Jethro Tull – RökFlöte
6/10
I have recently realized that Jethro Tull was never that interesting after the 70’s ended. Most of the original classic hard rock bands of that time did some sort of greatness in the 80’s, but except for Broadsword and the Beast (1982), most of the later Tull albums are rather mediocre. So when they released their first album in 20 years The Zealot Gene last year, I was sort of surprised of how I immediately felt the urge to buy the album without even listening to it first. I did, and as it turned out, the album was really good and vital! Having them release a new album just a year later feels promising.
The theme on Rökflöte is of Northern folk lore, which allows the band to rely heavily on the folk elements of the band’s sound. The theme blends perfectly with the bands iconic sound and gives way for new adventures in Ian Andersons poetry. But when it comes to the songs, it doesn’t strike the high notes that I’d hoped for. One thing that comes to mind is the soundtrack album of the 70’s. The wibe on RökFlöte reminds me of the Pink Floyd albums More (1969) and Obscured by Clouds (1972), which consists more of a bunch of interludes and instrumentals than actual songs. RökFlöte does consist of real songs, but it slightly feels like it doesn’t. The songs are there, but thye kind of float under my radar. I get that it’s an album meant to be heard as a whole, and that whole sure is nice, but there are very few parts that stick out as particularly memorable.
After hearing it a couple of times, the album grows on me a little, and I start to hear parts that I really enjoy. It’s still a great sound and Ian Andersons flute playing is as powerful as ever. But I still hoped for a little bit more after the previous album. While The Zealot Gene was on par with at least some of their 70’s albums, this feels a bit more like one of the albums they could have released in the 80’s. Still, it’s pleasant, and gives you a warm and vibrant moment by the fireplace. It’s quality, but you forget about it quite quickly after listening to it.
Artist: Jethro Tull
Title: RökFlöte
Country: Great Britain
Label: InsideOut Music
Date of release: 21/4-23
Time: 44,25
Rate: 6/10
Stand Out Track: The Feathered Consort
