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Progressive Rock Review: Looking Glass Lantern- A Tapestry of Tales

 

Another debut album up for review by The Ancient One, this time A Tapestry of Tales, by Looking Glass Lantern. This is a majestic album, having already featured extensively on the radio show. Looking Glass Lantern is, in fact, the name under which Graham Dunnington, a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, has conceived and delivered an album that takes the “classic” prog rock style and marries it with the underlying influences of classical music. The outcome of putting those two styles into the “music blender” and pressing “very gentle mix” results in an amazing album, across which majestic music and excellent lyrical content abounds.

Graham was originally a keyboard player in a classically influenced rock band and this led to a small idea starting to grow. Taking some time out, Graham did various things, one of which was to complete a PhD in music, specifically, Victorian Popular music. All of the parts were then put together, superb keyboard skills, Victorian music style, and, the “icing on the cake,” Sherlock Holmes stories. A Tapestry of Tales is an album based around some of the fictional detective’s most famous cases.

Graham plays almost everything on the album, keyboards, guitar, programmed the drum machine (apparently referred to as Al), and sings. The violin is the only instrument that Graham doesn’t lay claim to.

A Tapestry of Tales is a 6 track album which has a total playing time of around 48 minutes, with the longest track, “A Scandal in Bohemia” clocking in at 13:29 minutes and “Wisteria Lodge,” the shortest track at 1:45 minutes.

There are three long tracks and three much shorter tracks making up A Tapestry Of Tales, with the opening track, “The Blue Carbuncle” (12:54), starting proceedings off with a beautifully played solo violin, which then stops to allow a keyboard swathe of sound heralding the track as it progresses through a superb passage, harpsichord et al, onto the vocals just prior to the 3 minute mark. The storyline continues, backed by the music that sweeps majestically along, hitting the heights at times, then dropping gently into line behind the voice. The “classic” prog keyboard sounds within this opening track are mesmerizing and so it comes as a little surprise when it finishes, as almost 13 minutes have come and gone so quickly.

The second of the “epic” tracks is “A Scandal in Bohemia” (13:29) which again envelopes the listener in those stunning keyboard passages, framing another Holmes story. The skills of Graham shine through as the track moves through the range from soft, gentle passages, to the more insistent, driving passages. Harpsichord and church organ sounds sweep through the track and the listener is swept up in the music as it paints another superb aural soundscape.

The third in the “epic” trilogy of tracks, is the title track, “A Tapestry Of Tales” (9:46) and within moments, the deep warm sounds of stunning keyboards, weaving between the vocals, allows the listener to drift into another superbly crafted soundscape. When this, the last track is finishes, the urge is to settle back and listen to the entire album again.

“Six Pearls To Mary” (5:46), “Two Solitary Men” (4:28) and “Wisteria Lodge” (1:45) are certainly no less interesting for being shorter, with the first two mirroring the swathes of keyboard style of the longer tracks, while “Wisteria Lodge” is a gentle wistful acoustic guitar instrumental.

My advice is indeed very simple, buy this album, which has both “One to Buy” and “The Experience will last Forever” stickers on it, and let your mind go on an amazing journey. Further advice would be to start saving for album No 2, again based around Sherlock Holmes, but this time the music is on one major Holmes case. If I had to place a bet, I might be tempted to go for “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” but Graham refuses to be drawn on this. The second album is scheduled for release later this year.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Blue Carbuncle, A Scandal In Bohemia, A Tapestry Of Tales

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

February 4, 2014

Tracks:
The Blue Carbuncle
Six Pearls To Mary
Two Solitary Men
Scandal In Bohemia
Wisteria Lodge
A Tapestry Of Tales
 

Progressive Rock Review: Looking Glass Lantern- A Tapestry of Tales

Release Date: 17^thSeptember 2013

Label:    Looking Glass Recordings

Website

Another debut album up for review by The Ancient One, this time A Tapestry of Tales, by Looking Glass Lantern. This is a majestic album, having already featured extensively on the radio show. Looking Glass Lantern is, in fact, the name under which Graham Dunnington, a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, has conceived and delivered an album that takes the “classic” prog rock style and marries it with the underlying influences of classical music. The outcome of putting those two styles into the “music blender” and pressing “very gentle mix” results in an amazing album, across which majestic music and excellent lyrical content abounds.

