Apollon Records [Release date 07.10.16]
We’ve had an obsession with all things Scandinavian in recent years and the fourth album from Norwegian instrumentalists Pymlico contributes to this Nordic sense of intrigue.
Wholly instrumental, prog/jazz fusion in approach, the band is led by drummer Arild Broter who writes most of the material. Together with his henchmen – including Marie Faerevaag on saxophone – they create a musical landscape as exhilarating and energising as a Norwegian fjord.
‘Crab Key’ and ‘Erised’ are good examples with Oyvind’s Broter’s sweeping keys complementing Stephan Hvinden’s heavier guitar figures – ‘Erised’ could even be a theme to a Scandi crime thriller. ‘Second Rate Punk’ develops into a funky wig-out where the guitar plays off the added brass section with great effect. This Chicago brassiness (as in Chicago, the band) continues on the strangely entitled NOL861613060.
In places the band’s approach reminds me of the jazz funk band Spyrogyra, who flourished briefly (in terms of crossover) in the late-1970s but who also combined the same infectious rhythms and melody with a rock twist in the guitar department.
This is the sort of album that if you heard it playing on a good system at a friend’s house or – dare I say it – in a “record shop”, you would want to know its origins. It’s difficult to sustain a purely instrumental album but Pymlico do this with the strength of their compositions and musicianship. Like that Nordic landscape it’s varied enough to be interesting and, like the best Nordic Noir, somewhat immersive. Magnificent. *****
Review by David Randall
David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 16 November 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This 600th show was first broadcast on 18 November 2025
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 1 December 2025
We feature all the artists selected in this sequence in 2025.
Featured Albums w/c 1 December 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
