Krokofant - Krokofant II
by Keith How
published: 21 / 2 / 2016

Label:
Rune Grammofon
Format: CD
intro
Abrasive and exciting second album from Nordic power trio Krokofant whose music merges jazz and rock
This second album from Nordic power trio Krokofant kicks off like a swarm of angry hornets provoked by a big stick. 'C.O.T.A.' features a fiery sax. It riffs away at a speed driven by a pounding bass drum and stupendous percussion, before breaking down into an inventive guitar solo over machine gun drumming. Phew! This is a really inventive collection of material. While appearing to be improvised, these compositions combine clever and invigorating free jazz with added rock. 'Sail Ahead' follows on from the opening track and grooves to a twisted riff, which is highlighted by a great guitar line. Clever use of dynamics finds saxophonist Jorgen Mathisen entering Coltrane territory in what might be considered a quieter moment. This is a hard –boiled disciplined set that stretches beyond, say, 70's jazz funk or the progressive jazz feel of King Crimson or Colosseum but there are echoes of the past here as the trio snap and bite at your heels. Drummer Axel Skalstad reminds me of Billy Cobham as he roughs up his kit on 'Snakedog', but whatever the tempo this trio seem bonded together. Tom Hasslan does a passable McLaughlin, his soloing fast and fluid but always restrained. Krokofant are difficult to categorise. Perhaps too rock for jazz afficiandos and while not really fitting into a standard prog rock pair of shoes, they are truly an exciting and progressive outfit. As if to make the point 'Watchtower' is a monstrous pounding animal running wild. The band weave and duck like boxers in the ring, trading blows before the album ends as dramatically as it began. Not for the faint of heart I would say but well worth investigating!
Track Listing:-
1 C.O.T.A.2 Sail Ahead
3 Nieu
4 The Ship
5 Snakedog
6 Watchtower
Band Links:-
https://nb-no.facebook.com/krokofantmusic/Label Links:-
http://www.runegrammofon.com/https://www.facebook.com/Rune-Grammofon-267695363296413
soundcloud
reviews |
Krokofant III (2017) |
![]() |
Impressive third album from exuberant and energetic Norwegian progressive jazz outfit Krokofant |
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Sukie Smith - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
Kim Wilde - Photoscapes
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart