Von Krogh paints Waves, a fascinating picture made of solid techniques and harmonious influences. Review.
WAVES – VON KROGH
Ups and downs. That’s what life is expected to do, and putting this into music is always unique. And always a good idea. Norwegian band von Krogh has gone through their own rollercoaster and got Waves out of passion. In it, only the tone sways. Their technique is solid, strong, the production is frank, and the songwriting is intricate. This record, released at the end of last year, has a lot to offer with troubling atmospheres. Yet, it is on a classic rock base that they sculpt these generous sounds. Between acoustic and electric guitars and the search for special sounds, von Krogh has built a very harmonious whole.
By simply playing Scales, the opening track, and the richness of their musical universe becomes clear. At first slow, wide, like a calm yet threatening sea, it then shifts, getting lively waves up on the chorus. The threat gets more palpable when folk and modern rock crash together on the solo. It’s all about shared faults or chaotic festive times (Costs), and the band captures the essence of life, its passion. Even when they’re borrowing to soul, with the sublime When It Rains or the delicate Letters From The Sea, the passion never wavers.
Water is everywhere here and in all forms. It serves as an interlude on I Was On The Beach, seems to echo in the morning dew summoned by Birds, and in the tears Sheets draws out. And of course, it’s everywhere in the progressive elegance of Waves. Here, hidden between the cliffs of jazz and epic rock, the Norwegians dare to seek out contemplative instants. Von Krogh closes Waves with the sober How Wrong Could I Be? Once more, they observe the ups and downs of existence that allow them to create cool records like this one.
