From Bandcamp, "The Norwegian progressive collective 35 TAPES returns with their fourth studio album "Veil on Life." It's a six-track record that pushes the band into a more powerful, riT-driven register while preserving their signature analogue warmth and modern clarity. Recorded at Frydenlund Studio (Oslo, Norway) – the same environment that shaped their previous album Fabric of Time – the album leans further into the band's audiophile instincts, with a wide dynamic range, bold low end, punchy drums and immersive stereo imaging, whilst remaining grounded in tactile vintage hardware. Songwriting is tight and meaningful, favoring memorable hooks and grooves that sit comfortably alongside the song's cinematic passages."

The album has six songs, and "Hallway" is first. The sound that hits me out of the gate is one of nostalgia, even a bit sentimental. Guitars are on the light side, and keyboards and bass carry as much as they do. It's a little peculiar, and they can be accused of meandering at times, but that's Progressive Rock in a nutshell. Exploratory might sum up the song. "Water" is a bit darker and uses a lot of minor chords that create a sense of dread, or at least, a sense of sadness. For me, it begs the question, "what is water." It's an essential element to human survival, yet it large amounts can also decimate and utterly destroy. "Brise" features gentle piano notes and vocals that are once again sad at times, or at least, introspective. When it turns a bit, the pacing and sonority rises, and you have a clearer window to look through.

"Borrowed Time" reminds us that we are all on it…all of humanity. Thick bass notes lead the song, to where I am not sure. The band seems to have a vision for their music, but some of it remains a mystery to me. Again, quintessential Prog Rock. You have to dig through the layers to find the meaning. "Clueless" is another soft offering that embraces some light this time. Ignorance is bliss, as the saying goes. It sort of strolls to me, like someone taking a walk in the park with no concept of time or anywhere he has to be. "Cities" is the final song, and it's another melancholy and mysterious song. I can appreciate their art, that's for sure, but some of the album was hard for me to connect with.

Take a close look at the amorphous album cover and it might clue you in to some of the music on the album. It's a very personal album, and in the end, I have to decide on an elementary level if I was able to connect with the music. After all, that's the very essence of all music. In this case, the connection was only lukewarm for me, but I would still encourage all fans of Progressive music to give this album their time, because they may feel differently about it.