Short Reviews [Ovrfwrd - 2020 - "StarStuff"]

Ovrfwrd are one of the most consistent progressive bands around, with their layers of sound leaving no room at all for vocals. Recorded in a five-day session, here we have the quartet weaving their majestic spell over anyone who comes within hearing distance. Of all their albums this is the one that feels most firmly rooted to the early Seventies, with wonderful Mellotron, Hammond and Moog sounds combined with a real analogue warm feel to proceedings. As it has been since the debut album all the way back in 2014, the band comprise Mark Ilaug (electric & acoustic guitars), Chris Malmgren (keyboards, piano, Moog, Mellotron), Kyle Lund (bass) and Richard Davenport (drums, percussion), but the addition of guest flautist Paula Gudmundson is inspired as her lightness of touch helps cut through the complexity. Ovrfwrd specialise in progressive rock that is multi-layered and multi-threaded, so much so that space within the music is at a real premium but instead of feeling compressed, their music is all encompassing, a huge sound. Kyle and Richard are always moving the base, always shifting the platform to provide Chris and Mark with a firm foundation for them to build upon, which they do as they utilise different sounds and effects from their instruments, swapping leads. This means we can get warm symphonic sounds like Yes or Genesis, but at others it is far rawer, like classic Atomic Rooster or Mk II Deeo Purple yet there are also moments when they toy with Canterbury and Caravan. One is never sure quite where the music is going to lead, but there is always a real passion and emotion contained within it, an iron fist in a velvet glove as the listener is lulled in just to be taken on a progressive ride. The tempo switches, the dynamics are incredibly important, and the result is yet another hugely impressive album from Ovrfwrd. If you already know the guys then this is an album to be richly appreciated, and if not, then this is a great place to start.