only now it would be a twenty.
 

Prog Head

Member
John Watt said:
Prog Head! This is the most recent of two of your threads that got bumped up over my new one.
I don't know if this is you, but if it is and you're still looking, I'm here for you.

I asked you about Sinfonity, if I remember the name correctly, and I'm still interested in your comments.
Click to expand...

Hi John. I still remember about your message... And now you just have to have some more patience. :)
 

Prog Head

Member
Below you can see a front cover of the new album. Due to be out on July, 1st.
 

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