The Norwegian prog rockers known as Tusmørke are at it again, this time with a brand new 6-track album entitled “Fjernsyn i Farger”, which basically translates to “Color TV”. The thing about Tusmørke’s eclectic and eccentric bag of musical tricks is that their sound and expression are playful rather than dark and dense. It is layered and full of nuances, and there is a strangely uplifting vibe to the whole thing.

“Fjernsyn i Farger” is more or less always interesting and never predictable, and the band’s psychedelic and strangely captivating prog rock ranges from the theatrical and carnivalesque to the melancholy and dreamy. There are influences from and nods to King Crimson, YES, Wobbler, Rick Wakeman, and Van Der Graaf Generator, but Tusmørke definitely have a musical identity of their own. The title track is simply infectious and boasts a magnificent chorus while “Kniven I Kurven” is somewhat hypnotic due to its drive and quirky spirit. “Borgerlig Tussmørke” is slightly bleaker and has a tinge of sadness to it. There are times when the vocals get on my nerves and I want to strangle the fucker responsible for singing, but that only happens on a few occasions throughout the album and so I can live with it. However, if there is one department in which there is room for improvement, the vocals are most certainly it.

The sound and production of the record could have been even warmer and more organic than what it is, but it is nevertheless quite competent and solid. The superb musicianship coupled with the excellent lyrics that cover everything from the abstract to the absurd make this one of the better and more fascinating Norwegian prog releases out there. A varied affair for sure, so check it out if you are feeling, weird, strange, and/or experimental.