Blu-ray/DVD Review: ZZ Top-That Little Ol’ Band From Texas

Release Date: February 28, 2020

Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Website

That Little Ol’ Band From Texas is a documentary of three men from Texas that grew up listening to the same radio stations. Billy Gibbons (guitar, vocals), Dusty Hill (bass, vocals) and Fran Beard (drums) eventually became the international superstars ZZ Top. This is their story from the beginning.

This Blu-ray/DVD set is a no-fluff story that gives you all the important facts that made ZZ Top who they are. And 50 years later the same three men are together as the longest-standing rock band in history. They never had any new members join or leave. I would have to say that they rate right up there with some of the best rock trios like The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream.

They took chances, experimented with their music and partnered with all the right people, and everything just fell together. Not to mention, of course, being around when MTV became a phenomenon and they released Eliminator with some very eye-catching colorful videos.

I learned so much watching this film, things I never knew before. It made me realize the long history and beginnings I never realized. I have always been a fan of the band, not a huge fan mind you, but enough to be curious enough to want to know more. My introduction to them was in the 70s when I heard Fandango for the first time then Tres Hombres. I was sold and those two releases remain my favorites to this day. It was in that period I should have caught them live but never did. Fortunately, they are still touring so maybe I can catch them live before they hang up their boots once and for all.

I enjoyed the up-close jam sessions presented in Gruene Hall with just them and the people shooing the videos. I also enjoyed the footage of the early years and the concert clips. Once I got to the bonus section the clips became the full performances.

50 years is a long time to do anything or be so close to anyone, regardless of what your profession is. Even though they are legends they still consider themselves blues interpreters and it looks as though any of their success has changed them much. They come across as down to earth men from Texas that have had a very successful career that genuinely appreciate everything they have gained over the years.

That Little Ol’ Band From Texas gave blues a bigger name and more respect than it ever had. It was a joy to watch the film and it held my interest from beginning to end. That is a win any day of the week and if you appreciate the music of ZZ Top you’re going to love this Blu-ray/DVD set.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 22, 2020

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Tracks:
Gruene Hall Bonus Performances (21 minutes):
Shuffle In C / Fannie Mae
La Grange
Brown Sugar
Blue Jean Blues
Ham Estate Archives Bonus Performances (22 minutes):
Thunderbird
Tush
Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
Manic Mechanic

Indie Rock Review: Duster - Duster

Release Date: December 13, 2019

Label: Mudguts
Website

After Duster’s droned out experimental lamentations helped bury the 20th century, the band took an extended break, which lasted a decade and a half. Founding member Clay Parton explains, “We didn’t feel like we belonged in this world before,” he said. “And the world is only an even bleaker hellscape now.” Duster’s latest release, Duster delivers a pounding, pulsating battle march through this bleak hellscape. It is a sound that Parton aptly describes as “purring distress”.  

There is an element of pain that these tracks bring forth, yet it is a bearable and oftentimes pleasing torment, like a mild sunburn or ankle sprain. Duster skillfully walks the thin line of pleasure and pain, stepping from one side to another, yet maintaining their balance throughout.  

The opening track, “Copernicus’ feels like an interrogation lamp turning off and on and off and on again, blasting into your brain in forcefull, mind-numbing 2-second intervals. “I’m Lost” deliberately cuts the vocals lower than the thundering fuzz of the guitar, drum, and bass blend. Straining to make out the lyrics is part of the experience. “Don’t you know I’m lost? Don’t you know I’m lost without you here.” 

Other angst-ridden gems include “Summer War,” “Damaged,” and “Ghoul.” “Go Back” evokes the most haunting and terror-ridden vibe on the album. Even the more seemingly optimistic “Lomo,” with its rich sonic texture and evocative atmosphere lyrically pull the listener under its spell. “Late into the night. When it’s still and calm. And the mind slows down. Is this death? Maybe. It’s alright.”

