Detailed Reviews [Dobbeltgjenger - 2018 - "Limbohead"]

Prolusion. Norwegian band DOBBELTGJENGER is a fairly recent addition to the music scene in Norway. They released their debut album back in 2016, a year or so after they launched their Facebook page, and now in 2018 the band is back with their sophomore production "Limbohead", which was released through Norwegian label Karisma Records at the start of the year.

Analysis. While Karisma Records have a good standing in progressive rock circles, not everything they lay their hands on is progressive rock. This is one of those cases, where the main progressive credentials of the band is that they share members with bands such as Ossicles and Major Parkinson, both of which are fairly well known progressive rock bands. Dobbeltgjenger isn't, although one might describe them as having something of a progressive orientation and an eclectic attitude. Still, as far as style is concerned, we're heading into the landscapes of indie rock and alternative rock here. And we are taken on quite the round trip as well, from the subtly avant, subtly noise rock flavored opening cut 'Tin Foil Hat' to the hard, firm but still laid back indie rock of concluding cut Mangrove. In between those we have visits to a singer/songwriter tune that segues into both Americana and Flamenco, a song that sounds like a crunchier version of The Manic Street Preachers anno 1990, a more careful and delicate blend of Americana and singer/songwriter material, a short cut that seeks out post-punk landscapes from a more distinct punk foundation, a more elegant affair that takes the indie rock into psychedelic territories, one instance of unpolished funky rock not too far removed from Red Hot Chili Peppers and then a tighter cut that sounds like the bastard child of Manic Street Preachers and Queens of the Stone Age. As good, old Pop Will Eat Itself sang back in the day: "The only rule: There are no rules. Just let yourself tune in." That is the case for this album. It's a fun romp through interesting landscapes explored with eclectic intent. A fun little ride, and a very well made and accomplished one at that, but not one for die hard fans of progressive rock. That is, unless you are the kind of person that buys music connected to certain progressive rock bands no matter what.

Conclusion. Dobbeltgjenger describes their music as futuristic retrorock. There's not too much of the former here, but I guess that there's more than a wee bit of the early 1990's to this album. As such, the retro moniker is appropriate. This isn't progressive rock, but if well made, quirky indie and alternative rock that explore a broad palette in a short amount of time is your thing, then this album merits a check.

Progmessor: June 27th, 2018
The Rating Room