AIRBAG : IDENTITY

  1. Prelude
  2. No Escape
  3. Safe Like You
  4. Steal My Soul
  5. Feeling Less
  6. Colours
  7. How I Wanna Be
  8. Sounds That I Hear

Label : Karisma Records

Release Date: April 27, 2009

Length : 54:39

Review (ProgArchives) : What a nice surprise! While some reviewers are displeased at the sameness of this collection of songs, I am pleased by this consistency. Aside from one throw-away song ("How I Wanna Be"), the engaging quality of these songs is of a very high and consistent level. Again there are three pieces that I would nominate for that pantheon of greatness known as 'classics' in "Safe Like You," "Colours," and "Feeling Less." Plus, for David Gilmour lovers, you have an amazing 'Gilmour' solo in "Steal My Soul." Agreed: There are no "new" innovations or complicated structures or time signatures here; instead, what you have is a collection of very pleasant, very listenable, and memorable neo-prog songs. An excellent and enjoyable addition to any prog lover's music collection.

Review (Background Magazine) : Artists like Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Radiohead, No-Man and Talk Talk definitely inspired Norwegian band Airbag. Their unique sound results in classic prog, symphonic rock with scenic sound scapes. Their music is introspective and full of atmosphere. However, if you like your progressive rock with heavy guitar riffs or much diversity then you maybe find this debut album a bit too soft or too mellow. Normally I like heavier prog rock, but after listening to this album a couple of times, I dare to say that I'm almost hooked on Airbag. I love those dreamy, breathtaking guitar solos in songs like Prelude, Steal My Soul and the marvellous Colours. Singer Asle Tostrup really has a nice voice, sometimes reminding me of Mark Hollis (Talk Talk) for instance in Safe Like You or Tim Bowness (No-Man) in songs like Steal My Soul or Colours. This album is perfect to unwind after a hard day's work or for a rainy Sunday morning. Relax and let yourself carried away by this dreamy prog rock music. I can truly agree with a quote in Classic Rock magazine: "Prog at its most chilled, honeyed and soothing". Identity is a remarkable album that you can listen to repeatedly. It is a drug that slowly becomes an addiction!