ALBUM REVIEW: You Are Creating – LIMB 2 – 22

Norway is no stranger to the progressive front as the likes of LEPROUS, IHSAHN and SHINING have been rising to the top of the pack. Fellow countrymen 22 hope to follow in the same footsteps with their unique blend of conceptual, experimental rock in the form of the follow up to the previous iteration Limb 1 entitled You Are Creating – LIMB 2 which is released via the goldmine that is Long Branch Records.

The atmospherics of short intro Node 2 ease you into following track Call Me Trimtab which is overflowing with energy and vibrancy. Punchy bass lines lead the way alongside soothing, melodic vocals. The arrangement ebbs and flows with an upbeat tempo which shares the alluring qualities of PRESS TO MECO. Dillemanns Clarity shows a more jazzy, quirky vibe. Frontman Per Kristian Trollvik‘s vocals feel like a theatrical narrative bringing the track to life.

Autumn Stream introduces an eccentric, almost djent-like vibe. The vocals have a delicate demeanour as they float in and out of the forefront. Chroma Key possesses a funk infused, spacey groove as unconventional time signatures keep the track varied and inviting. Slyphs showcases an accessible 80’s style pop beat as the pulsing drums get your head bobbing along with the dramatic mood.

After an intriguing intro V kicks into intricate instrumentation giving a more progressive technicality to proceedings. The vocals soar whimsically like segment from a broadway performance. Akira supplements this well by providing a peaceful, calming curtain closer where Trollvik‘s vocals take a prominent role in the mix once more as the instrumentation is stripped back to create an effective, emotional climax.

22 have an incredible knack for creating engaging, bright and theatrical tracks which you can become completely absorbed within. The instruments compliment each other seamlessly throughout. There are moments of elegance, beauty, intelligence and energy effortlessly intertwined to make You Are Creating – LIMB 2 the perfect companion to their previous release. The progressive genre is full of musicians who can unleash boundless verses of perplexing scales and sweeps but 22 have found their own little niche and have proved that the subtleties are just as important.

Rating: 8/10

You Are Creating – LIMB 2 is set for release on November 23rd via Long Branch Records.

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