Black Book Lodge
Entering Another Measure

The lodge is back and it is black, they are entering another measure with their new album – the second in their discography that started with last year’s Tûndra. They set up for some high expectations with that album, and that was released less than a year ago. So one could worry that they have rushed their second offering a little bit but with shorter albums it is easier to have a higher release tempo than if you make one-hour albums. The cover art is probably as interesting but in another way, warmer and less photographic. But what about the new album then, what does the trio have to offer with this new measure.

Musically it is not that different from what we have heard before from these guys, sort of stoner rock with progressive undertones, massive soundscape and a decent musical depth through the songs. Good singer. Six songs and 42 minutes of playing time, the variation through the songs is good and I doubt many will think it is a repetitive album. Good production and sound, feels like a sequel or part two of the debut album rather than a new evolved band, not like entering another musical measure if one plays on the title. A solid product, but one has to wonder whether it is only a number of songs that they had over from the debut and decided to record and release.

It is a good album; I like it as it has most of what you can wish for. Still, it lacks the feel and energy of the debut album. It seems like they have fallen slightly ill of the second album curse that happens to many bands. Maybe they did rush things; maybe they should have given it more time in order to perfect their craft for this second album. It is not a bad album, rather the opposite, nevertheless I think it is a slight step backwards when compared to the debut album and it doesn’t have the same edge or stops you in your stride forcing you to take notice. It is just a solid sequel to an excellent debut.

Well recommended to those who liked the debut, I think you will not be disappointed with this album even though it is slightly less exciting than the previous. These Danes show once again that they do have the tools, their music is very good and I think that with more experience and more time to find their identity, this will be a force to be reckoned with in this genre. No track stands out on this album; it is a solid product that I think can be worth looking into even though I as a critic think it lacks something compared to its predecessor. Black Book Lodge is fast establishing themselves as a very exciting band but I think they should take a little more time working on the next one.

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