This first part of a trilogy is an excellent throwback to the glorious days of 1970s progressive rock when the concept album reigned supreme.
The band is from Norway with the idea for the trilogy first being mulled over back in the 1990s. The general concept being around the Father Robin character and adventures in a sort of mythical/fantasy woodland type world and simpler times.
What we have here with Book 1 is a marvellous immersive listen to fresh, complex, varied yet accessible retro-progressive rock which brings in influences from the likes of period Jethro Tull, Rush, Yes, ELP, Camel, Steeleye Span, Renaissance and similar.
Parts are folksy, parts are heavy, all is progressive and all is great! Wonderfully varied, skilfully performed and a nice clear production. Heck – you know it’s going to be a good ‘un before listening by looking at the cover. Glorious artwork which screams classic prog – right?
What about the music? Six tracks if you count the brief waterfall sounding intro.
The Tale of Father Robin introduces us to the character in just over a minute of gentle pastoral folk bringing up- an image of an ancient minstrel sitting against a tree casually plucking their lute whist singing.
Things then kick off is some style with Eleison Forest over twelve minutes of twisting and turning minster prog. The bombastic opening passage of heavy guitars and keys gives way to a more traditional folk/prog style with the flute coming in and nice melodic bass lines around nice harmonic vocals. The song ebbs and flows between the bombast and the gentler stuff making quite the listen. Indeed – why not have a listen:
The Death of the Fair Maiden brings in more of the Steeleye Span, Jethro Tull leanings with an acoustic undercurrent leading up to a big finish.
Twilight Fields clocks in at fifteen minutes and is a monster of a song. Spooky bass and keys start it off, soaring guitar, more flute, huge riffs, emotive vocals all included in the fifteen minutes which all flash by such is the pleasure of listening to such a well put together quarter of an hour of fresh inventive prog with the classic 1970s slant. Overall think 2112 merged with Songs from the Wood and Relayer.
Unicorn closes Book 1 sometimes wandering in to almost jazz-rock territory and some tasty guitar towards the end.
The Chronicles of Father Robin are surely on to a big winner if this first part of the trilogy is anything to go by. Proper, proper retro-classic progressive rock with that fresh modern feel and a good old fashioned concept album.
The other two parts of the trilogy are due to follow. Certainly something to very much look forward to. Until then – this Book 1 is a most recommended listen.