Detailed Reviews [Yobrepus - 2020 - "Mycelium Days"]

Prolusion. Norwegian band Yobrepus have been around in one form or another for the better part of 15 years, although the majority of the time appears to have been used to develop the band. The band launched their debut album back in 2017. Three years down the line the band signed with Norwegian label Apollon Records, who released their second album "Mycelium Days" in the fall of 2020.

Analysis. Yobrepus is a band that does a nice balancing act where they combine accessible moods and melodies with arrangements that can be borderline ambient at times and then adds in some quirky elements to this concoction. Almost like a smooth cream dessert with hidden pockets of jam, caramel and assorted spices. The massive opening track 'Mycelium Days' is the one that will intrigue most progressive rock fans from the onset I suspect. With it's more than 20 minutes long playtime, multiple sections and constant development, complete with Mellotron textures, this is a creation many will treasure. That the composition is meant to pay tribute to some of the classic tracks of the genre is probably more of a bonus feature, but still worth mentioning. The rest of this album isn't quite as ambitious as this opening cut, with shorter songs that feature a bit less of the twist, turn and alternate action of the opening epic, but hone in more on the combination of accessible progressive rock with ambient music tendencies and quirky, off-kilter details of some sort or other binding everything together as well as providing a contrasting and tension-inducing effect by being a disruptive presence. Some of the compositions do feature elements that aren't all that far removed from post-rock, but otherwise I would suspect that indie and alternative rock have provided quite a bit of inspiration for this band when crafting and performing material.

Conclusion. Defining the music of Yobrepus into any specific progressive rock tradition isn't the easiest of tasks, and that they also manage to combine compelling arrangements with subtly disruptive and off kilter elements doesn't make this any easier. Those with a soft spot for more atmospheric laden progressive rock should have a good chance of getting what the music on this album is all about though, especially those among them that also have an interest for alternative and indie rock.

Progmessor: January 2022
The Rating Room