Castle Massacre

Oslo-based band Ping is comprised of Jørgen Greiner, Mattis Janitz, Alexander Lindbäck, Tore Hofstad and Hans Fredheim. Ever since their debut offering in 2000, It's a Picnic, Ping has rollercoasted through a variety of different styles, gliding past musical boundaries and turning the laws of harmony upside down. The Zappa-esque ride continues with The Castle Massacre, in a dense prog/electro/punk/jazz mix. The opening song "Bow To The Beagle" seams to quote electronic pioneer Bruce Haack. "Anyway But Now" juggles around prog-rock motifs like Ween used to. "Blue Velvet Rope" dances at a '70s funk pace. The title track reminds of early Genesis, "The Skating Hall" recalls 10cc and "Comoneverybody" uses the jazzy flute and space-funk grooviness of Captain Beefheart. All these influences, together with a powerfully distinguished sound, make this Ping album a truly exhilarating. Qdk Media. 2006