Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts

12/16/2021

Vancouver based songwriter Rich Chambers releases indie single 'High School Can't Last Forever'



Vancouver, Canada based artist Rich Chambers has a musical story unlike any other. Redefining soft rock and 60’s rock to create his innovative signature sound, Rich resides in an ambitious indie-rock meets alternative limelight that will instantly leave you wanting more. Returning with his latest release, “High School Can’t Last Forever,” the rocking new single merges the sounds of Buddy Holly and Green Day to explore the notion of what really constitutes youth and innocence.

Sharing his thoughts on the release, Rich Chambers explains, “High school often seems to represent that moment in our lives where anything is possible. It is our launching pad to life, so to speak. From that point, we all start to make decisions (or don't make decisions) that ultimately start each of us off down our own unique life path. “High School Can’t Last Forever” is a song that tackles this defining moment in our lives. It begs the notion that those who follow dreams or take chances to go after something often live without regret; whereas, those who are never willing to take a chance or squash their dreams (for whatever reason) often live with regret and find themselves looking back to life's launching pad (high school), wishing they could launch again. It does this to the backbeat of an under three minute, timeless, rock n' roll soundtrack.”



 

4/24/2020

Celtic-Acoustic-New Age Review: 2002- Celtic Fairy Dream

Release Date: April 24, 2020
Label: Real Music

When you go to the 2002 website the new release Celtic Fairy Dream is introduced as a relaxing, soothing, nurturing music for peaceful rest and sleep. Celtic Fairy Dream is a collection of timeless songs from ancient lands. Harps, flutes, piano, and subtle orchestration accompany delightful lyrics in Gaelic, Welsh and English. That puts it all into proper perspective for any potential listeners.

There is much more to this family’s music, however, Pamela, Randy, and Sarah Copus are the contributors to this lush soundscape. As the saying goes, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. In this case, what you hold within your mind’s eye may be different for all us, but what you hear is musical perfection with vocals that sound like they are coming straight from heaven.

The one thing that remains consistent throughout is Sarah’s incredible vocal talent. She is growing into the music with each release and mother and father have let her walk the path as they provide all the gorgeous layers of sounds for her silky sweet vocals to gloss over the top. She shines like a bright star on the verge of bursting into a supernova. I am hoping I have the opportunity to witness that event as time goes on, as each passing year will lend the experience and maturity to her vocal expertise and approach.

Sarah’s angelic vocals are the focal point of this album but she has the best support possible with her veteran musician parents. It is a beautiful thing, this amazing family and all their talents coming together as one musical energy. I am sure that there will be the third generation of musicians and vocalists someday but I am sure mom and dad are in no rush for that!

All ten tracks offer the listener a real music experience coming from three spiritual beings wishing to pass it on to humanity. They have been doing this for so long, I could not imagine another result than absolute bliss perfected in the studio.

Besides all of the excellent vocal tracks, there is an instrumental titled “Genevieve's Waltz” that puts the spotlight on the excellence of their musicianship. I am so glad that they did this track so listeners can realize the immense talent that these folks have, then to have a daughter with a voice like an angel, it completes the partnership.

Celtic Fairy Dream
takes their music to yet another level that so many people will most certainly appreciate. I would love to hear this album on vinyl someday, it would be amazing, not that it isn’t already. I am a firm believer that LPs give music a different dimension. This recording is well suited to be spinning on a turntable.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
April 10, 2020
 
Track List: 
01. Castle of Dromore 5:00
02. The Green Fields of Autumn (Coinleach Glas an Fhomhair) 5:43
03. Dream(Suantrai) 5:07
04. South Wind 5:06
05. David of the White Rock (Dafydd y Garreg Wen) 4:41
06. Close Your Eyes (Dun do Shuil) 6:12
07. She Moved Through the Fair 5:59
08. Genevieve's Waltz 5:16
09. Little Bird (Einini) 5:41
10. Across the Waves (Trasna na d'Tonnta) 5:15



2/28/2019

Acoustic Instrumental Guitar Review: Shambhu-Lilac Skies

Release Date: April 12, 2019
Label: Acoustic Shine

Shambhu is a word that has many different meanings. In this case, we have to lean towards the spiritual essence of things. This Shambhu is a musician that creates some incredibly good music.

On April 12, 2019, he will release Lilac Skies. The title also holds meaning for the artist, which is infinite love. One look at the cover and you can feel the warmth, beauty, and the lovely smell of that flower when it blooms. It actually has always been one of my favorites, especially the purple ones!