All said, If you’re looking to have your soul musically eviscerated, give Duster a listen. The depths you’ll reach are impossible to arrive at with other bands. The mastery of this record lies in how skillfully Duster takes the listener to the depths of their own soul, returning them emptied and expunged, ready to start anew.

Tom Endyke | Guitar & Pen | MuzikMan.net Staff

February 22, 2020

Progressive/Rock Review: Bernie Shaw & Dale Collins -Too Much Information

Release Date: September 13, 2019

Label: Bernie Shaw / Dale Collins

Website

Kicking off the album Too Much Information, Bernie Shaw is very bright and uplifting as "So Many Times" begins. The album reminds me a lot of the band Journey and their unique sound to 80's Rock. Longtime friends Bernie Shaw and Dale Collins team up to produce an album of seismic proportions. With the assistance of Ron Restall on drums and Jason Gardenits on the keyboard, the perfect blend of Blues and Progressive Rock chemistry.

The depiction of the artwork can be interpreted as a dawn of a new day, or as the light in the sea of gray. It sizes up to the tone of the record as it avails the roughness of the waves and the heaviness of songs like "Alone" and "Hey Jimi," while that glimmer of light shone beyond the sea reflects on a more positive note of "Here We Go" and "Rock On."

Running back on "So Many Times," the song captures a lighter side of Bernie Shaw, where he typically adheres to more of an intense Metal sound. It is an excellent battle between letting the light in, feeling good, and thinking there was more one could have made a better choice along the way. "Alone" is an immediate stark contrast. The song proclaims how the singer will now be operating daily life on his own, he cannot continue to carry the weight of his other half with no sign of change or improvement.

"Here We Go," keeps the beat of every traveler's anthem. However, the song speaks of an irritating, repetitious situation that he finds himself caught in the middle of. To me, it feels very much like hiking up an endless trail or mountain; albeit, it even reminds me of the scene in Rocky, climbing the Philadelphia stairs.

"Too Much Information," the title track, is a great bridge-like track. It is not too detailed or overly emotional. Rather, it is a pleasant earworm for guitar lovers everywhere. Contrary to the title, it doesn't feel like overload at all. I probably stand alone in this thought, however, it is nice to see an artist not make the title of the album his or her main focus.

We turn now to a darker note, but, it turns out to be my favorite track of the album. "Sad Song" possesses a great blend of Shaw's vocals and both Shaw's and Collins' instrumental technique. The song has a great way of rocking like the sea, building up like a solid wave and crashing into the shore, at the height of Shaw's chorus lines.

An excellent ode to the late, great Jimi Hendrix follows up a solemn track. Upon initial listening, one is safe to assume, this might be a more somber or even heartwrenching tribute. As the song progresses it is anything but. The song calls out to the spirit of Hendrix and does his honor well by majoritively dedicating this track to being an instrumental piece. One of the great kings of Rock music would be jamming right alongside Shaw and Collins if he were able to hear this today.

"Just A Little Bit" is a great in-your-face anthem of how someone can just try to break another person down in every possible way. The person being tormented wants nothing more than to see the damage right in front of their face. You can tell as the song progresses, the singer won't let this irritation get the best of him and builds upon the harm caused by the other party.

With that rise-from-the-ashes tune, we arrive at the final song of the album, "Rock On." It is a steady, fun track emphasizing the carefree spirit of the duo. The song solidifies what every musician, band, and concert-goer have in common; and that's to simply – rock on. When everything around you seems to be on sensory overload or you might just be feeling a bit down about something in life, the message is clear; rock on with Too Much Information.

Key tracks include: “Sad Song,” “Hey Jimi,” and “Rock On.” 

