ALBUM REVIEW: Things To Place On The Moon – Odd Palace

Danish prog band ODD PALACE are here with their debut album Things To Place On The Moon. The album follows the bands first EP Insomnia, and their many festival appearances. Drawing influence from some of progs finest such as PROTEST THE HERO and KING CRIMSON, can the band start climbing the ladder they have once climbed with their debut?

Opening the album is Carnivore, the vocals of Gert Børsting continuously build up setting the mood until the chorus kicks in. It’s loud and makes a statement, ODD PALACE are immediately making an impression. It’s noticeable that they draw their influence from all over the prog spectrum and tie in the older styles to the newer more djent sound. They’ve found a balance that sits in the middle, but somehow made it feel fresh.

Chemical Solution boosts up the standard of the album with hooks and grooves layering on top of each other. Liar’s Attire continues with stunning guitar work and whilst it implements a softer approach, it holds a lot of texture which highlights all the delicate details. It’s a fine example of the talent and dedication of ODD PALACE.

Oozing with ultimate prog elements, Through Your Eyes has the perfect balance of soft undertones to big, bold hooks and choruses. It holds brilliant tone and sets the mood for the into the incredible 13-minute title-track. Things To Place On The Moon is a mammoth to say the least, the direction of the track takes so many turns, from sweet acoustic notes to powerful complexities. The way the band have built so many different layers on top of each other and made it smooth is an excellent display of craftsmanship.

Bringing something seductive sounding to the table is Delirious, there’s pinches of some real brilliant grooves lingering about that bring the track to life. Insomnia feels heavy, like there is a weight that has been held for too long. It’s an outstanding, emotional and certainly one of the albums standout tracks. The Alchamist is a moment where the album dips, nothing too drastic but it feels almost detached from the rest of the tracks.

Picking things back up with chunky riffs is Counterpart. The track builds up what felt missing formerly in no time and the bands influences are reflected effortlessly. Filled with infectious melodies and complexities, Dead End serves as an excellent way to close Things To Place On The Moon. This is where ODD PALACE really show that they have an incredible understanding between classic and modern prog. The sound it leaves us with is the best of both worlds.

Things To Place On The Moon is an outstanding effort from ODD PALACE. Considering it is a debut, you are left feeling that it is filled with experience. There’s still some moments that need refining but that will come in time, as with any band. It will not matter if you prefer the likes of RUSH and YES to PROTEST THE HERO and PERIPHERY, this album will leave all prog fans satisfied.

Rating: 8/10

Things To Place On The Moon is out now via Prime Collective.

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