You can call this music new age if you like but for me, it is much too eclectic to put it into just one category. Lilac Skies is acoustic six-string bliss and much more. All the music was composed, arranged and produced by Shambhu. This is a credit to his multitude of talents. And the final touch, mastered by Tom Eaton at Imaginary Road Studios. That is the icing on the proverbial new age cake.

You will hear new age, yes, but also some jazz and blues. “Open Your Heart Sky” was one of my favorites. It has many different elements and instruments intersecting to give it that “Quiet Storm” jazz vibe. “Inspired by The Night” has a similar feel to it with a great backbeat and rhythm and some nice electric guitar lines followed by a beautiful keyboard section, then if that wasn’t enough some excellent bass (think Jaco). The total run is 7:35 of excellence and every second is used with purpose. I think that is one crossover jazz track they will be streaming everywhere.

Honestly, I loved this entire recording. Lilac Skies offered everything I enjoy in one nice package, seriously good musicianship, some cool jazz, blues, and just enough new age for a kick back and relaxing time, with a definitive groove though. So, get ready for a special treat when you spin this one, it was a complete joy to listen to and it will be again 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 28, 2019

Founder of:
TheFinalonVinyl

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Lilac Skies
02. Unspoken Words
03. Blue Whispers
04. Dochas
05. Pondering When
06. Open Your Heart Sky
07. Dream Walk
08. Basis of It All
09. Inspired by the Night
10. Seeing You Again




1/10/2018

New Age/Contemporary Instrumental Review: Terry Lee Nichols and Rebekah Eden-We Have Only Come To Dream

Release Date: January 1, 2018
Label: Soundscape Productions

We Have Only Come To Dream is a stunning release from Terry Lee Nichols and Rebekah Eden. The collaboration is literally a match made in heaven. Once you hear this recording you will think you just arrived at the pearly gates. The premise of the album is not about the heavens above but how we have come to treasure the land below.

This cinematic journey is a tribute to our National Parks in the U.S. and the early explorers of the Americas. The music contained here is the most colorful and moving journey one listener could experience in one sitting. The orchestration, sounds of nature like water in stream, birds singing and horses and wagons moving along a trail, are all part of this presentation. You even hear the sounds of the piano from an early Western saloon and a patron asking for a “stiff one.” 

The poetry of Phillip Spevak is included in the informative and entertaining CD booklet. This gives the music more life and a feeling of the times that are emulated in each song. This is all top of the line instrumental music just perfect for the big screen. I can think of some of the Western films I watched with my father as a child and the music that would accompany it. Those sweet carefree memories were relived in this music. My love of nature and the need to protect it also was enhanced by listening.

We Have Only Come To Dream is the complete package - history, a storyline, and the most lush and gorgeous music you could possibly imagine. From the opener “Phantasmagorical Voyage,” which is so powerful and picturesque, to the relaxing tempo changing curtain closer “Canyon Sunset,” this a very impressive release.  

We Have Only Come To Dream is destined to receive awards this year for the music and production values that are A+ from start to finish. And what a way to kick off the new year for Terry and Rebekah, they could not have been more concise and impactful than this amazing group of tracks. I would expect this recording to be considered into the Library of Congress or the Smithsonian Institute at some point, and hopefully as soon as possible as it deserves inclusion into one of our American Institutions.

If there is one album to make sure you get this year it is We Have Only Come To Dream. Anyone that enjoys instrumental music that immerses you in a soundscape and the atmospheres of days long past, this is the recording to listen to!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 10, 2018

Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

3/24/2016

Nigel Thomas New Album 'Travelling Man' Review


Nigel Thomas is making his own distinct brand of indie rock with nods to his old projects and seminal bands such as Stone Roses and Oasis. He found fame in cult band The Foxes in the back end of the Noughties but in his new album ‘The Travelling Man’ he claims ‘I leave it all behind, I left you all behind’.

These biting words are the backbone to the album which is actually quite nostalgic in sound. Rock and Roll may supposedly be the idea but this time it has a deeper meaning. After ‘Fever’ the evocative song recalling his struggles with mental health, its straight on to an equally cheerful topic with ‘Anne’ dedicated to Anne Frank and her Diary that’s not quite what you’d expect.

Thomas spits out how he is a ‘sinner, strummer, drinker and lover’ in the title track of the album which is reminiscent of Frank Turner’s defiance.

