Friday 29 November 2013

Shivas Quintessence - Cosmic Surfer (2005)

In 2003 Mystic Records released the debut CD by Shiva Shakti, a collaboration between Phil "Shiva" Jones, original vocalist for the band Quintessence, and Swiss synth wizard Ralph "Rudra" Beauvert. The CD was a mixture of original songs and reworkings of Quintessence songs. Though the band name has changed to make the Quintessence connection more overt, Cosmic Surfer is really the follow up to the first Shiva Shakti CD. There may be an ocean between them but that has in no way hindered Phil and Ralph's ability to work together to create music, and indeed this latest effort is a 2 CD set. The first disc includes all original music while the second consists of new recordings by Phil and Ralph of Quintessence classics, including two songs originally written for Quintessence never recorded. To be sure, Phil struck gold in hooking up with Ralph, and he acknowledges as much in the liner notes. Ralph brings a love for the original Quintessence along with a taste and talent for varied styles of electronic music to the team, which makes for a superb combination with Phil's passionate, expressive vocals and witty, humorous and poignant lyrics. The result is a unique and wholly accessible sound that crosses multiple stylistic boundaries and defies simple classification. Disc 1 opens with "Reptilian Corporate Sign Language", a 10 minute tune with cool grooves, stinging guitar licks and freaky alien synths to provide the musical pulse for Phil's lyrics attacking big business and its role in creating a mindless consumer culture. Obey… conform… breed… consume. And halfway through the music transitions to a segment where the mood darkens and Phil sings with theatrical intensity. A potent opening track. The mood lightens considerably on the whimsical "But Where Am I", which features some of Phil's most humorous lyrics and delivery. What really amazes me about the song is that it's got a pop song sense of melody, yet there's non-stop action with a variety of soundtrack voice bits and Ralph injects a banquet of electronic fun into the mix throughout. Excellent music and a really fun song. And a perfect illustration of the band's potential to reach multiple audiences… progressive rockers, space and psych fans, and plenty more I'm sure.
"Dolphin Dreaming" is one of my personal favorites and one that will surely appeal to space rock fans. Ralph is a wiz at creating completely cosmic music that works perfectly within a song oriented context. And after several headphone listens to this song I know it could stand alone as an instrumental. But the vocals are key to this project and "Dolphin Dreaming" is surely one of the more spiritually uplifting songs of the set. Other highlights include "Blue is Beautiful", another standout track where Phil's vocal delivery takes front and center stage, but backed by equally creative musical arrangements. "Didgeridoo Medicine Man" is another lengthy track, and has some of the more down 'n dirty rocking moments on the album, as well as some of the more Eastern influenced chanting music, a hallmark of the original Quintessence. And just to keep things interesting, Phil, who is an accomplished didgeridoo player, uses the instrument to embellish the proceedings in ways you've probably not heard before. For something way off the beaten path give a listen to the spaced out cosmic rap on "Everthing is Weird". And for more lyrical fun and Phil taking jabs at the commercialism and superficial use of spiritualism just check out "New Age Breadhead" and "Hollywood Guru Show". Disc 2 features a set of 9 reworked Quintessence songs. Veterans fans of the band will be pleased to hear that these are no mere re-recordings. In many cases the duo have written new sections, and along with Ralph's personal musical stamp they are truly fresh interpretations of the songs. And there are numerous guests who help to flesh out the music, prominent among them being Maha Dev, the only other original Quintessence band member to participate in the album. Among my favorites of the Quintessence songs is "Cosmic Surfer", with its beautiful combination of spirituality and progressive rock. Part of the magic of the album as a whole is Phil and Ralph's ability to create accessible yet adventurous music. Psychedelic influenced progressive rock with a pop sensibility. The nearly 12 minute "Ganga Mai" is a real standout on disc 2, with Phil and his chorus of backing vocalists taking off into chanting jam realms while the synths, flutes and percussion make for an enchanting spaced out Eastern raga vibe. "Sun", one of the previously unrecorded Quintessence songs, is probably the track with the most potential to be released as a single. "Hail Mary" is the other Quintessence song finally seeing the recorded light of day and is a shining example of the Shiva penchant for spiritual themes. And I love the way the song incorporates elements of Indian pop music and adding spacey raga keyboards and light techno grooves. In summary, this is outstanding album with a fantastic combination of music and song, impeccable production and impressive crossover potential. The music is accessible and groove laden, yet the music fan who likes to be challenged will discover countless new treasures with each subsequent listen. Highly recommended. Review from amazon.co.uk

