Posts Tagged ‘Prog Pop/Rock’

Karisma Records has announced that the 11th November will be the release date for the third full-length album from Norway’s Progressive Pop/Rockers OAK.  Titled “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise”, it is an album in which the band has decided to write about the important, but controversial ,subjects of suicide in particular and mental health in general.  

Knowing that music as an art form is very open to interpretation, and knowing how emotive the subject matter is, OAK wanted to be sure that the message comes across clearly, and consequently sought advice from experienced scholars on the matter.  

Even the cover design by Remi Juliebø / Deformat for “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” is a very poignant reference to the concept, in that it is based on the death mask of “L’Inconnue de la Seine”,  an unknown drowning victim from 1880s Paris (photographed by Anne-Marie Forker), whilst the font is partially based on handwriting from two real suicide notes. 

And, with the release of the single “Dreamless Sleep”,  Karisma Records has given us a first taste from “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise”.  It can be downloaded or streamed from a variety of services at https://link.karismarecords.no/Oak_Dreamless-Sleep

OAK originated as a folk-rock duo, which expanded into today’s lineup of Simen Valldal Johannessen on vocals, piano and keys, Øystein Sootholtet on bass, acoustic and electric guitars, Sigbjørn Reiakvam on drums, percussion, programming, keys and guitars, and Stephan Hvinden on lead, rhythm and slide guitars. The fact that OAK’s members come from diverse backgrounds, which range from classical piano, to electronica, to prog and hard rock, with references to both the  alternative scene as well as the progressive rock scene, has  allowed OAK to create a unique sound.

Musically, OAK’s upcoming “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” is the band’s most dynamic album yet, demonstrating a wide range of influences.  There are some sharper edges, and some surprising  twists and turns to be found amongst the familiar Oak territory.  Interestingly, after the release of their previous album “False Memory Archive”, the band set out to write some shorter songs for a change – and ended up with their longest songs yet!  

“The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” was recorded in Ljugekroken and was  mixed at the Ghostward Studio by David Castillo (KATATONIA, LEPROUS OPETH, etc.). It was mastered by Tony Lindgren at the Fascination Street Studio, and, as with their other albums, “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” offers subtle hints to both past and future songs in the Oak universe.

Tracklisting on “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” is as follows:

1. Highest Tower, Deepest Well
2. Quiet Rebellion
3. Dreamless Sleep
4. Sunday 8 AM
5. Demagogue Communion
6. Paperwings
7. Guest of Honour

“The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” will be available in CD, Digital and Limited Edition white vinyl formats, and can now  be pre-ordered from:

Various Services (regularly updated) https://link.karismarecords.no/Oak_The-Quiet-Rebellion-of-Compromise

Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/kar225-oak-the-quiet-rebellion-of-compromise/
Bandcamp: https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com/album/the-quiet-rebellion-of-compromise
US Webshop: https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com/band/oak

More information about OAK can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/oakinoslo/

Additional Information
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/oakinoslo/
Bandcamp:  https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakinoslo/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OakInOslo
Band contact and Booking: contact@oakinoslo.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no 
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: https://www.karismarecords.no
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

Karisma Records have released a stunning new version of “Silent Night” by Oslo’s Progressive Pop/Rockers OAK.  The single presents an entirely new arrangement of the Christmas classic, with piano taking the lead in the delicate instrumentation, which, when paired with its haunting vocals, produces a completely original  version of the seasonal favourite.

Originally formed as a folk-rock duo, OAK’s lineup now features Simen Valldal Johannessen on vocals, piano, keys and lyrics, Sigbjørn Reiakvam on bass, acoustic / electric guitars, banjo, keys and programming, and Øystein Sootholtet on Drums, percussion, programming and keys.  They are joined on “Silent Night” by  Stephan Hvinden and Ole Michael Bjørndal on guitars.

“Silent Night” was recorded at the Ljugekroken Studio by Øystein and Sigbjørn, mixed by Sigbjørn, and mastered by Jacob Holm Lupo. 

With cover artwork by Deformat and photo by Anne Marie Forker “Silent Night”,  can  be streamed or downloaded  from various services at:

https://link.karismarecords.no/Oak_SilentNight

OAK’s members all come from diverse musical backgrounds, giving the band the considerable advantage of being able to draw on skills that range from classical piano to electronica, prog and hard rock, smattered with references to the alternative scene as well as progressive rock.   The band’s meticulously crafted sound , with its  use of electronics and low bass frequencies, presents the listener with music  that is neither wholly progressive pop, nor progressive rock, but is, rather,  a happy amalgam of both.

More information about OAK can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/oakinoslo/

A video of OAK playing the title track from their 2018 album “False Memory Archive”  live at the Night of Prog Festival can be seen below and at https://youtu.be/F5_R6eV2jmA

Additional Information
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/oakinoslo/
Bandcamp:  https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakinoslo/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OakInOslo
Band contact and Booking: contact@oakinoslo.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records contact: post@karismarecords.no 
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records Bandcamp: https://karismarecords.bandcamp.com
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma Records Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarismaRecords
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records US Webshop:  https://karismarecords.indiemerch.com

Oak PR1

When a band’s members all come from backgrounds as diverse as classical piano, electronica, prog and hard-rock, and if they manage to pull it all together in a consummate fashion to create a unique sound, you would be safe to guess that the band was Norway’s OAK.   And, with their latest full-length album “False Memory Archive” due out on Karisma Records on the 19th October,  the Pop/Rockers have released the title track as a single, about which they have this to say:

If you are somewhat loose with everyone’s  conception of what ‘Pop’ actually is, then  the track “False Memory Archive” is the album’s pop leitmotif,  which still unmistakably sounds like OAK.  It also happens to be the album’s title track and, as such, it serves as a kind of introduction to the theme of the whole album.  It is a song that appears  light and happy in its expression, but all the while it still contains its fair share of darkness

The track “False Memory Archive” is available from, or can be heard at http://smarturl.it/OakFMA

Oak-falsememoryarchive single PR.png

Or you can hear it below


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Since starting out as a folk-rock duo, and releasing their 2013 debut album “Lighthouse”, OAK’s lineup of Øystein Sootholtet (Bass, guitars, banjo, keys & programming), Simen Valldal Johannessen (vocals, piano, keys & lyrics), Sigbjørn Reiakvam (drums, percussion, programming & keys), Ole Michael Bjørndal (guitars) and Stephan Hvinden (guitars), have made considerable strides as both musicians and songwriters as their sophomore album demonstrates.

