What you'll find on this CD are great harmonies, solid musicianship and impeccable production.  Finn Arild is a true musician and artist. It's rare that you can find a musician that really knows his way around the instrument and still loves melody and song structure foremost. The result is a very listenable CD that rewards again and again.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
The previews give a very accurate idea of the quality, variety and sheer musicality of this album. The quality is not just in the recording - it's in Finn's excellent vocals, songwriting and arrangements. He manages to create all kinds of different colours and emotion with his vocals much like Gabriel and Collins. Yes - it is right to describe  the album as prog rock but it has a very up to date feel to it. It's a very musical, melodic and likeable album which also has some great sections of music (not too extended). Music certainly inspired by Genesis/Gabriel but never at any time did I think it was simply derivative - the modern edge, sharp songwriting, thoughtfully layered arrangments, touches of humour and the fine recording all make this album really stand up in it's own right. I will definitely be back for the next album.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Finn Arild was born a summer morning in February in Takapuna, New Zealand. Soon after, his family moved back to Norway. Back in Fetsund, he grew up with his elder sibling's music of the 70s, but also with his father's love for classical music. When Finn Arild was six he learned to play guitar and had four years of classical training from he was seven years old. In that same period he learned to play the living room organ. Finn Arild soon met other friends with music interests and through the years he played with several local bands. Finn Arild learned early on to use computers and music together. Even some of the themes resurfacing now was first recorded onto an old (then new) Amiga 500 with a Yamaha DX7 and a home made MIDI interface. However, this interest of computers lead him to another path than music. Although his main career so far has been with information technology, graphic design and marketing, Finn Arild has participated in several music projects and radio commercials and have never stopped making music. His writing covers many styles, from classical via folk, pop and rock to hardcore progressive. Now some of these ideas have been put together to form his debut album Serendipity - a rock album with progressive undertones. He likes to play a little bit of Progressive Rock. This first CD, all produced, recorded and played by himself (with the help of Tor Quille) is a very interesting of pop and Progressive. Is impossible to hear "Take Two And Call Me In The Morning" and "Love Me Or Not" and do not remember of "Genesis" with "Phil Collins" in vocals. Progressive? Not so much. Pop? A little, but very easy to listen. His Progressive vein is better visible in "Nightly Encounters" (could easily be part of "Genesis" with "Peter Gabriel") and "Riding The Nightmare". But he shows talent and hability to do some "Santana" influenced songs ("Name And the Dance Of Monopolis"), and some good pop jewels like "How Do You Die". This is a very interesting mix of different styles, with a progressive line conducting the work. A good debut, and a chance for Finn Arild to develope his musical habilities. Finn Arild sings, plays acoustic, classical and electric guitars, bass guitar, keyboards and programs drums on his music. Good record!...
                            Read more...
                        

                            
A refreshing blast from the past. There was a time when Music for the sake of Music was made. This CD is a return to that. The quality and attention to detail is apparent throughout. Every track has it’s own personality, yet they seem to tie together to make a complete aural journey. Obviously a technical mind and  a talented Musician with a Musically driven Soul. I recommend this to anyone with an ear toward progressive Rock. Finn Arild is the real deal.
                            Read more...