In 2003 Mystic Records released the debut CD by Shiva Shakti, a collaboration between Phil "Shiva" Jones, original vocalist for the band Quintessence, and Swiss synth wizard Ralph "Rudra" Beauvert. The CD was a mixture of original songs and reworkings of Quintessence songs. Though the band name has changed to make the Quintessence connection more overt, Cosmic Surfer is really the follow up to the first Shiva Shakti CD.

There may be an ocean between them but that has in no way hindered Phil and Ralph's ability to work together to create music, and indeed this latest effort is a 2 CD set. The first disc includes all original music while the second consists of new recordings by Phil and Ralph of Quintessence classics, including two songs originally written for Quintessence but never recorded.

To be sure, Phil struck gold in hooking up with Ralph, and he acknowledges as much in the liner notes. Ralph brings a love for the original Quintessence along with a taste and talent for varied styles of electronic music to the team, which makes for a superb combination with Phil's passionate, expressive vocals and witty, humorous and poignant lyrics. The result is a unique and wholly accessible sound that crosses multiple stylistic boundaries and defies simple classification.

Disc 1 opens with "Reptilian Corporate Sign Language", a 10 minute tune with cool grooves, stinging guitar licks and freaky alien synths that provide the musical pulse for Phil's lyrics attacking big business and its role in creating a mindless consumer culture. Obey… conform… breed… consume. And halfway through the music transitions to a segment where the mood darkens and Phil sings with theatrical intensity. A potent opening track. The mood lightens considerably on the whimsical "But Where Am I", which features some of Phil's most humorous lyrics and delivery. What really amazes me about the song is that it's got a pop song sense of melody, yet there's non-stop action with a variety of soundtrack voice bits and Ralph injects a banquet of electronic fun into the mix throughout. Excellent music and a really fun song. And a perfect illustration of the band's potential to reach multiple audiences… progressive rockers, space and psych fans, and plenty more I'm sure.

"Dolphin Dreaming" is one of my personal favorites and one that will surely appeal to space rock fans. Ralph is a wiz at creating completely cosmic music that works perfectly within a song oriented context. And after several headphone listens to this song I know it could stand alone as an instrumental. But the vocals are key to this project and "Dolphin Dreaming" is surely one of the more spiritually uplifting songs of the set. Other highlights include "Blue is Beautiful", another standout track where Phil's vocal delivery takes front and center stage, but backed by equally creative musical arrangements. "Didgeridoo Medicine Man" is another lengthy track, and has some of the more down 'n dirty rocking moments on the album, as well as some of the more Eastern influenced chanting music, a hallmark of the original Quintessence. And just to keep things interesting, Phil, who is an accomplished didgeridoo player, uses the instrument to embellish the proceedings in ways you've probably not heard before. For something way off the beaten path give a listen to the spaced out cosmic rap on "Everthing is Weird". And for more lyrical fun and Phil taking jabs at the commercialism and superficial use of spiritualism just check out "New Age Breadhead" and "Hollywood Guru Show".

