Jord

Jordsjo - Jord - From Oslo in Norway, Jordsjo started as a side project for multi-instrumentalist Håkon Oftung (Tusmorke, Black Magic) in 2014, but developed into a two man venture with Kristian Froland. They are currently a four man band, with the aim of playing live dates. Coming in at around thirty nine minutes across seven tracks the album is the perfect length, leaving the listener wanting more and hitting the replay button. 'Jord' translates, as far as I can tell, to 'Earth', and this is a true reflection of the music contained on the album. It has an earthy quality, symphonic at times but with that darker undercurrent, added to this some spacey/psychedelia and a Norwegian folk feel it creates an interesting mix. There are a lot of vintage keyboards used widely throughout, wrapping around clear and precise guitar work from Håkon Oftung, who also adds some great flute playing to many of the tracks. There is a clear influence from the early years of progressive music, at times reminiscent of Änglagård, particularly on the excellent Jord II, but that said, this is not a nostalgic copy, the band forging themselves some original and interesting sounds. MUSICIANS Håkon Oftung - Vocals, Guitar, Flute, Keyboards - Kristian Froland - Drums & Percussion - with: Robert William Dall Froseth - Bass (track 3) Live band line up: Håkon Oftung - Vocals, Flute, Guitar, Keyboards, Kristian Froland - Drums & Percussion, Stale Langhelle - Keyboards, AND Hakon Knutson - Guitars, Bass