Gregg Keniston- MuzikMan.net Staff

February 19, 2020

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Track Listing:

1. So Many Times
2. Alone
3. Here We Go
4. Too Much Information
5. Sad Song
6. Hey Jimi
7. Just A Little Bit
8. Rock On

Progressive/Rock Review: Bernie Shaw & Dale Collins -Too Much Information

Release Date: September 13, 2019

Label: Bernie Shaw / Dale Collins

Website

Kicking off the album Too Much Information, Bernie Shaw is very bright and uplifting as "So Many Times" begins. The album reminds me a lot of the band Journey and their unique sound to 80's Rock. Longtime friends Bernie Shaw and Dale Collins team up to produce an album of seismic proportions. With the assistance of Ron Restall on drums and Jason Gardenits on the keyboard, the perfect blend of Blues and Progressive Rock chemistry.

The depiction of the artwork can be interpreted as a dawn of a new day, or as the light in the sea of gray. It sizes up to the tone of the record as it avails the roughness of the waves and the heaviness of songs like "Alone" and "Hey Jimi," while that glimmer of light shone beyond the sea reflects on a more positive note of "Here We Go" and "Rock On."

Running back on "So Many Times," the song captures a lighter side of Bernie Shaw, where he typically adheres to more of an intense Metal sound. It is an excellent battle between letting the light in, feeling good, and thinking there was more one could have made a better choice along the way. "Alone" is an immediate stark contrast. The song proclaims how the singer will now be operating daily life on his own, he cannot continue to carry the weight of his other half with no sign of change or improvement.

"Here We Go," keeps the beat of every traveler's anthem. However, the song speaks of an irritating, repetitious situation that he finds himself caught in the middle of. To me, it feels very much like hiking up an endless trail or mountain; albeit, it even reminds me of the scene in Rocky, climbing the Philadelphia stairs.

"Too Much Information," the title track, is a great bridge-like track. It is not too detailed or overly emotional. Rather, it is a pleasant earworm for guitar lovers everywhere. Contrary to the title, it doesn't feel like overload at all. I probably stand alone in this thought, however, it is nice to see an artist not make the title of the album his or her main focus.

We turn now to a darker note, but, it turns out to be my favorite track of the album. "Sad Song" possesses a great blend of Shaw's vocals and both Shaw's and Collins' instrumental technique. The song has a great way of rocking like the sea, building up like a solid wave and crashing into the shore, at the height of Shaw's chorus lines.

An excellent ode to the late, great Jimi Hendrix follows up a solemn track. Upon initial listening, one is safe to assume, this might be a more somber or even heartwrenching tribute. As the song progresses it is anything but. The song calls out to the spirit of Hendrix and does his honor well by majoritively dedicating this track to being an instrumental piece. One of the great kings of Rock music would be jamming right alongside Shaw and Collins if he were able to hear this today.

"Just A Little Bit" is a great in-your-face anthem of how someone can just try to break another person down in every possible way. The person being tormented wants nothing more than to see the damage right in front of their face. You can tell as the song progresses, the singer won't let this irritation get the best of him and builds upon the harm caused by the other party.

With that rise-from-the-ashes tune, we arrive at the final song of the album, "Rock On." It is a steady, fun track emphasizing the carefree spirit of the duo. The song solidifies what every musician, band, and concert-goer have in common; and that's to simply – rock on. When everything around you seems to be on sensory overload or you might just be feeling a bit down about something in life, the message is clear; rock on with Too Much Information.

Key tracks include: “Sad Song,” “Hey Jimi,” and “Rock On.” 

Gregg Keniston- MuzikMan.net Staff

February 19, 2020

Reviews Provided By:

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Track Listing:

1. So Many Times
2. Alone
3. Here We Go
4. Too Much Information
5. Sad Song
6. Hey Jimi
7. Just A Little Bit
8. Rock On

Instrumental Rock Review: Sammy Boller-Kingdom of The Sun

Release Date: March 20th, 2020

Label: Candyrat Records

Website


It takes a lot of talent and some good promotion to cut through all the noise of social media and the zillion other artists out there vying for your attention. If you do not have a hit on today’s radio stations and you play instrumental rock, well, let’s just say the chances of you becoming the next Joe Satriani are slim to none.

There are some exceptions to that rule and every once in a while, then some young six-string gunslinger gets my undivided attention. Let me introduce you to Sammy Boller. Never heard of him? Well, I didn’t either but now that has changed and it will for you too once you hear his killer new album Kingdom of The Sun.