Graham was originally a keyboard player in a classically influenced rock band and this led to a small idea starting to grow. Taking some time out, Graham did various things, one of which was to complete a PhD in music, specifically, Victorian Popular music. All of the parts were then put together, superb keyboard skills, Victorian music style, and, the “icing on the cake,” Sherlock Holmes stories. A Tapestry of Tales is an album based around some of the fictional detective’s most famous cases.

Graham plays almost everything on the album, keyboards, guitar, programmed the drum machine (apparently referred to as Al), and sings. The violin is the only instrument that Graham doesn’t lay claim to.

A Tapestry of Tales is a 6 track album which has a total playing time of around 48 minutes, with the longest track, “A Scandal in Bohemia” clocking in at 13:29 minutes and “Wisteria Lodge,” the shortest track at 1:45 minutes.

There are three long tracks and three much shorter tracks making up A Tapestry Of Tales, with the opening track, “The Blue Carbuncle” (12:54), starting proceedings off with a beautifully played solo violin, which then stops to allow a keyboard swathe of sound heralding the track as it progresses through a superb passage, harpsichord et al, onto the vocals just prior to the 3 minute mark. The storyline continues, backed by the music that sweeps majestically along, hitting the heights at times, then dropping gently into line behind the voice. The “classic” prog keyboard sounds within this opening track are mesmerizing and so it comes as a little surprise when it finishes, as almost 13 minutes have come and gone so quickly.

The second of the “epic” tracks is “A Scandal in Bohemia” (13:29) which again envelopes the listener in those stunning keyboard passages, framing another Holmes story. The skills of Graham shine through as the track moves through the range from soft, gentle passages, to the more insistent, driving passages. Harpsichord and church organ sounds sweep through the track and the listener is swept up in the music as it paints another superb aural soundscape.

The third in the “epic” trilogy of tracks, is the title track, “A Tapestry Of Tales” (9:46) and within moments, the deep warm sounds of stunning keyboards, weaving between the vocals, allows the listener to drift into another superbly crafted soundscape. When this, the last track is finishes, the urge is to settle back and listen to the entire album again.

“Six Pearls To Mary” (5:46), “Two Solitary Men” (4:28) and “Wisteria Lodge” (1:45) are certainly no less interesting for being shorter, with the first two mirroring the swathes of keyboard style of the longer tracks, while “Wisteria Lodge” is a gentle wistful acoustic guitar instrumental.

My advice is indeed very simple, buy this album, which has both “One to Buy” and “The Experience will last Forever” stickers on it, and let your mind go on an amazing journey. Further advice would be to start saving for album No 2, again based around Sherlock Holmes, but this time the music is on one major Holmes case. If I had to place a bet, I might be tempted to go for “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” but Graham refuses to be drawn on this. The second album is scheduled for release later this year.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Blue Carbuncle, A Scandal In Bohemia, A Tapestry Of Tales

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

February 4, 2014

Tracks:
The Blue Carbuncle
Six Pearls To Mary
Two Solitary Men
Scandal In Bohemia
Wisteria Lodge
A Tapestry Of Tales
 

Blues Rock Review: Kelly’s Lot-Live in Brussels

Release Date: July 15, 2011

Label: Kelly’s Lot

Website

Roadhouse rock and upbeat blues is the smoky flavor you get when you pick up a Kelly’s Lot album. Formed in 1995 by singer Kelly Zirbes after playing for family and friends, she embarked on an international music career that has spanned several releases and multiple live performances. Live in Brussels was released in Belgium and in the United States. After touring France and the UK in late 2013, the band will soon begin a new recording for a full band album introducing keys and a horn section. The band consists of Kelly Zirbes (songwriting, vocals), Peter Robinson (composer, keyboards), Matt McFadden (bass) and Rob Zucca (guitar).

Live albums can sometimes be a fifty-fifty shot. Some are good and you get the emotion of the band. Some make you want to hide in the closet and turn the album into a coaster. Live in Brussels is thankfully the former. I listen to music while I write. Most of the time the sound blends into the background and becomes part of my story in one way or another. This album took me to another place-a smoky blues café. How wonderful. The Americana and Southern roadhouse rock sound of this live album took me out my world and into Kelly’s. Sultry female vocals and vibrant percussion and guitar led me down the road to perdition and I was thrilled to be on the journey.

“Taking Time” or “Coffee” is a morning song that wakes you up as sure as its name. This piece should be my mantra! A writer’s life incarnate!  Somewhat familiar in the background melody, this song rockets up and gets you moving like a double shot of espresso. Deadlines, madness…and then the thought of a lover stops time and shifts things back into focus. Guitar swings out, Southern rock style and the warm pull of the percussion slides down my throat like my favorite salted caramel mocha and I smile. This song rocks.

