Jethro Tull - RokFlote.
JETHRO TULL
ROKFLOTE
(Inside Out)
By Paul Davies
This fleet fluted follow up to ‘22’s 'The Zealot Gene' finds Ian Anderson flute deep in Norse tales hence the Rock flute twist on this album’s title. Originally intended to be an instrumental release, Anderson once again adopts the Jethro Tull name to deliver a softer Folk Rock album in keeping with the continuity of recent Tull and Ian Anderson solo releases. In fact, this is the sound of Ian Anderson constructing a fine third act in a music career that has few parallels. It’s a third act that began with 2012’s 'Thick As A Brick Part 2' then ‘Homo Erraticus' released under his own name. 'RokFlote' along with last year’s 'The Zealot Gene', finds Anderson once again resurrecting the Jethro Tull brand. Yet, it’s obvious that they are albums that slot seamlessly into the exclusive ranks of Ian Anderson’s exceptional solo discography.
'RokFlote' tellingly begins with a prophetic old Norse poem about the creation of the world, its end and rebirth as 'Voluspo' morphs from a beguiling narration into a flute of the gods musical force. Tull fans were first alerted to a new album of music with the release of ‘Ginnungagap', this single filled the musical void with its sophisticated Rock arrangement reminding fans of the compositional excellence one expects from Tull songs. ‘RokFlote’ has many such instances as 'Ithavoll', the meeting place of the gods noted in 'Voluspo’, is underscored by strident fuzzy guitar and pounding percussion. Smelting together the Thor and Odin myth, 'Hammer On Hammer' fashions a melodious tale of battle. Beastly wolf howls ring out on the intro to 'Wolf Unchained' as a chugging guitar motif blasts out on possibly this album's most Rock orientated track. This and the accordion, organ and flute dressed in a sparkling coat of Folk Rock on 'Trickster (and the Mistletoe)' reminds of similar instrumentation to be found on Tull’s 'Broadsword And the Beast' album. Similarly, the synths and guitar riffs on 'The Navigators' hark back to 'Broadsword’s' admixture of mythological lyrical themes and Heavy Folk Rock music. As does 'Guardian’s Watch'. Anderson's signature arrangement of melody and sophisticated acoustic and electric instrumentation are further revealed on 'The Feathered Consort', 'The Perfect One' and 'Cornucopia'.
A slightly restrained and quiet production, ‘RokFlote’ has a musical depth that surfaces upon repeated listen. One can imagine the great Norse God Odin pirouetting on one leg, imaginary flute in hand, down the halls of Valhalla with ‘RokFlote’ blasting out of Asgard’s super massive hi-fi surround sound system.