Make no mistake, this guy is smokin’ hot people! He is one of the best I have heard in some time. The single and title track “Kingdom of the Sun” was released on January 17, 2020. It is an amazing track that rocks start to finish with some great melodicism albeit at lightning speed. The album drops on March 20th and a limited vinyl run will be available as well. It will sound amazing on vinyl, considering how great my digital copy sounds right now, I would not give it a second thought getting the 33rpm platter.

In one of the statements in his one sheet one person says “He is a state-of-the-art rock guitarist.” I would agree with that 100%. A lot is going on with those fingers and he sounds like two players going full tilt instead of one. The sound he creates is crisp, clean and it is always filled with rhythm, and every track offers something different with sound, emotion, color, and atmospheres. When I hear talent like this it sounds so pure, like the man was born to do this and nothing else. His gifts are obvious after one listen to Kingdom of The Sun. Sammy grew up wanting to be Randy Rhodes and Eddie Van Halen, well it sure looks as though he is showing a powerful combination of both of those influences.

Sammy also is a regular contributor with his article Secrets of Shred with Guitar World Magazine, which has a loyal following. So, he is willing to share his knowledge with his readers so they can learn how to play as he does. I wish you the best with that and you had better get a Metronome!

On 11 tracks of superb guitar virtuosity, Sammy takes a listener on an instrumental rocket ride. His playing is on a level few ever attain. I felt immediately turned on with his sound but also found familiarity with what I was hearing. I am a big Satch fan so it was easy for me to dive into this but it had to be exceptional right out the gate without it subsiding. The energy level of every track is top-notch, it just comes at you in many different paces with different spaces being filled in the most superlative way.

One of my favorite tracks and a great example of Sammy’s talent is “Temple of Time.” He coaxes some amazing sounds out of his well-worn electric six-string. The track exudes a power that is simply electric with pinpoint accuracy. If you enjoy guitar-oriented instrumental rock you will be playing Kingdom of The Sun a lot, I can guarantee it. Check out the stream provided of the title track single and video of Sammy playing “Cloak of Light.”

Kingdom of The Sun is an instant classic as far as I am concerned and you need to hear it if you like to rock, it is as simple as that.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck 
February 21, 2020

Review Provided By MuzikMan.net

Tracks: 
01. Kingdom of the Sun
02. Sunrise/Sunset
03. Cloak of Light
04. Iolite
05. For Madmen Only
06. Dark Night of the Soul
07. Illusions
08. The Empress
09. Mirror of the Heart
10. Temple of Time
11. Awakening From The Daydream

 

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Instrumental Rock Review: Sammy Boller-Kingdom of The Sun

Release Date: March 20th, 2020

Label: Candyrat Records

Website


It takes a lot of talent and some good promotion to cut through all the noise of social media and the zillion other artists out there vying for your attention. If you do not have a hit on today’s radio stations and you play instrumental rock, well, let’s just say the chances of you becoming the next Joe Satriani are slim to none.

There are some exceptions to that rule and every once in a while, then some young six-string gunslinger gets my undivided attention. Let me introduce you to Sammy Boller. Never heard of him? Well, I didn’t either but now that has changed and it will for you too once you hear his killer new album Kingdom of The Sun.

Make no mistake, this guy is smokin’ hot people! He is one of the best I have heard in some time. The single and title track “Kingdom of the Sun” was released on January 17, 2020. It is an amazing track that rocks start to finish with some great melodicism albeit at lightning speed. The album drops on March 20th and a limited vinyl run will be available as well. It will sound amazing on vinyl, considering how great my digital copy sounds right now, I would not give it a second thought getting the 33rpm platter.

