Washington - A New Order Rising (2004)

They're still there, Thom Yorke, Ed Harcourt and Tim Buckley. In the voice of Rune Simonsen. And what a voice!

To my ears, Washington has become noticeably less country-influenced over the course of two EPs and now this debut full-length, with the ambitious title "A new order rising".

I am in no way surprised by the pretentious undertones the words conjure up. Washington has entered the knife's edge that is so difficult to balance, especially if you are going to do progressive pop rock. Perhaps you are not surprised? After all, Radiohead is an indisputable source of inspiration for the guys in Washington. There is still another British group that appears in my inner images.

Pink Floyd, and my favorite record from the post-Syd Barrett era, "Wish you were here", push forward into consciousness. "Shine on you crazy diamond" - not the song itself, but the way it is built. This is not an attempt to make fun of either Washington or Pink Floyd. I'm fully aware that Pink Floyd is one of the most unhip things you can like at the moment, if you don't agree with the fact that "Piper at the gates of dawn" is "a damn good record". No, I just observe and think out loud.

Relax. This is not a pure prog record. Maybe it's only one third prog. But I suspect the percentage may go up on the next release.

Lovely "Have you ever" from "Black wine ep" is still as good, "Landslide" is the closest to a radio hit you get on the record, a very nice pop song. "Maker of time" is a good song. So are "Bluebird" and "Anthem".

The nearly nine-minute long closing track with the winding title delivers on its promise. This is a long poem worthy of the actions of heroes and gods alike.

Washington's songs consist of a beautiful structure, a clean production, a guitar work in the best spirit of David Gilmour and a squeezing atmosphere. Convincing.

Just hope no one takes my prog accusations badly..