along norway - transitions

Along Norway 

Transitions
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Demiera Harris

Along Norway’s Transitions EP opens with the slightly jarring title track, featuring a brisk rolling drum cadence backed by a much softer, meandering piano melody. It doesn’t take long to realize that each instrument is played clearly and is easily distinguishable while still managing to work together, from the rhythmic bass holding down the bottom line to the ever changing drums. 

“Loading Memories” gives the first glimpse of the vocals - a slightly higher pitched sound that just screams ‘alternative’. While the song seems layered on a simple four count, the various drum accents help spice up the tune and add some unpredictability to the song, and the rhythm guitar softly wails to give additional dimension. This sounds like a great choice for a radio song, because it has the kind of attention-grabbing essence a song needs to gain a number of listeners. 

I have no idea where the technicality of the lead guitar in “Jet Lag” comes from, but I spent a good few moments trying to catch every single frenzied note (hint, it was difficult). The bass comes out to play more as well, buzzing around in the background with the same sort of urgency the song started with. This one follows a more traditional verse-chorus-verse-bridge-chorus format, a break from the style of the two songs it follows. 

The 43-second long “Ships” goes straight to ethereal from the very first note, allowing the mood to build heavily as it flows from side to side in a shimmering wave of sonic motion. It serves as an interlude to “Senses,” which expands the intangibly heavy mood and continues the sense of build-up. Anticipation is initially satisfied with the crash of cymbals as the song reaches what one thinks is the highest point, accompanied by elevated voice notes. The real treat comes about halfway through, however, as the song materializes into a reservedly furious, mostly instrumental arrangement. This seems to be the most intuitive song on the album, tapping into senses one usually isn’t aware of until they are brought to light.

“Alive Tonight” features lyrics that waste no time going straight for the heart muscle, keeping them right at the forefront of the action. The chants of ‘Do you feel alive tonight?’ serve as a call to action that is immediately supported by energetic drums and that now familiar guitar, a power combination that would pull anyone up to their feet with fists raised jubilantly in the air. 

The most interesting thing about this EP is that it eschews the typical practice of circling back to the beginning, opting instead to follow what can be described as an elevated linear yet mostly vague path. No one note gives any hint to what the next one will be, which keeps every moment intriguing and captures the attention of even a casual listener. This is a great album for anyone who loves their alternative rock cooked with great musicianship, seasoned with creativity and served with a dash of mystery.

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