Eldberg. 2011 Iceland

Iceland had a small, but productive early 1970s underground rock scene, propelled by a few interesting bands such as Svanfridur, Odmenn, Trubrot, Manar, and Nattura (apologies to diacritic purists). Eldberg is a modern band dedicated to returning the glory of that genre. I seriously doubt, if blindfolded, anyone could place this band as from 2011. Defiantly singing in their native Icelandic, coupled along with an arsenal of old analog keyboards - predominantly Hammond organ - Eldberg successfully restores this once great scene to the modern era. Musically closer to other Scandinavian acts such as Alrune Rod (Denmark), November (Sweden), and Host (Norway), the progressive rock nature of Eldberg is held back somewhat by an overly lyrical stance (perhaps recalling the poppier Trubrot or Odmenn), that can be a bit of a drag in parts - especially towards the end of the disc. No need to fret though, as this keeps them only from Gnosis 12 (RYM 4.5+) territory, rather than something truly mediocre. If they let loose instrumentally, we're talking the next big thing in retro progressive rock circles.

Ownership: CD: 2011 Mylodon (Chile)

1/23/13 (new entry)