The album is an interesting mix of nostalgia and fighting to move on but Nigel Thomas gives his own view of his future, singing, ‘I won’t know where I’m going, till I arrive’. He uses his voice to satirise as well as sympathise in this attention grabbing collection of songs.



Links:

12/17/2015

Holiday Music Review: Various Artists: The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album

Release Date: October 2, 2015
Label: Legacy Recordings

It is that time of year again.  Lights, Christmas trees, wreaths, and Christmas songs, because it cannot be the Christmas season without the music.  Sony’s Legacy Recordings has put together a Christmas album full of songs from the ‘80s, and appropriately titled it The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album.  It features an assorted cast of successful ‘80s talents, including Whitney Huston, Run-D.M.C., Hall & Oates, The Pointer Sisters, and many more covering such Christmas classic as “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Run Rudolph Run” to name a few. 

Opening up the album is the new wave band The Waitresses of “I Know What Boys Like” fame.  Their Christmas song, “Christmas Wrappings” has classic written all over it.  The song has a nice blend of modern and traditional and it is just so catchy and infectious from the very beginning.  Patty Donahue’s vocals are beautiful.  It is the perfect pop/post-punk holiday song.  Following it is another fantastic song, “Last Christmas” by Wham!. The sound is light and festive, making it a great choice to celebrate the holidays with.  George Michael brings his A-game on here, and it is easy to see way this song has been covered so many times over the last three decades. 

Next up is The Bangles’s version of the Simon & Garfunkel’s “Hazy Shade of Winter.” I like it, as it is very good rock song with lots of energy and edge, but it is not much of a Christmas song.  One of the albums standouts is Run-D.M.C’s “Christmas in Hollis.”  It is a wonderful party song that is full of Christmas spirit, and it is not a ‘80s compilation album without some hip-hop, and who better to represent that than Run-D.M.C.  It is the right song to liven up any Christmas party and should be on everyone’s playlist.  Hall & Oates give very solid and respectful rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock.”  Whitney Huston’s version of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” makes a good case for best single on the album.  Her beautiful and powerful voice is stunning, memorable, and leaves a lasting impression after the song is over. 

Billy Squier’s “Christmas Is The Time To Say 'I Love You’” has a nice rock edge to it and the energy from the crowd is electrifying. It definitely makes for a good song to get everyone singing along to. Dave Edmunds’s “Run Rudolph Run” is pretty solid, but I prefer the Chuck Berry version. Next up is “Zat You Santa Claus” from Buster Poindexter and His Banshees of Blue which adds a nice touch of jazz and lounge music sound to the album.  The Pointer Sisters’ version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is the best song on the second half of the album.  It is a fun, energetic rendition with great vocal harmonies. Roy Parker Jr.’s “Christmas Time Is Here” is a calm and pleasant song. The fictional comedy duo of Bob and Doug Mackenzie give their special take of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”  It is a fun and silly song that sounds like something your drunken relatives might start singing after too many glasses of spiked eggnog. 

The album hits a speed bump with “This One’s for the Children” by The New Kids on the Block.  It is overly sentimental song that does not belong on this album.  It is not a Christmas song and not a good song in general.  Fishbone’s “Slick Nick, You Devil You” is another one that I did not care for.  The tempo is too slow and I do not like the clapping.  The Hooters finish the album off with “Silent Night.”  It is solid version of a Christmas classic and a good choice to bring everything to a close. 

The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album is great album for the holidays.  The selection is varied and strong with only a miss or two against it, making for a high quality album.  This is good because it makes the ‘80s nostalgia trip an added bonus instead of its only selling point.  You cannot go wrong by adding The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album to your collection.  You might even find yourself with some new holiday favorites.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Christmas Wrappings, Last Christmas, Christmas in Hollis, Do You Hear What I Hear? 

Tracks:
 

01. Christmas Wrappings
02. Last Christmas
03. Hazy Shade of Winter
04. Christmas in Hollis
05. Jingle Bell Rock
06. Do You Hear What I Hear?
07. Christmas Is The Time To Say 'I Love You’
08. Run Rudolph Run
09. Zat You Santa Claus
10. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
11. Christmas Time Is Here
12. The Twelve Days of Christmas
13. This One’s for the Children
14. Slick Nick, You Devil You
15. Silent Night

 
Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff
December 17, 2015
Review Provided By Write A Music Review

6/12/2015

Deadly Circus Fire: ‘The Hydra’s Tailor’ Review



In Darkness We Trust - the opening song on the album, It has sluggish tempo compared to other of the songs on The Hydra’s Tailor. But this song isn’t in shape for their genre they contain but that’s what exclusively sets up the album! 

