ROBEC – THE FOREST IS TOO LOUD (2025) (Gymnocal Industries) (Limited edition LP)

Press release: Robec is the solo project of Marius T. Røbech, former member of Ocean of Lotion, based in Bergen, Norway. Through years of sonic explorations in different places and spaces, the former guitar player found the soundscapes of pulsating synthesizers combined with repetitive grooves and twangy guitars, making it an interesting place to explore in the grander space of the prog rock world.

“The Forest is too Loud” is an instrumental album that explores expansive soundscapes shaped by restless rhythms and mesmerizing bass lines. Twangy guitars and spacious synths create a cinematic atmosphere, while, true to classic prog rock style, the extended tracks shift from quiet ambiences to epic leads. This album is a journey through sonic exploration and diverse genre inspirations, offering a complete and immersive listening experience.

Review: ‘Unknown Overture’ starts the album well and is over 7 minutes of a strong melodic synth line with embellishments and variations that is reiterated strongly by guitar with emphatic drumming by Sondre Veland of Major Parkinson. ‘The Apanthropist’ is a shorter piece of ‘electro-rock’, a piano delivering the lead line this time with nice synth structures; reminded me a bit of the amazing ‘Inception’ soundtrack. ‘Latibulate’, at 11 minutes, is again piano driven with expressive bass and urgent guitar and synth lines becoming more reflective as the piece progresses climaxing (or so I thought) in a reverberant synth line before the main melody reappears – very impressive! ‘Nikhedonia’ has more of a jazz-rock vibe and gets into enticing swashbuckling groove. The title track is the longest at 15 minutes and becomes increasingly intense from the initial serene piano and tranquil synth introduction and featuring some nicely judged synth work, a haunting bass line underpinning a memorable groove, a bit like a high-octane Mike Oldfield creation before calming down again and then bursting once more into life in an emphatic conclusion.