‘Black Science and White Lies’ is the third album from Infringement after ‘Alienism’ (2019) and ‘Transition’ (2017) The album follows a man’s journey through faith, his identity and, eventually, his redemption.
Infringement are Stig André Clason (guitar), Kristoffer Utby (drums), and Hans Andreas Brandal (vocals). Keyboardist Bård Thorstensen joined the band for their live performances and soon became a permanent member. Their latest addition, to complete the permanent line-up, is Emil Olsen on bass. Brandal has a somewhat theatrical style of singing that works well on this fine two track (in multiple parts) album of two pieces, White Lies and Black Science.
Together these two tracks comprise the entire 43-minute duration of the album, an unusual and somewhat intense sounding album that mixes narrative and some fiercely strident and hard-hitting music. I recommend that you have the CD booklet at hand so you can follow the narrative more easily, as it is can be a bit obscure otherwise. Even so, it’s not easy to follow what’s going on. I found it better to just go with the flow and listen to it as a complete piece of a journey. On White Lies, the acoustic guitar, keyboards and piano work very well ,acting as a counterpoint to the despair of the vocals, as does the guitar break at the end of the track that gives such great dynamics to the piece.
I actually find strong connections in this piece to the parable of the prodigal son, where a son leaves home and eventually realises he was better off at home. This theme is especially apparent White Lies pt. 3 – Apostasy which is backed with a very muscular beat and a thrust of energy and power. There is great use of the Hammond organ throughout this section with some sinewy snaking guitar lines and power chords giving the track its impetus and drive. The following section sees the return to the fold as it were as he seeks reconnection to his family. Again this is all very much theatrical in tone and actually works well like that.
After this we move to the second, five piece, suite of Black Science, which is slightly longer in length. This piece opens with good interplay between the organ and the rhythm section with powerful drums from Kristoffer Utby and strong parts from bassist Emil Olsen alongside Stig André Clason‘s subtle guitar playing. The sound is complex and constantly changing in both style and tempo, there is more than a whiff of both Gentle Giant and King Crimson in this track as it evolves steadily, the piano from Bård Thorstensen is really fine and offers a good balance to the intensity of the other sections of the track.
I will admit to not having a clue as to what this track is about, although it seems to be about a state of evolution. The organ is very prevalent during the Crimson Skies segment of the track as are the epic tones of Redemption, along with more fine guitar work from Stig André Clason, whose playing is never less than stellar, his last solo concluding the track and album in style.
‘Black Science and White Lies’ is a very interesting and somewhat intense listen, as it will demand much concentration in order to fully grasp the concepts it contains. It is worth the effort though as Infringement reward you with some excellent musical passages and performances with some great sections and playing. I really wouldn’t mind delving further into previous albums from the band to get a grip of what they are all about.
The booklet for the album gives a lot more information and is a recommended aid to getting the best from the music of the album.
Released 19th September, 2024.
Order from bandcamp here:
https://infringement.bandcamp.com/album/black-science-and-white-lies