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Ovrfwrd — There Are No Ordinary Moments
(Bandcamp no#, 2023, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2024-03-19

There Are No Ordinary Moments Cover art

Ovrfwrd’s fifth studio album was released in January of 2024. There Are No Ordinary Moments continues their string of great instrumental rock recordings with ten new tracks of varying lengths and moods. From short twinkling interludes like “Chateau La Barre” to twelve-minute multi-part pieces like “Eyota,” they cover a lot of ground. There are high-energy workouts (“Flatlander”) and more relaxed, melodic pieces (“Tramp Hollow”) as well as many stops in between and combining the diverse moods. The original quartet is intact, featuring Mark Ilaug (electric and acoustic guitars), Chris Malmgren (keyboards), Kyle Lund (bass), and Richard Davenport (drums and percussion), and they have a guest (Dave Foley) playing trumpet on one track. Versatility is one of Ovrfwrd’s watchwords: within the general area of prog-oriented instrumental music, they touch on many different sounds, and manage to contain the diversity under one coherent roof. Malmgren’s playing makes good use of piano and organ as well as synthesizers; Ilaug’s guitar works ranges from serene acoustic picking to dextrous melodies, though he doesn’t venture into shredding territory. There’s some really sweet Classical-style finger work in “Notes of the Concubine.” The rhythm section is spot-on at all times, testament to their long time working together. For listeners familiar with the band’s previous albums, you won’t necessarily find anything different here, just more of their distinctive style of tasty, intelligent rock. And for those who haven’t heard Ovrfwrd, don’t waste time wondering where all the vowels in the name went, just check out There Are No Ordinary Moments. Pretty sure you won’t regret it.


Filed under: New releases, 2023 releases

Related artist(s): Ovrfwrd

More info
http://ovrfwrd.bandcamp.com/album/there-are-no-ordinary-moments-2024

 

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