Elephant9's "Silver Mountain" is a sprawling, ambitious double album that showcases the Norwegian progressive rock and jazz fusion collective at the peak of their creative powers. Released on August 28, 2015, via Rune Grammofon, the album is a testament to the band's ability to blend intricate compositions with improvisational freedom, resulting in a sound that is both complex and deeply groovy.
The album consists of five extended tracks, each ranging from 10 to 22 minutes in length, offering ample space for the band to explore and develop their ideas. The opening track, "Occidentali," sets the tone with its intricate interplay between the keyboards, bass, and drums, while "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" offers a more melodic and accessible entry point. The album also features two original compositions, "Abhartach" and "Kungsten," which delve into darker, more experimental territories, and "The Above Ground Sound," which closes the album on a high note with its soaring, uplifting melodies.
Elephant9's "Silver Mountain" is not just an album, but an experience. The band's virtuosic playing and innovative compositions make it a standout release in their discography and a highlight of 2015. Whether you're a fan of progressive rock, jazz fusion, or nu jazz, "Silver Mountain" is sure to impress with its ambition, skill, and sheer musicality.