“Tired” surrounds you with curling guitar riffs and smoking hot bass. Joplin style vocals growl from Kelly Z. bringing the listener right in the center of the action. Soul searing lyrics of loss and a want for love burn from the center of this song. Southern rock meets the blues and I didn’t want it to end.

“Take This Heart” has to be one of my favorites on the album. Kelly’s vocals ease their way into place with a steady percussion and guitar element. Morphing into a gritty performance of longing, I was enthralled. Every emotion comes through, screaming and loud. Guitar riffs flair and bend the piece into a complex weave of harmony and substance.

Live from Brussels is an album that illustrates the blues and rock styles of Kelly’s Lot. Known for their Americana roots rock style, this band is headed for great things. Internationally known and ready to step back into the studio, I am excited to see they are getting a horn section and will also be adding some keys to the mix. Five stars with flames and this band is worth every second. Earthy tones, vibrant percussion, rocking guitar and bass with vocals that will curl your toes…what more can you ask for? Kelly Z. and her crew are going on my bands to watch list and I eagerly await their next album.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Tired, Take this Heart, Taking Time

Dana Wright

January 23, 2014

Tracks:

01. Intro (Live)

02. Reason for the Blues (Live)

03. Hush Up (Live)

04. Taking Time (Live)

05. Redbone (Live)

06. Better Way (Live)

07.Come to This (Live)

08. Crossroads (Live)

09. Tired (Live)

10. Train (Live)

11. Right Now (Live)

12. Pistol (Live)

13. Homage to Janis Joplin (Live)

14. Take This Heart (Live)

15. Nobody Here but Me (Live)

16. Happy Girl (Live)

Hard Rock Review: Franklin Zoo-Untamed

Artist: Franklin Zoo

Title: Untamed

Genre: Hard Rock

Release Date: August 14, 2013

Label: FZ Music

Website: www.franklinzoo.dk

Franklin Zoo may sound like a nice place to see exotic animals, but is actually a Danish grunge band. Formed in 2009, the band made up of members Rasmus Revbech (vocals), Soren Dabros (guitar), Daniel Hecht (guitar), Anders Rune Hansen (bass), and Philip Kjaer Morthorst. The band takes influences from the Seattle grunge scene of the early ‘90’s as well as 1970’s hard rock groups such as Led Zeppelin. Franklin Zoo has been attracting fans in Denmark, and has opened for Papa Roach. They are now releasing their sophomore album, Untamed.

Franklin Zoo’s new album is full of grungy hard rock sounds combined with strong melodies to create some enjoyable rock music. Untamed was co-produced, mixed, and engineered by metal drummer Jakob Gundel at the Gain Factory.

“My Dying Day” is a great hard rock song. With a slow, melodic flow, the song delivers a powerful feeling. Rasmus Revbech’s vocals have a dark and dynamic perception that gives this song its hard rock feeling. Soren Dabros and Daniel Hecht both provide excellent guitar work that works well with Revbech’s vocals. Philip Kjaer Morthorst’s drumming keeps this song moving along.

The hypnotic melody of “Lost Cause” is enjoyable to listen to as soon as the song begins. Revbech’s singing is once again powerful, and gives this song character. The guitar work on “Lost Cause” is exquisite, and Anders Rune Hansen’s bass playing is done just as well. All of the above comes together with Morthorst’s wonderful drumming.

The rock ballad “Known I’m Me” is one of the best tracks on Untamed. The song moves along by a hard and steady beat provided by drummer Morthorst. Revbech’s singing is more personal on “Known I’m Me.” You can hear the grittiness of his voice that doesn’t come through as much on other songs. There is an intimacy between singer and listener on this song that is unlike the rest of the album.

Franklin Zoo has been making great music and Untamed is an excellent rock album that any grunge fan would enjoy. The album has a hard rock sound, and with Rasmus Revbech’s vocals it has a lot of character too. With influences from ‘70’s hard rock and ‘90’s grunge, this album would be enjoyable to anyone who is a fan of the two genres.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: My Dying Day, Lost Cause, Known I’m Me

Craig Kidd

January 11, 2014

Tracks:
01. Intro
02. Overflow
03. My Dying Day
04. Peace Of Mind
05. Stay
06. Lost Cause
07. Known I’m Me
08. Silent Screams
09. Say It Out Loud
10. Wolfman
11. Your Man
12. Lean Into My Head