There is still a nod in the direction of the debut full-length, but “False Memory Archive” is both darker and groovier , whilst retaining that successful amalgam of sound that is neither wholly progressive pop, nor wholly progressive rock,  but which is absolutely trademark OAK  and is comprised of catchy elements and stunning vocal harmonies, which create that unique duality that defines them as a band.

Oak PR2

“False Memory Archive” was recorded in Oslo at the Ljugekroken Studio and the Tøyen Church, and was  mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren and OAK at the Fascination Studios.  With front cover artwork by  Lisa Love and design by Deformat, and featuring a guest appearance on guitars by Bjorn RIIS, tracklisting for “False Memory Archive” is as follows:

  1. We, The Drowned
  2. Claire De Lune
  3. False Memory Archuve
  4. Lost Causes (Bjorn Riis guesting on guitar)
  5. Intermezzo
  6. The Lights
  7. These Are The Stars We’re Aiming For
  8. Transparent Eyes
  9. Psalm 51

Oak AlbumArt PR

“False Memory Archive” will be released in CD, Digital and Crystal Clear Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order at:

Bandcamp:  https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com
Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/artists/oak/

Oak PR3

More information about OAK can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/oakinoslo/ or on their website at http://www.oakinoslo.com

Additional Information
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/oakinoslo/
Website: http://www.oakinoslo.com
Bandcamp:  https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakinoslo/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OakInOslo
Band contact and Booking: contact@oakinoslo.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music
Karisma Records US Webshop:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/
Karisma Records KlickTrack Store (digital only):  http://shop.klicktrack.com/karismadarkessencerecords

Oak PR1

Adding yet another string to their already impressive Progressive bow, Karisma Records have inked a deal with OAK,  and will release the band’s sophomore full-length album “False Memory Archive” on the 19th October.

In anticipation of the release, Karisma have debuted  the first track from the album “We, the Drowned” which can be heard below and at http://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com/album/false-memory-archive


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Starting life as a folk-rock duo, OAK’s current lineup of Simen Valldal Johannessen on vocals, piano, keys and lyrics, Sigbjørn Reiakvam on bass, acoustic / electric guitars, banjo, keys and programming, and Øystein Sootholtet on Drums, percussion, programming and keys, come from a diverse background that spans classical piano to electronica, prog- and hard-rock, and includes references to the alternative scene as well as progressive rock.   The pulling together of all these different elements and skills helped create the rather unique OAK sound, and resulted in the 2013 release of the band’s debut album “Lighthouse”.

Oak PR2

It’s now five years later, and OAK are back with “False Memory Archive”, which, with its nods in the direction of “Lighthouse”, make it a natural continuation of their debut. Meticulously crafted, with an increased use of electronics and low bass frequencies, “False Memory Archive” is both darker and groovier that its predecessor, whilst still maintaining that familiar Oak sound, which is neither wholly progressive pop, nor progressive rock, but a happy amalgam of both.

Having  taken several steps both as songwriters and musicians, OAK have succeeded in producing a sophomore album that  ended up in a slightly darker and more progressive territory, but one in which the light still shines through in the shape of catchy elements and stunning vocal harmonies, which create that unique duality that defines them as a band.

Recorded in Oslo at the Ljugekroken Studio and the Tøyen Church, “False Memory Archive” was  mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren and Oak at the Fascination Studios.  With front cover artwork by  Lisa Love and design by Deformat, and featuring a guest appearance on guitars by Bjorn Riis, tracklisting for “False Memory Archive” is as follows:

  1. We, The Drowned
  2. Claire De Lune
  3. False Memory Archuve
  4. Lost Causes (Bjorn Riis guesting on guitar)
  5. Intermezzo
  6. The Lights
  7. These Are The Stars We’re Aiming For
  8. Transparent Eyes
  9. Psalm 51

Oak AlbumArt PR

“False Memory Archive” will be released in CD, Digital and Crystal Clear Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order at:

Bandcamp:  https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com
Webshop:  https://www.karismarecords.no/artists/oak/

OAK’s next live appearance will be on the 31 August, at the Close to the Rain Festival at the John Dee in Oslo.

More information about OAK can be found on the band’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/oakinoslo/ or on their website at http://www.oakinoslo.com

Oak PR3

Additional Information
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/oakinoslo/
Website: http://www.oakinoslo.com
Bandcamp:  https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakinoslo/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OakInOslo
Band contact and Booking: contact@oakinoslo.com
Promo and other information: post@karismarecords.no
Karisma Records: http://www.karismarecords.no/
Karisma Records Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karismarecords
Karisma Records on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/KarismarecordsNor
Karisma on SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/karisma-records
Karisma Records Webshop: http://karismarecords.bigcartel.com/
Karisma Records BandCamp: http://karismarecords.bandcamp.com/music
Karisma Records US Webshop:  http://karismarecords.aisamerch.com/
Karisma Records KlickTrack Store (digital only):  http://shop.klicktrack.com/karismadarkessencerecords