JARLE H OLSEN – Quadrasonic (CD)

Norway hasn’t really provided that many international shredders, besides Ronnie Le Tekro and a handfull others. Now, young stringsman Jarle H Olsen is here to change that. His first solo album Quadrasonic is a really impressive affair. It’s actually been some time since I found an instrumental progressive album this interesting. With Jarle it’s not just the shredding that is in focus, it’s just as much about the songs. What I really like is that this actually feels more like a band effort, than a regular guitarist-shredding-his-ass-off album. Sure, there is tons of great soloing, but the songs are structured more like songs with vocals. You have your verses, choruses and bridges, although quite a lot of bridges here. The songs, like Dark Matter for instance, have great build ups, with nice dynamics happening. Here Jarle also shows a softer and more balanced side, without any overpowering distortion. There’s also a great explosive technical part in the end, where things happen all over the place. I also love the fact that he’s using real live, and outstanding, musicians to back him up. They do need to be mentioned, so here it goes: the outstanding technical drummer Bjarte K. Helland, Norway’s answer to Mike Portnoy, bass player Rodrigo Garcia who lays down a great foundation, plus proves he’s quite the technical player as well, and finally keyboard player Alex Argento whose playing may not be highly noticeable in some songs (you would definitely notice if it wasn’t there, though), while he really shines in songs like Event Horizon. Quadrasonic is a great album, at times in the same vein as George Bellas, before he started experimenting too much. Great songs, great playing, great production, a sure buy!
Janne Stark
Label: private press
Year: 2011
Country: Norway
Link: http://www.jarleholsen.com/

CLARK LANE – Bedroom Sessions (CDR)

Clark Lane live

Suck me sideways! The name doesn’t really say anything, the demo “layout” looks like it’s made by a kid, no contact info or song titles, but holy crap this band sounds good! The opening track made me think of Dizzy Mizz Lizzy meets TNT with a modern twist. Next up is a melodic modern riff-oriented rocker which really kicks ass. I’m not really sure what band to compare this to, as they do have a twist of their own. Great vocals, awesome musicians, killer guitarist and a really cool mix. At times the sound and style of the guitars makes me think of a mix of Ronnie Le Tekro (TNT) and Pete Lesperance (Harem Scarem). Next track makes me think of my favourite Norwegian band Jack In The Box with its quirky riffs and great harmonies. This is by far the best unsigned Swedish band I’ve heard this year! Awesome stuff! The songs have so many layers, with a simple melodic line on top and really complex rhythmic musical patterns underneath. This is music you can find new stuff in every time you listen to it. Stuff I truly love! The closing track follows in the same style and I am truly in love! This band should be signed sooner than as soon as possible! I NEED an album, I DEMAND an album!
Janne Stark
Country: Sweden
Year: 2011
Label: none
Link: http://www.clarklane.se/