In one of the statements in his one sheet one person says “He is a state-of-the-art rock guitarist.” I would agree with that 100%. A lot is going on with those fingers and he sounds like two players going full tilt instead of one. The sound he creates is crisp, clean and it is always filled with rhythm, and every track offers something different with sound, emotion, color, and atmospheres. When I hear talent like this it sounds so pure, like the man was born to do this and nothing else. His gifts are obvious after one listen to Kingdom of The Sun. Sammy grew up wanting to be Randy Rhodes and Eddie Van Halen, well it sure looks as though he is showing a powerful combination of both of those influences.

Sammy also is a regular contributor with his article Secrets of Shred with Guitar World Magazine, which has a loyal following. So, he is willing to share his knowledge with his readers so they can learn how to play as he does. I wish you the best with that and you had better get a Metronome!

On 11 tracks of superb guitar virtuosity, Sammy takes a listener on an instrumental rocket ride. His playing is on a level few ever attain. I felt immediately turned on with his sound but also found familiarity with what I was hearing. I am a big Satch fan so it was easy for me to dive into this but it had to be exceptional right out the gate without it subsiding. The energy level of every track is top-notch, it just comes at you in many different paces with different spaces being filled in the most superlative way.

One of my favorite tracks and a great example of Sammy’s talent is “Temple of Time.” He coaxes some amazing sounds out of his well-worn electric six-string. The track exudes a power that is simply electric with pinpoint accuracy. If you enjoy guitar-oriented instrumental rock you will be playing Kingdom of The Sun a lot, I can guarantee it. Check out the stream provided of the title track single and video of Sammy playing “Cloak of Light.”

Kingdom of The Sun is an instant classic as far as I am concerned and you need to hear it if you like to rock, it is as simple as that.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck 
February 21, 2020

Review Provided By MuzikMan.net

Tracks: 
01. Kingdom of the Sun
02. Sunrise/Sunset
03. Cloak of Light
04. Iolite
05. For Madmen Only
06. Dark Night of the Soul
07. Illusions
08. The Empress
09. Mirror of the Heart
10. Temple of Time
11. Awakening From The Daydream

 

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Progressive Rock Review: Art in America - Cloudborn

Release Date: August 1, 2019

Label: Art in America

Website

Like a book, music can catapult you into an imaginative adventure. Art in America most definitely built their latest LP, Cloudborn around the concept of an alternate universe where all your troubles just disappear and the listener cannot wait for what may lie ahead.

The theme of experimental simplicity is fitting for this band as the band members started, as they state on their site, “in their living room kicking around some musical ideas with guitar, bass and some unusual instrumentation - … and a Japanese Koto.” Band members and siblings, Chris Flynn – lead vocals and guitar, Shisonee Flynn – harp, koto, tamboura, and vocals; and Dan Flynn – on drums and percussion, began the venture of artistry and bringing together the framework of a band. Soon, after adding Jim Kuha – on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Garry Galloway on the keys; the band was finalized and two albums later, Art in America is on the rise to become a part of every Progressive Rock N’ Roll lover’s collection and earworm.

“A Tale of the Unexpected” sounds like that of a videogame cut scene. It offers the listener a way to both, relax and get introduced to a realm of unusual instruments that typically is not included within Progressive Rock album concepts. The harp, an Indian piece called a tambura, and a Japanese koto are fused throughout the track list.

Much of the rest of the album gives off a blend of 80’s and 90’s Progressive Rock/Pop vibe. As soon as I heard the first few lines of “I Am I,” I felt like I was inside a Classic Progressive Rock or Action movie soundtrack music video. “Someday” hits right in the heart of any listener with half a sense of aspiration and hope. It proclaims that one day soon he (the singer), will get to where he needs to be.

Just take a look at this particular album art. It is of a vast and new unexplored world that leaves an imprint of a powerful image on the listener’s mind. “Drool,” on the other hand, gives the feel of a traveler that is in search of something but; no one quite knows what. The singer may just be wandering down an endless road. Rounding out the first half of the track list, “The New Swami” is one of those songs that you just cannot exactly place your finger on how to react. It contains elements of the tambura giving the tune some peacefulness. It is sung so brightly but, if you listen to some of the lyrics: “The new Swami smiles, as rubies turn to rubble;” the Swami is not as peaceful as proclaimed.