Animal - the subsequently song in the album and is masses more precise to its genre then the earlier song. It truly helps to let the chorus stand out throughout and construct up to it! With a really intense pleasant breakdown towards the end! With a pleasant-sounding chorus but jagged warped vocals. 

Where It Lies - Has a really fine profound guitar riff sure to get blood circulating! Approximately ¾ the way throughout this song it turns time-consuming downwards to swiftness again with a chorus! Up in anticipation of the chorus at what time it becomes more pleasant! The vocals are sturdy in this song truly changes rhythm between the coarse screams and being easy on the ear!

Victim – Is the weighty song in the album! It drops into a breakdown towards the end to depart the track on a thunderous note. The first half is overflowing with profound guitar riffs and brawny vocals up until middle through when it becomes easy on the ear almost nerve-jangling!

Devil’s Opera – The riffs are grand in this song! All through the song the vocals are a great deal cleaner contrasted to others on the album in anticipation of about midstream where it starts to turn out to be more profound and up!

Rise Again – The drums being if truth be told on form setting tempo! incredibly burly vocals which set off with the guitar riff truly well in this track! The vocals yet again are comparatively cleaner in this track. They are as fine as devil’s opera!

Martyrs – Interlude

House of Plagues –Truly vigorous rhythm and vocals all through this track! This song also has an in fact good build up until the chorus. Immense chorus line in this song, on top the riff is beguiling!

Aeden - The guitar riff is exceptional additionally the drums being outstanding for making the pace in this track! The song with no trouble is the most intense and common with breakdowns in the album! 

The Hydra’s Tailor – With truly hefty vocals and pace switches completed on form this is my most wanted track from the album! The vocals in general express meaning wonderfully! Is the key song commencing the album, the album being the song that the album is named following and you can distinguish precisely why!

Turning The Tide – It has a pleasant riff and a large number of high-quality rhythm changes being completed by the guitar and drums! Has a captivating chorus as well as a grand breakdown part the way down.

Universe - is moreover the longest track in the album essentially making it an extended departure to the listeners! Is mainly the slowest pace song in the album, being fairly pleasant-sounding!

To conclude, Deadly Circus Fire – The Hydra’s Tailor is certainly an album to look out for this June the 16th!  An unbelievable album jam-packed with immense guitar riffs, outstanding pleasant-sounding clean choruses and terrific breakdowns! 




Links:

12/06/2014

Heavy Prog Review: Karmamoi-Odd Trip

Release Date: 15thOct 2013
Label: Crisalide Music

There are many Italian progressive bands around and The Ancient One can now add another to his personal list for the first time, and that band is, Karmamoi. The album for review is the second release from the band, following on from the debut, the self-titled Karmamoi (2011) and is called Odd Trip. While doing a bit of research into the band, I also found out that Odd Trip is a year old and there is already a follow-up scheduled for imminent release. Still, this review will fit under the old adage, “better late, than never” and I will look forward to the shiny new release.

Formed back in 2008, Karmamoi released a single the following year, toured Italy and started work on the debut album in 2010. Although as a general rule, I dislike trying to fit bands musical styles into a neatly labelled box, rather than under the umbrella of progressive rock, Karmamoi do play melodic prog rock, albeit with a distinct leaning to the heavy side.

The band, at the time of recording Odd Trip, was a 5 piece, comprising, Daniele Giovaanoni (drums), Serena Ciacci (vocals), Alessandro Cefali  (bass), Fabio Tempesta (guitars) and Alex Massari (guitar). Since that recording, Serena, the female vocalist, has been replaced by Joline Forshaw.

Odd Tripby Karmamoi is a 12 track album with a total playing time of around 51 minutes. There are 3 tracks which are very short and I would term them interludes, or linking tracks, and they are tracks 1, 5 and 9. They are titled “Oxygen” parts 1, 2 and 3, with running times of 1:44 minutes, 0:56 minutes and 0:58 minutes respectively. Track 4, “If I Think Of The Sea” is the longest track on offer, running on for over 6 minutes. (6:34)

The 3 “Oxygen” tracks are strange little linking pieces of atmospherics with sound effects, the odd riff and electronic bleeps. The “meat” of the album is contained within the other 9 tracks, with track 2, “If” (4:14) the first full track on Odd Trip. Starting with the sound of someone moving around, it evolves into some heavy riffing guitars. This is certainly an interesting start and then everything falls away to leave the fragile vocals provided by Serena. The background slowly builds behind the voice and there is an ethereal melody about the track this far. Around the 3 minute mark, back comes the sound of movement again and then those thundering guitar riffs. The song then makes its exit to the plaintive sound of a telephone.

