ALBUM REVIEW: A Frame Of Mind – Kalandra
After meeting in a Liverpool art school and now based in the picturesque Norwegian capital of Oslo, KALANDRA are a band that knows what it is like to be constantly moving and simultaneously never feeling like they belong anywhere. It has felt like a lifetime since they released their beautifully crafted debut album The Line in 2020, but since then the band have created and nurtured an ever-growing, devoted community of fans, toured with the likes of WARDRUNA, LEPROUS and A.A. WILLIAMS, and composed a moving and deeply atmospheric soundtrack to the video game Kingdom Two Crowns: Norse Land.
Now the Norwegian/Swedish quartet return with their highly anticipated sophomore album A Frame Of Mind, a deeply introspective album that explores a shared sense of displacement and need to belong, as well as the strength needed to navigate a plethora of circumstances that can feel exposed and unsettled. A Frame Of Mind utilises the same dynamism and delicacy of The Line but imbues it with new perspectives on fragility and fortitude, things that we all need on the ongoing journey of healing and self-discovery.
The band’s sound utilises a unique blend of Norse folk, Scandi pop, alt rock and progressive metal – this is what makes them special, as none of these influences and elements are more prevalent than the other. KALANDRA’s unique sound has come from 10 years of experimentation, determination and hardship, as they look to answer the poignant question, “Where do I belong?”. It is a question that has so many dimensions, be it spiritual, personal, our relationship with a world that seems to be out of balance, or the space that we exist in. A Frame Of Mind offers a dynamic and gentle answer to that question, with Katrine Stenbekk’s sublime vocals and self-reflective lyrics offering the listener a chance to reflect with her on their own healing and life journey.
There is a maturity to A Frame Of Mind, one that only comes from experience and honesty with yourself. It sets itself apart from The Line because of this, and the more cinematic approach to their songwriting which must have been brought out when the quartet were composing the Kingdom Two Crowns: Norse Land soundtrack. The guitar work between Jogeir Daae Mæland and Florian Döderlein Winter is delicate and beautifully written, even on the heavier songs such as Bardaginn, and all this is supported by the drummer Oskar Johnsen Rydh who keeps the album rooted with his dynamic playing.
KALANDRA have an innate ability to shine a light on and nurture the emotions that we often don’t share with others. Whether it is in the delicate neo-classical passages or the thunderous progressive metal riffs, everything has a purpose and is delivered with care and inspiring passion. There is a composer’s diligence and emotional authenticity in their musicianship that is incredibly easy to get behind, so this is what has made A Frame Of Mind well worth the four-year wait; it is beautifully written and stunningly cathartic.
The TOOL-esque I Am opens the album with a slowly evolving track that utilises delicate guitar passages, elegant acoustics and swelling synths before erupting into a powerful progressive rock riff. If there’s one thing that KALANDRA are masters at, it’s dynamics – everything effortlessly ebbs and flows. The lusciously atmospheric Untie The Knot follows, the song is lead by Stenbekk’s gracious and elegant vocals. The acoustic guitar and electric guitar work in tandem to create an earthy and powerful atmosphere in the most anthemic song on the album. Are You Ready? ventures into the band’s metal side once more, with polyrhythmic riffs and groove-laden drums.
The State Of The World is a powerful song that embodies the heart of the album, looking for a place to fit in in a violent and selfish world. The haunting vocals and traditional instruments touch your soul in a song that we can all relate to. The first of two songs sung in Norwegian, Bardaginn is a delicious foray into industrial metal augmented with dark folk melodies, and this is followed by the wonderfully empowering folkier song A Life Worth Living.
I’ll Get There One Day follows on the themes of A Life Worth Living but injects heavier electronic elements punctuated with Middle Eastern vocal melodies. Hytta is a peaceful and cinematic interlude towards the end of the album which features the delights of nature, it fades into the second song sung in Norwegian Selga, a beautiful track erupting with stunning atmospheres provided by various string instruments and synths. The album closes with I Remember A Time, a wonderful acoustic folk song that embodies the constant journey of self-discovery.
KALANDRA have rewarded the patience of their devoted fans with A Frame Of Mind. They are a rare and special band that speak directly to the soul with songs that are composed with the string of the human experienced sewn into them. A stunning, must listen album.
Rating: 10/10
A Frame Of Mind is set for release on September 13th via By Norse.
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