Lorentzen stands for Norwegian musician Eivind Lorentzen. Some may remember him from his involvement with Gentle Knife, with whom he released two albums: Gentle Knife (2015, see review) and Clock Unwound (2017, see review). Now he's back under his own name with the album Leave Nobody Behind. A unique album that won't appeal to everyone and regular listening is recommended. You can describe the album as an evocative fusion of minimalist progressive rock, modern classical, and ambient music with Nordic jazz influences. It draws inspiration from composers and artists such as Arvo Pärt, Steve Reich, Nils Frahm, Brian Eno and Robert Fripp. So certainly not the music he used to make with Gentle Knife. To complete this unique album, several musicians were involved besides Eivind, who have created a pleasant musical whole. I'll tell you who they are; Eivind Lorentzen contributes on acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and keyboards, and is joined by a roster of skilled guest musicians, including Markus Reuter (touch guitar, Stick Men) and Davide Rossi (violin, Coldplay, Verve). Atle Pakusch Gundersen (guitar, Wintherstormer, The Cut), Trond Gjellum (drums, Panzerpappa), Jácome Guerrero Kiko (guitar, Superkabras), Paulin Skoglund-Voss (cello), Brian Talgo (narration, voice, mellotron) and Charlotte Valstad Nilsen (sax, ex-Gentle Knife). The concept and structure of this album is a central feature. Which is the interpolation of Rainer Maria Rilke's poetry, recited by Brian M. Talgo, between the main instrumental tracks. This conceptual approach provides gravitas. Although not everybody might like it. The album Leave Nobody Behind is a soundtrack of Hope and Humanity. Therefore the album's central theme is hope and about connection between people, ideas, and emotions. In a world that often feels fragmented, Leave Nobody Behind aims to be a reminder of our shared humanity. The thirteen tracks are not easy to describe, therefore I will not do this. Perhaps the description "minimalist progressive rock" isn't entirely accurate. You might think there's little rhythm in the music. And that's certainly not the case, as many songs feature fantastic drumming. Furthermore, the whole thing is beautifully coloured with great guitar and keyboard parts. The female vocals also add a refreshing touch to the music. So the music is far from boring, long-winded, or monotonous. Musical highlights? Absolutely, just listen to Dimensions Of Hope 1 and Dimensions Of Hope 2 which sounds like Back in N.Y.C.by Genesis taken from The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974).Or Offering To Lares with its beautiful female vocal parts. Leave Nobody Behind (piano and strings) is also worth checking out. As a whole Leave Nobody Behind can be best described as a transcendent fusion of minimalist prog, classical elegance, and poetic reflections. What emerges on this album is a meditative, emotionally charged soundscape where spacious textures, hypnotic repetition, and classical refinement meet. Repeating motives in asymmetric meters are contrasted and echoed with live strings, drums and acoustic and electric guitars. All in all Leave Nobody Behind is a great album released by Lorentzen. Most of all if you give it the time to listen to. This way you will discover the inner beauty of an album which is all about Hope and Humanity. *** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
