To Review Or Not To Review That Is The Question
Frankly speaking I am a bit of a sceptic when it comes to music reviews, or reviews of art in general for that sake. So many times I’ve seen reviews of art that I totally think misses the point. And I’m not talking about not sharing the reviewers subjective taste here. I am talking about a certain narrow-mindedness that limits the art into one’s own perception of what art should be and fails to reach out and grasp the artists perspective. It’s like closing in on what you already know instead of opening up to discover new ground. That being said, I certainly welcome anyone’s solidly grounded honest opinion. And like they say: You won’t find gold without a little bit of diggin’.
So here’s what happened: We were contacted by veteran writer Lee Henderson, who told us that he had heard some of our music online and would like to do a review for Big Beautiful Noise Magazine.
He asked to be sent a physical CD, because after transitioning to a pure hi-fi system in a dedicated listening room there was no way back for him, and mp3 simply no option. Well, as a bit of hi-fi enthusiasts ourselves, we could totally relate to that!
Still, it was when reading a bit more about this man that our ears really sharpened. With a music collection of more than 20000 CDs and 7000 LPs spanning every genre imaginable he termed himself a total music freak! Even since his schooldays when he would save money given to him by his parents for food and buy LPs instead, he had been obsessed with music. He was able to turn his passion into profession, and for the better part of 50 years he has been writing music reviews for various magazines, confirming that “My ears are as good as ever!”
So, to have someone like that listening to your music, how cool is that? Hope he likes it!
We will not normally be sending out reviews, but this one was just to cool! So here you go, review of “You Are” by Lee Henderson, Big Beautiful Noise Magazine
VISEMÈNN
You Are
Review by Lee Henderson,
Big Beautiful Noise Magazine
Debut release by Norwegian quartet who create an instantly lovable, melodic, intelligent rock, in a blend of U2, The Cure, Tears For Fears, Simple Minds, Radiohead, and Icehouse 80’s fantastico. With the favor of every song (10 of them) being an easy pick for a top hit (and radio play) no moments go wasted in what certainly is one of the finest first albums of any pop/rock band ever. Members are Lars Olav Mangelrød (guitars), Helge Corneliussen (bass/vocals), Sølve Eggebø (keyboards) and Magnar Lofthus (drums). Their name translates to Wisemen, and with the knowledge of their background and this transition to the pop world, they certainly are wise men.
Besides being inspired by some of the better and most noted 1980’s rock and pop acts, the production, arrangements, and smart lyrics, the individual composition skills are noble, methodical, and concise. Compact in the sense of being exactly the needed length to communicate the words and stay strong throughout, not only for airplay, but for the ever so growing soundbyte population. Visemenn are not without a few tricks and twists in their execution. This is from the way the members met, all working in a long term experimental and improvisational jam band project called ‘a Crack in Time and the Break of Dawn’ (they have several CDs out in Norway). Although the bulk of the music is easily accessible and generous in direct cognizance, a spare moment or two is used for an odd chord change or off track progression. Using rare moments of progressive rock as a part of the formula proves a smart move.
‘You Are’ has a sincere sound, a perfectly produced, balanced, and rich atmosphere. The music has all the key trademarks of partially haunting, heartstring pulling, and solid pop song craft. The last song ‘Prelude’ brings the album to its knees, with a huge all instrumental post rock epic (it does feature voices as choral, for an even bigger sprawl) and proves Visemenn can do more than just a couple of styles. BEAUTIFUL! What can we expect next? All I know is with their first one, this band has a clear winner.
©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 5 – 4 – 2019
So now what are you waiting for?
Congrats guys! Great review. I can’t wait to grab a copy of the album myself!
Thanks for your kind words John, really glad to hear that!
An awesomerrific review. I have enjoyed listening to the 2 free songs I have downloaded and I will be buying an album as soon as I can. You guys are Awesomerrific. Have a wonderful day 🤗
Thank you so much Mary, so glad to hear that! And a wonderful day to you too!
I agree with the review
I purchased the CD
It is music that can be listened to repetively
Without getting tired of the sound. Hauntingly beautiful !!!
Thanks Shelli. So glad to hear that.