Both albums explore similar themes of isolation, mental struggle and suicide, using subtle shifts in intensity and dynamics, in an incessant play of light and shadows that projects a poignant emotional arc from beginning to end.
The latter record in particular constitutes a fitting reference point for The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise, both thematically and sonically. Elsewhere, "Dreamless Sleep" and "Paperwings" take the direction of dark electro-rock that one can find in Steven Wilson's more recent solo work, like Grace for Drowning or. Wilson-esque melodies and vocal harmonies abound, while songs like "Demagogue Communion" embrace the kind of staccato chord progressions that are a trademark of Porcupine Tree's songwriting. The UK prog icons constitute a rather prominent influence for this album, much more so than for Oak's previous records. The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise does not stray too far from the previous two records, but lets the guitars take a more central role, adding much sharper edges to the sound and moving it closer to the kind of prog metal/rock that Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree have pioneered since the beginning of the century. Oak's 2018 sophomore album False Memory Archives built on similar sonic ideals, but with a stronger sense of composition and better balance between accessibility and songwriting subtlety. That gave the record an unusual feel, dark and airy at the same time, forming an ideal background for Simen Valldal Johannessen's deep, velvety voice. That album caught my attention for its rather unique sound: moody piano lines and bass grooves laid the foundations of the songwriting, while guitars, sax and strings were used in a more complementary role, to inject splashes of colour and add variation to the arrangements. I have been following the Norwegians since their 2013 debut LP Lighthouse. The result is a collection of songs that combine umbratile atmospheres, exquisite melodies and surprisingly sharp edges that will appeal to fans of bands like Porcupine Tree, Leprous, Katatonia and Gazpacho. Fans of dark progressive rock/metal music take heed: Norwegian quartet Oak have just released via Karisma Records their third LP The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise - a poignant exploration of themes related to mental health and suicide that draws from a diverse musical palette, including piano-driven progressive rock, chamber pop, dark electronica and hard-rock/metal.
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