Track 3, “Labyrinth” (5:42), has a slightly lower riffing intro with some electronic sound in the background, before Serena enters much earlier than in the previous track. Crystal clear vocals soar over the fairly sparse background before Serena ups the power a notch or two. The track then drops back down to let the music build as it did before, then the guitar, bass and drums get a chance to shine with some subtle gentle guitar from Fabio soaring over all. A gentler form of riffing builds the song towards a finale then the music fades again to allow Serena to carry the song onwards, backed by some very neat bass runs.

“If I Think Of The Sea” (6:34) is a much more atmospheric song carried along by the subdued music and the stunning voice of Serena. Very different from what has gone before, the guitar, which takes center stage around the 3 minute mark, has a very subdued tone. Some ineffectual noises are heard in the background prior to the vocal building heralding the ending of the track. This is a very different approach by the band which pulls the listener quickly into the track.

The strangely titled “Samvega” (5:24) again has that subdued melodic starting point, which meanders along creating a very atmospheric soundscape. Around the halfway point the band have moved the music into the heavier side prior to everything becoming stripped back again. All in all a much laid back instrumental track which leads neatly into “Yours.”

“Yours” (5:08) is another complete style change with “yowling” guitars and powerful vocals leading into a driving animal of a track, easily the most powerful track thus far. There is next to no easing back on this track and then the voice fades leaving the rhythm engine to motor for a while. Serena re-enters the fray and the track moves up another notch on its race to the finish.

Track 8, the title track, “Odd Trip” (6:10) has a neat drum/bass interaction as an opening, the vocals taking over before passing onto a short guitar passage. An almost “funky” bass line merges into a full band blowout and the song drives along before being escorted back into the opening themes. More of that ultra-melodic guitar puts in an appearance before the build-up to the finale.

Another strangely titled track, “5+” (4:06) follows the last of the “Oxygen” linking tracks, and the spoken intro is soon into a heavy riffing passage. There are some more subtle guitar riffs as the song progresses before another atmospheric spoken piece. A repeat of the riffing then escorts the track out.

“Lost Days” (4:26) moves away from the riffing guitars to enter with a keyboard passage and “breathy” vocals and provides a very melodic track, showing the other side of the band. Cue the final track, “Aria” (6:11) and some powerful drumming, superb vocals herald a real rocker of a track. There are little hints at power riffing, but these are kept well in check.

Certainly, Karmamoi, are not an Italian band of the Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) family, but have a style all of their own. Flowing from almost Pink Floyd based atmospherics to the more power prog of Rush, Karmamoi have produced a midpoint mixture which makes for an extremely interesting and listenable album.

Odd Tripprobably requires several listens, but when it does get inside the listener (or vice versa), it is a terrific slice of heavy prog.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: If I Think Of The Sea, Samvega, Odd Trip


Tracks:
Oxygen 1
If
Labyrinth
If I Think Of The Sea
Oxygen 2
Samvega
Yours
Odd Trip
Oxygen 3
5+
Lost Days
Aria
 


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

December 6, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk



Heavy Prog Review: Karmamoi-Odd Trip

Release Date: 15thOct 2013
Label: Crisalide Music

There are many Italian progressive bands around and The Ancient One can now add another to his personal list for the first time, and that band is, Karmamoi. The album for review is the second release from the band, following on from the debut, the self-titled Karmamoi (2011) and is called Odd Trip. While doing a bit of research into the band, I also found out that Odd Trip is a year old and there is already a follow-up scheduled for imminent release. Still, this review will fit under the old adage, “better late, than never” and I will look forward to the shiny new release.

Formed back in 2008, Karmamoi released a single the following year, toured Italy and started work on the debut album in 2010. Although as a general rule, I dislike trying to fit bands musical styles into a neatly labelled box, rather than under the umbrella of progressive rock, Karmamoi do play melodic prog rock, albeit with a distinct leaning to the heavy side.

