Artist : The Windmill

Album : Tribus

Release Date : 15-11-2018

Added : 20-01-2019

'The Windmill' is a Novégien group that has already released 2 studio albums and it is with the 3rd album 'Tribus' released last November that I discover them. They are part of a progressive style of the 70s with references from bands of this period as 'Alan Parsons Project', 'Jethro Tull' or 'Barclay James Harvest' but also more recent formations like 'Arena' or 'Mostly Autumn'. Lovers of long titles will be thrilled because this opus contains only 5 titles and the first, 'The Tree', takes us to an epic composition of almost 24 minutes where it is good to get lost in the nooks and crannies and where we feel multiple influences, starting with a first instrumental part where the flute brings a very aerial atmosphere which continues with a rhythm where the bass leads the dance and where the keyboards accompany in an atmospheric atmosphere; then, the very sensual and relaxing sung part with a nice intervention of the saxophone precedes a jazzy episode and it continues in a beautiful symphonic progressive part more classical which is punctuated by an hispanisant guitar accompanied by a very 'Jethrotuliènne' flute which prepares a majestic final with a first part sung close to 'Barclay James Harvest' which finally gives way to an instrumental ending beginning with some piano notes to rise in intensity to fall back and finish calmly. Note a third title much more energetic looking towards 'Deep Purple' of the first period that allows to vary the mood just before 'Make Me Feel' which returns to the symphonic progressive with a magnificent final guitar solo and the final title 'Play With Fire' beautifully closes the album in a pop / folk atmosphere in the manner of 'Mike Oldfield'. Furthever, the recording is of excellent quality and it is normal because, it is 'Karl Groom' of 'Threshold' who has mixed and mastered the whole and who produced many progressive rock and metal bands. In summary, this latest Norwegian album from 'The Widmill' is a summary of an accessible and quality progressive drawing its inspiration in the 70s, and 'Tribus' is recommended for all fans of progressive but can also touch a wider audience who wants to discover this style of music...

Line Up / Musicians

Jean Robert Viita (Keybords, Vocal), Erik Borgen (Guitar, Vocal), Stig André Clason (Guitar), Morten Clason (Saxophone, Flute, Guitar, Vocal, Keybords), Arnfinn Isaksen (Bass), Sam Arne Nøland (Drums)