“Someone Called My Name,” is all about looking for answers. It’s a journey where all but, the voice he keeps hearing over and over again remains a constant in his life. We never do learn if he discovers who or what he has been searching for. Art in America goes back to a wild-western-type of a theme on “For Shelly.” It sings of coming to a realization of whom he had however, now she’s gone out of his life Trying to find any remnants of back to when he and his friend or lover back to simpler times, the singer is in a daydream-like state and the rhythm remains constant to maintain that feel of flashbacks. It’s a very mellow peace to bridge the album together, it almost becomes instrumental.

Going from an almost monotone beginning to an action-packed four minutes and twenty-one seconds, “Facelift” is a fun changeup from the rest of the record. It feels like the singer or the listener could be charging up to something blending with a somewhat mystical sound towards the end. It becomes one of the standout tracks on the album for the simple reason that it brings some life and rejuvenation back into the record; like a reawakening of sorts.

The last three tracks create their own personalities. “Don’t Look Down” keeps with the upbeat sequence of the prior track. It’s guitar solo, is on the shorter side but, still offers what every Progressive Rock lover desires, a pure shred of the strings through your speakers. “No Wonder” finds its way on this record perfectly as its unique sound, almost like a movie scene, or story time sequence. The lyrics do not reflect much in terms of positivity because the man in question has made some mistake that he cannot seem to identify but, she knows quite well what he did. It’s the typical couples’ flare-up of arguments, disagreements, and sometimes breakup. Finally, taking a look at the last track “Goodbye My Love / Mind’s Eye / Peace of Mind,” it is truly an ideal finale to a perfect Progressive Rock album. It begins slow and swing-like, then, by the time it gets to “Mind’s Eye,” it blossoms into an up-tempo grand finish to make the listener feel as though they are leaving the concert of their life.

Cloudborn is that album that defines experimental. It pushes all types of Progressive Rock boundaries and draws the ear of various listeners. If you are looking for a record that makes you daydream, that makes you feel good overall, and that can turn any day around; this is the album for you. Often, Progressive Rock is misconstrued as angry – when commonly dealing with Metal, or disturbed when playing a bunch of Alternative artists; there’s a third avenue of eclectic and experimental sound that can accompany a typically positive intonation.

Key tracks include: “A Tale of the Unexpected,” “The New Swami,” and “No Wonder.”

Gregg Keniston- MuzikMan.net Staff

February 15, 2020

Reviews Provided By:

The Final on Vinyl

MuzikMan Productions

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Track Listing: 
01. A Tale of the Unexpected
02. I Am I
03. Someday
04. Drool
05. The New Swami
06. Someone Called My Name
07. For Shelly
08. When We Were Young
09. Facelift
10. Don't Look Down
11. No Wonder
12. Goodbye My Love / Mind’s Eye / Peace of Mind

Progressive Rock Review: Art in America - Cloudborn

Release Date:August 1, 2019

Label: Art in America

Website

Like a book, music can catapult you into an imaginative adventure. Art in America most definitely built their latest LP, Cloudborn around the concept of an alternate universe where all your troubles just disappear and the listener cannot wait for what may lie ahead.

The theme of experimental simplicity is fitting for this band as the band members started, as they state on their site, “in their living room kicking around some musical ideas with guitar, bass and some unusual instrumentation - … and a Japanese Koto.” Band members and siblings, Chris Flynn – lead vocals and guitar, Shisonee Flynn – harp, koto, tamboura, and vocals; and Dan Flynn – on drums and percussion, began the venture of artistry and bringing together the framework of a band. Soon, after adding Jim Kuha – on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Garry Galloway on the keys; the band was finalized and two albums later, Art in America is on the rise to become a part of every Progressive Rock N’ Roll lover’s collection and earworm.

