'The Opium Cartel' is the project of multi-instrumentalist 'Jacob Holm Lupo' who is also the frontman of 'White Willow' and who releases his 3rd studio recording after 'Ardor' which already dates from 2013. His style is influenced by a refined pop of the 70s / 80s with some progressive passages which can make think of formations like 'Alan Parsons Project' or 'Jon & Vangelis', the voice of 'Silje Hubeloer', main performer, the rhythms used and the preponderant presence of the keyboards not being foreign to this feeling.
'In The Street' begins the album in a light and quiet atmosphere with a first melody that settles gently in the hollow of your ear and, from this title, we think of 'Jon & Vangelis', then, 'Slow Run' continues in this delicate atmosphere with a slow tempo which unrolls beautiful melodic lines, the soft voice of 'Silje Hubeloer' further reinforcing this feeling of fullness. Despite an introduction in a style quite similar to the previous titles, 'A Question of Re-Entry' takes us on an instrumental track with electronic sounds and voiceovers in the first part then the second part of the title increases in power with a 'Floydian' guitar solo to fall back into a few keyboard notes. With 'Nighwings', it's a return to the electronic sounds of the 80s with the vocals of the very young 'Ina A' who is none other than the daughter of 'Jacob Holm Lupo' and who gives a very nice vocal performance, then we find 'Silje Hubeloer' on vocals in a sweet ballad but also in 'Under Thunder', more rhythmic with a second beautiful instrumental part. The end of the album scrolls' The Curfew Bell 'which still recalls the sweetness of' Jon & Vangelis', 'A Maelstrom of Stars' with a distinguished guest, 'Bjørn Riis' 'from Airbag' (review to come from their last album) which brings a 'Floydian' side to this title and finally the cover of the hard-rock group 'Ratt', 'What's It Gonna Be' which is interpret in a style of the 80s and in an electronic atmosphere at the level of keyboards and rhythm section.
In summary, 'Jacob Holm Lupo' with his project 'The Opium Cartel' releases a new album very pleasant to listen to in a pop style tinged with progressive and embellished with electronic sounds and 'Valor' is recommended to an audience loving electronic sounds that take us back to the 80s... | |
