Apologies but I couldn’t seem to find correct template for a review (has something changes of late Mods??) so just done a standard post
What does it sound like?
This band is new discovery for me and would have made my 2020 Top 20 had I known about it a few weeks ago. A brief bit of background about the band: they are a 3 piece from Oakland featuring Joel Robinow (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Eli Eckert (bass, guitar, vocals), and Raj Ojha (drums, recording, mixing). Seem to have been involved in loads of different outfits over the years and two of them play in the Black Crowes touring band. Two albums to date – the eponymous first one came out in 2017 and is real smorgasbord of influences – a Genesis instrumental coda here; a Queen bombastic vocal arrangement there; a bit of McCartney melodic whimsy; Some Dan-esque chord changes; a smidgeon of 10cc tricky dicky song structures and even Chicago horn charts on one or two tracks. There’s definitely a bit of ‘Todd’ and ‘Wizard’ era Todd – I could go on…. It’s really good but a bit too pastichy for me albeit played beautifully.
So moving on to this album – the band now seems to have absorbed all of the above but distilled it into a much more concise and less retro sounding album. The outstanding musicianship remains but with less soloing, less ‘kitchen sink’ and a more considered approach to the songs and arrangements. The piano and keys playing is fabulous and maybe takes on a more Stevie Wonder and jazz based influence – to these ears a little bit more Dan, a little bit less Genesis. Importantly it now sounds like really good original music with an identifiable ‘sound’.
What does it all *mean*?
Modern ‘progressive’ music (what ever that means) continues to develop in interesting directions. But in tagging them with that label I may well be putting off some of you from trying this out.
Goes well with…
I don’t really know what this heading means so will ignore.
Release Date
Now
Might suit people who like…
Any of the artists mentioned above.
The end instrumental ‘The End and the Beginning’ (that title gives away their proggy roots doesnt it?) is worth waiting for with nods to 60/70s Lalo Schifrin soundtrack music.
There’s a hint in the link entitled “Post a review”.
Perhaps it’s time we arranged for the field ‘Category’ on the ‘review/article/notice’ input page to have some visible and slightly more expressive explanation? It’s not really obvious what that’s for is it? I mean, there are a gazillion options to choose from which go way beyond ‘review/article/notice’ for one thing!
*psssst – what the feck do the little red asterisks denote by the way?*
I must have been having a senior moment as just couldn’t find the link. Nay mind – it’s done.
Winding up my old pal Feedback aside, I entirely agree with his review. A fascinating amalgam of many if my favourite bands. I don’t like it all but some I like a lot.
I was a bit put off by the overly-precise drumming. It seemed very rigid. Plenty of technique with not an ounce of swing. He could do with loosening up a bit.
I could certainly hear the aforementioned Steely Dan and/or 10cc influences in the musical arrangement.
In a similar vein, I’d recommend the flat-out fantastic Young Gun And Silver Fox. Three albums, the latest, “Canyons”, just released. Uplifting, seventies-rooted songs, brilliant production, singing, playing, not a weak point anywhere. Silver Fox is (I think) fifty-seven – it’s good to see the youngsters getting it right for once!
(I find the “post a review” thing too much of a hassle. Too much work. Could there not be a “Recommended” rubric under which we may simply mention albums we enjoy but don’t want to write an essay about?)
Yeah. Just provide a link.
Two new bands on one tread!
‘
Excellent!
I think Young Gun Silver Fox will also become big AW favourites. They hit the sot for me at once.
Big ‘Live at Daryl’s House’ vibe right there. Which is a fine, fine thing.
Enjoying YGSF very much. Reminds me a bit of the Silver Seas ?
The studio version adds layers of Steely Danish* gloss, including some gorgeous vocal parts absent from this performance. It’s a belter of an album, and the first two are just as good.
(Metallic pastry? 6-6)
We’ve amended this post so it sits in the right place (and added the album cover).
Nothing should have changed in respect of posting a “review” but you do need to use the “Nights In” or “nights out” drop down when you click on “post a review/article/notice” in the top right hand corner of the Forum page to “Create content”.
The first thing that appears there is “afterwiki” but that a drop down which will allow you to choose “nights In, Out” etc and the form changes when you choose your desired options
I am confuse.
Cheers moddy chaps. I think I was a bit tired and emotional and momentarily lost my bearings.
He has to be brought home by complete strangers occasionally.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18c_rO5FVCx9N0uHn08IPd6_HI-wxREk-/view?usp=sharing
John’s Idiot-proof Big Red Arrow.
TMFTL.
How did you know I was called John? You’re a very clever man Fenton
Nope, just very dull.
That’s the one