BIO (from their website):
You would need to search far and wide to discover a better example of a band’s art evolving than that of Norwegian prog/pop rock mainstays, Moron Police. Widely considered one of Scandinavia’s top live acts; having toured extensively and performed at major festivals like the Hove Music Festival, Norway Rock and by:Larm.
They released their long-awaited third album A Boat on the Sea in 2019. The album represents the foursome’s maturation from a hard rocking party band to one that is more focused on catchy melodies and outspoken world views. And features artwork by international award-winning artist Antonio Segura Donat (DULK). It received top reviews all over the world, from influential rock magazines like PROG and Classic Rock Magazine, to webzines and prominent YouTube personalities. It was nominated for “Best Rock Album” and “Best Artwork” by the Independent Music Awards, led to the band signing a record deal in Japan and earned praise from the likes of Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy. The band were also invited to perform in an all-star virtual concert during the COVID-19 lockdown together with some of the biggest names in progressive rock.
The story could have ended there, after the tragic loss of their best friend and drummer, Thore Omland Pettersen. Instead, they’ve turned it into their most personal and ambitious chapter yet. Enlisting the help of renowned drummer, Billy Rymer (The Dillinger Escape Plan), they set out to make a sprawling concept album where the story is as unhinged as the music. Joining progressive metal with Moron Police’s patented brand of catchy pop melodies. Resulting in their upcoming album, Pachinko!
Earlier albums The Propaganda Machine and Defenders of the Small Yard were embraced by fans and critics alike. Led to them performing with the Kristiansand Symphonic Orchestra at the Kilden Theater and Concert Hall. And one of their songs, “Who’s That Chicken?”, has been covered by the most highly acclaimed high school show choir in the United States (Los Alamitos High Show Choir).
1. Nothing Breaks (A Port of Call) 04:45
2. Alfredo and the Afterlife 02:31
3. Waiting Around for You 03:31
4. Cormorant 03:35
5. Make Things Easier 02:38
6. Pachinko, Pt. 1 11:44
7. Pachinko, Pt. 2 04:10
8. King Among Kittens 03:48
9. Take Me to the City 03:49
10. The Apathy of Kings 05:10
11. Hanabi 00:51
12. Okinawa Sky 04:15
13. The Sentient Dreamer 02:57
14. Giving Up the Ghost 06:00
It’s finally here!
Our 4th album, “Pachinko”, is released!
This is the big one. The ding of dongs!
It's 60 minutes of non-stop MoPo action.
And it’s a concept album about a guy who turns into a sentient Pachinko machine in Tokyo.
As silly as that is, this has been an immense labor of love. It took everything to get this one done.
There were COVID and lockdowns, kids being born, full-time jobs. And there was a death in the family.
This one is for Thore. The best friend anyone could ever have.
Our deepest gratitude goes out to Billy Rymer for accepting the monumental task of recording drums for this album in Thore’s absence.
We hope you like this one. We really do.
It's a lot to take in. But if you give it time, we promise you’ll be rewarded.
Lars Christian Bjørknes – Synths, piano, organs, melodica, percussion, backing vocals, programming, string & horn arrangements
Christian Fredrik Holtsteen – Bass, fretless bass
(And forever) Thore Omland Pettersen – Drum Outro (Giving Up the Ghost)
Guest Musician:
Billy Rymer – Drums
Other Personnel:
William Grøv Skramsett – Trumpet
Morten Norheim – Saxophone
Claudia Cox, Marius Westling, Oleg Bezuglov, Gabriel Bastos – Violin, Hardanger Fiddle
Simen Hallset – Additional Backing Vocals
Edgar Vivas – Cello
Felipe Manuel Sosa – Oboe
Robert Julian Badenhope Hvistendahl – Percussion
Credits:
Songs and lyrics written by Sondre Skollevoll
Additional writing by Lars Christian Bjørknes (King Among Kittens, Pachinko, Pt. 1) and Jon Ivar Kollbotn (Alfredo and the Afterlife, Pachinko, Pt. 1)
Produced by Sondre Skollevoll and Lars Christian Bjørknes
Mixed by Mike Watts at VuDu Studios, New York
Mastered by Frank Mitaritonna at VuDu Studios, New York
/ XBTT (1) by Dejavu