The band, at the time of recording Odd Trip, was a 5 piece, comprising, Daniele Giovaanoni (drums), Serena Ciacci (vocals), Alessandro Cefali  (bass), Fabio Tempesta (guitars) and Alex Massari (guitar). Since that recording, Serena, the female vocalist, has been replaced by Joline Forshaw.

Odd Tripby Karmamoi is a 12 track album with a total playing time of around 51 minutes. There are 3 tracks which are very short and I would term them interludes, or linking tracks, and they are tracks 1, 5 and 9. They are titled “Oxygen” parts 1, 2 and 3, with running times of 1:44 minutes, 0:56 minutes and 0:58 minutes respectively. Track 4, “If I Think Of The Sea” is the longest track on offer, running on for over 6 minutes. (6:34)

The 3 “Oxygen” tracks are strange little linking pieces of atmospherics with sound effects, the odd riff and electronic bleeps. The “meat” of the album is contained within the other 9 tracks, with track 2, “If” (4:14) the first full track on Odd Trip. Starting with the sound of someone moving around, it evolves into some heavy riffing guitars. This is certainly an interesting start and then everything falls away to leave the fragile vocals provided by Serena. The background slowly builds behind the voice and there is an ethereal melody about the track this far. Around the 3 minute mark, back comes the sound of movement again and then those thundering guitar riffs. The song then makes its exit to the plaintive sound of a telephone.

Track 3, “Labyrinth” (5:42), has a slightly lower riffing intro with some electronic sound in the background, before Serena enters much earlier than in the previous track. Crystal clear vocals soar over the fairly sparse background before Serena ups the power a notch or two. The track then drops back down to let the music build as it did before, then the guitar, bass and drums get a chance to shine with some subtle gentle guitar from Fabio soaring over all. A gentler form of riffing builds the song towards a finale then the music fades again to allow Serena to carry the song onwards, backed by some very neat bass runs.

“If I Think Of The Sea” (6:34) is a much more atmospheric song carried along by the subdued music and the stunning voice of Serena. Very different from what has gone before, the guitar, which takes center stage around the 3 minute mark, has a very subdued tone. Some ineffectual noises are heard in the background prior to the vocal building heralding the ending of the track. This is a very different approach by the band which pulls the listener quickly into the track.

The strangely titled “Samvega” (5:24) again has that subdued melodic starting point, which meanders along creating a very atmospheric soundscape. Around the halfway point the band have moved the music into the heavier side prior to everything becoming stripped back again. All in all a much laid back instrumental track which leads neatly into “Yours.”

“Yours” (5:08) is another complete style change with “yowling” guitars and powerful vocals leading into a driving animal of a track, easily the most powerful track thus far. There is next to no easing back on this track and then the voice fades leaving the rhythm engine to motor for a while. Serena re-enters the fray and the track moves up another notch on its race to the finish.

Track 8, the title track, “Odd Trip” (6:10) has a neat drum/bass interaction as an opening, the vocals taking over before passing onto a short guitar passage. An almost “funky” bass line merges into a full band blowout and the song drives along before being escorted back into the opening themes. More of that ultra-melodic guitar puts in an appearance before the build-up to the finale.

Another strangely titled track, “5+” (4:06) follows the last of the “Oxygen” linking tracks, and the spoken intro is soon into a heavy riffing passage. There are some more subtle guitar riffs as the song progresses before another atmospheric spoken piece. A repeat of the riffing then escorts the track out.

“Lost Days” (4:26) moves away from the riffing guitars to enter with a keyboard passage and “breathy” vocals and provides a very melodic track, showing the other side of the band. Cue the final track, “Aria” (6:11) and some powerful drumming, superb vocals herald a real rocker of a track. There are little hints at power riffing, but these are kept well in check.

Certainly, Karmamoi, are not an Italian band of the Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) family, but have a style all of their own. Flowing from almost Pink Floyd based atmospherics to the more power prog of Rush, Karmamoi have produced a midpoint mixture which makes for an extremely interesting and listenable album.

Odd Tripprobably requires several listens, but when it does get inside the listener (or vice versa), it is a terrific slice of heavy prog.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: If I Think Of The Sea, Samvega, Odd Trip


Tracks:
Oxygen 1
If
Labyrinth
If I Think Of The Sea
Oxygen 2
Samvega
Yours
Odd Trip
Oxygen 3
5+
Lost Days
Aria
 


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

December 6, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk