Hailing from Bergen, Norway, Major Parkinson is a kaleidoscopic collision of huge, cinematic melodies, memorable pop hooks, inconceivable rhythms and psychedelic lyrics. A distinctively different band, with an unconventional alliance and almost aberrant approach to the art of writing music. The band say they are unable to tie down specific influences but do mention The Cardiacs and cult series, Twin Peaks.
Formed in 2003 by members Jon Ivar Kollbotn, Eivind Gammersvik, André Lund, and Jan Are Rønhovde with a number of band changes since conception. The band quickly gained recognition by winning the Eggstock festival and a local band competition in their early days and are known for their eclectic sound, blending various genres from pop to progressive rock, and theatrical performances.
The band has toured extensively across Europe, sharing stages with notable acts and participating in various music pageants such as Summer’s End Progressive Rock Festival in Chepstow, Wales. This was a significant event for fans of the band in the UK and a highly anticipated event for those who had been waiting for Major Parkinson to return to the stage. The band’s performance was well-received, and an affirmation of their continued popularity and the energy they bring to their live shows. Fans were able to witness the band’s evolution and the new direction they took with their album Valesa – Chapter 1. Their explosive performance was a memorable experience as we had not seen or heard them previously and it was a highlight of the festival for us, quite the event, though it left some attendees bewildered and wondering what they had just witnessed.
Now, Valesa – Chapter II: Viva The Apocalypse!, the second instalment in their evolving Valesa series around the neon-shaded universe of Velvet Prison, which brings a darker narrative edge to the party this time. It explores the ingenuous attractions of show business, American mythologies, and the illusory threads betwixt the idyll and the illusion. Time to squeeze into one’s best bib and tucker, shine one’s shoes and prick up one’s hearing to navigate and extract the files then proceed to enter.
The Elevator Pitch in the frontal cortex settles into a low hum and piped, relaxed vibes can be heard as the lift rises to your level. There’s a knocking and the ping of the access door opening, you step in and descend through the temporal lobe. You arrive, the doors open and the music surges toward you as you enter your own cerebral auditory complex.
The music swells with the anticipated arrival of the band to the performance, restless excited feet and legs shuffle. They emerge and Jon Ivar Kollbotn screams “Free drinks for everyone” as synapses in your head burst forth like flashing stage lights and he entreats us to join the celebration as the band join in and you sway in the aural assault, after all it’s only Showbiz. There’s a gleeful anarchy to the sound that is somehow contained in the mix of Øystein Bech-Eriksen’s thrilling guitar runs, bursts of William Grøv Skramset’s brass and variation of musical styles, sweet backing vocals and Jon’s own tone range that careers manically from that of an evangelistic street preacher, to fading gently into the end of the track.
Lars Christian Bjørknes’ funky keys and brass throb and grind with Sondre Veland’s drums rubbing salaciously up against each other, as Eivind Gammersvik’s bass throbs to Superdad and thrusts of guitar pierce the underbelly of fame.
The melodic themes weave throughout the album creating strands of continuation as Father Superior wallows in a retro vibe led by the vocal from Halie, building to a choral release as we are whistled out of track four, which for some reason brings to mind a scene of the fox, Gideon, from Disney’s Pinocchio walking away into the distance through some dimly lit, rain slick alley.
Then the bubbling mania surfaces in title track Viva The Apocalypse! as the frantic, jerking energy lurches and the compulsive chorus sticks itself in your head with heavy musical adhesive, whilst the brass collapses like dominoes and spins to a standstill. We’re never gonna be the same again.
Jon, hits the soapbox again as he seeks to proselytise his listening congregation, to tune in, turn on, drop out, The Doctor In Command and celebrant of the apocalypse. The reiteration binding the chant inside our brain, until we find ourselves inadvertently humming and singing it as we go about our day.
The lysergic infused Karma Supernova flies us through an emotional journey, unctuous lyrics, like creeping slime entice you into the madness, a gloomy reflection of Genesis’ Lamia, synths crawl round you while the glowering vocals from Jon loom in the dark corners ready to spring on you.
Claudia Cox’s dreamy vocals entices us into the penultimate plastic world of Maybelline. We follow, only for the door of sanity to slam shut as the maelstrom of instruments whirl round us like a huge tornado. There is brief respite as we stumble into the eye of the storm, only to be then torn away again and lost in the intensifying maelstrom. Is anything genuine in this tinsel town?
Lights dim, the fiery sun sets and only the glow of street lamps light the muffled early evening. Away from the craziness, passion blossoms with a sigh and limbs entwine and you Kiss Me Now!. For a time all but the feel, taste and scent of lovemaking matters. Forget the madness of the world, the phony glitz of showbiz and celebrity, with all it’s fame and misfortune. The buzz of a mobile phone is ignored and we are spent.
Major Parkinson’s unique sound and engaging performances have garnered them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim within the progressive rock community. This album was recorded mostly live giving a vibrancy and raw feral quality to the sound. In fact I cannot listen to their music without thinking the sheer physical nature to many of the tunes could not be created without movement, it could never be achieved by standing still at a microphone.
There is a life-force and energy mixed with dark humour and cinematic panache, that will either scare you into running down dark alleys in search of rescue or safe haven, or draw you in like a vampire with his victims to become embroiled in the mystery and succumb to all the wondrous sights and sounds. I fall into the latter category, how about you?
TRACK LISTING
01. Elevator Pitch (1:13)
02. Showbiz (6:38)
03. Superdad (6:49)
04. Father Superior (3:33)
05. Viva The Apocalypse! (4:18)
06. The Doctor In Command (4:50)
07. Karma Supernova (8:54)
08. Maybelline (5:09)
09. Kiss Me Now! (3:17)
Total Time – 44:41
MUSICIANS
Jon Ivar Kollbotn – Main Vocals, Additional Keys
Eivind Gammersvik – Bass, Additional Keys, Percussion, Sound Design
Lars Christian Bjørknes – Keys, Backing Vocals, Percussion
Øystein Bech-Eriksen – Guitars
Sondre Veland – Drums, Rototoms, Percussion
~ With:
Sondre Skollevoll – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Claudia Cox (Peri Winkle) – Lead Vocals (8 & 9), Backing Vocals, Violin
Halie (Hannah Emilie Wright Grung): Lead Vocals (3 & 4), Backing Vocals
The Barba Sisters (Romi & Paola Barba) – Apocalypse Choir
William Grøv Skramsett – Trumpets
Morten Norheim – Saxophone
Iver Sandøy – Additional Percussion
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Apollon Records
Country of Origin: Norway
Date of Release: 13th March 2026
LINKS
Major Parkinson – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp (Apollon Records) | YouTube | Instagram