“A Tale of the Unexpected” sounds like that of a videogame cut scene. It offers the listener a way to both, relax and get introduced to a realm of unusual instruments that typically is not included within Progressive Rock album concepts. The harp, an Indian piece called a tambura, and a Japanese koto are fused throughout the track list.

Much of the rest of the album gives off a blend of 80’s and 90’s Progressive Rock/Pop vibe. As soon as I heard the first few lines of “I Am I,” I felt like I was inside a Classic Progressive Rock or Action movie soundtrack music video. “Someday” hits right in the heart of any listener with half a sense of aspiration and hope. It proclaims that one day soon he (the singer), will get to where he needs to be.

Just take a look at this particular album art. It is of a vast and new unexplored world that leaves an imprint of a powerful image on the listener’s mind. “Drool,” on the other hand, gives the feel of a traveler that is in search of something but; no one quite knows what. The singer may just be wandering down an endless road. Rounding out the first half of the track list, “The New Swami” is one of those songs that you just cannot exactly place your finger on how to react. It contains elements of the tambura giving the tune some peacefulness. It is sung so brightly but, if you listen to some of the lyrics: “The new Swami smiles, as rubies turn to rubble;” the Swami is not as peaceful as proclaimed.

“Someone Called My Name,” is all about looking for answers. It’s a journey where all but, the voice he keeps hearing over and over again remains a constant in his life. We never do learn if he discovers who or what he has been searching for. Art in America goes back to a wild-western-type of a theme on “For Shelly.” It sings of coming to a realization of whom he had however, now she’s gone out of his life Trying to find any remnants of back to when he and his friend or lover back to simpler times, the singer is in a daydream-like state and the rhythm remains constant to maintain that feel of flashbacks. It’s a very mellow peace to bridge the album together, it almost becomes instrumental.

Going from an almost monotone beginning to an action-packed four minutes and twenty-one seconds, “Facelift” is a fun changeup from the rest of the record. It feels like the singer or the listener could be charging up to something blending with a somewhat mystical sound towards the end. It becomes one of the standout tracks on the album for the simple reason that it brings some life and rejuvenation back into the record; like a reawakening of sorts.

The last three tracks create their own personalities. “Don’t Look Down” keeps with the upbeat sequence of the prior track. It’s guitar solo, is on the shorter side but, still offers what every Progressive Rock lover desires, a pure shred of the strings through your speakers. “No Wonder” finds its way on this record perfectly as its unique sound, almost like a movie scene, or story time sequence. The lyrics do not reflect much in terms of positivity because the man in question has made some mistake that he cannot seem to identify but, she knows quite well what he did. It’s the typical couples’ flare-up of arguments, disagreements, and sometimes breakup. Finally, taking a look at the last track “Goodbye My Love / Mind’s Eye / Peace of Mind,” it is truly an ideal finale to a perfect Progressive Rock album. It begins slow and swing-like, then, by the time it gets to “Mind’s Eye,” it blossoms into an up-tempo grand finish to make the listener feel as though they are leaving the concert of their life.

Cloudborn is that album that defines experimental. It pushes all types of Progressive Rock boundaries and draws the ear of various listeners. If you are looking for a record that makes you daydream, that makes you feel good overall, and that can turn any day around; this is the album for you. Often, Progressive Rock is misconstrued as angry – when commonly dealing with Metal, or disturbed when playing a bunch of Alternative artists; there’s a third avenue of eclectic and experimental sound that can accompany a typically positive intonation.

Key tracks include: “A Tale of the Unexpected,” “The New Swami,” and “No Wonder.”

Gregg Keniston- MuzikMan.net Staff

February 15, 2020

Reviews Provided By:

The Final on Vinyl

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

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Rate The Tracks

Track Listing: 
01. A Tale of the Unexpected
02. I Am I
03. Someday
04. Drool
05. The New Swami
06. Someone Called My Name
07. For Shelly
08. When We Were Young
09. Facelift
10. Don't Look Down
11. No Wonder
12. Goodbye My Love / Mind’s Eye / Peace of Mind