Disc 2 features a set of 9 reworked Quintessence songs. Veterans fans of the band will be pleased to hear that these are no mere re-recordings. In many cases the duo have written new sections, and along with Ralph's personal musical stamp they are truly fresh interpretations of the songs. And there are numerous guests who help to flesh out the music, prominent among them being Maha Dev, the only other original Quintessence band member to participate in the album. Among my favorites of the Quintessence songs is "Cosmic Surfer", with its beautiful combination of spirituality and progressive rock. Part of the magic of the album as a whole is Phil and Ralph's ability to create accessible yet adventurous music. Psychedelic influenced progressive rock with a pop sensibility. The nearly 12 minute "Ganga Mai" is a real standout on disc 2, with Phil and his chorus of backing vocalists taking off into chanting jam realms while the synths, flutes and percussion make for an enchanting spaced out Eastern raga vibe. "Sun", one of the previously unrecorded Quintessence songs, is probably the track with the most potential to be released as a single. "Hail Mary" is the other Quintessence song finally seeing the recorded light of day and is a shining example of the Shiva penchant for spiritual themes. And I love the way the song incorporates elements of Indian pop music and adding spacey raga keyboards and light techno grooves.

In summary, this is an outstanding album with a fantastic combination of music and song, impeccable production and impressive crossover potential. The music is accessible and groove laden, yet the music fan who likes to be challenged will discover countless new treasures with each subsequent listen. Highly recommended.Review from Aural Innovations

Thursday 14 November 2013

Bram Stoker - Cold Reading (2013)





Imagine listening to a new album released by a band steeped in the traditions of the seminal sounds of progressive rock. Now imagine that band actually was playing and recording back in 1969 – 72. Well, you don't have to close your eyes to dream about any of this anymore. But absolutely do not forget your headphones for this fantastic voyage and experience.

Bram Stoker has been around since the late 1960s and early '70s. Bram Stoker was making music at the same time as the seminal leaders of the progressive rock genre like Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, and ELP. The band was formed by keyboard player Tony Bronsdon in 1969. Bram Stoker played shows at the famous Marquee Club in London, where they were actually supported by one of the genre's lasting symphonic prog rock bands Queen. They regularly were featured in London's hotspots like the Roundhouse, The Marquee, The Greyhound – Croydon and The Speakeasy.

Bram Stoker has returned to deliver their first new CD since 1972. Cold Reading. It will be released on the 27th of January, 2014. Their first release was the classic 1972 album Heavy Rock Spectacular released on Windmill Records.

The new line-up features: Tony Bronsdon, on keyboards; Tony Lowe, on guitar and bass; and Will Hack, on drums and vocals. Jon Bavin, also an original member of the band, collaborated on writing two of the new compositions.

"Climbing the Gyroscope", an excellent song title, opens with those deep, dark Hammond keys and fathoms of bass. It puts you right back in the mood for some Foxtrot or Nursery Cryme, for sure. The fast moving keys, dripping bass, and Hackett sounding lead electric guitar will take you right back to classic Genesis. Just what the doctor ordered for a music scene that needs some inspiration from the past. Just sit back and listen to Bronsdon take you through Wakeman, Emerson and Banks with a wave of his hand. This is going to be one magical ride for any fan of the music of early prog.

"Cold Reading" has a more updated sound. Like Collins Era Genesis. This track would have fit well on Trick of the Tail or even Wind and Wuthering, except that the keyboards and that Hackett guitar take you back further in time. Will Hack's vocals are a good mix between Steve Hackett's and Phil Collins'. But those keys will register immediately. The keyboard sound at around 3:14 almost made me sing the words from the song "Scenes from a Night's Dream" from ...And Then There Were Three…

"Fast Decay" reminds me of some of the keyboard sounds from both ELP's Emerson and also the Italian band The Watch, who often covers Genesis classics. This keyboard romp will absolutely help solidify this band as a keeper for your "watch list". Innovative keyboard instrumentals the way you remember them, from all of the greats mentioned above. Nothing's missing…except maybe vocals.

"Calling Me Home" brings back more memories from that early Collins Era of Genesis. Trick or Wind melodies and sounds are prevalent reminders here. The heavy guitar and thick bass are excellent. But those keyboards just rattle the walls on this one. You will swear Hackett's playing those solos.

"Chasing Red" is the longest track on the album, so anyone who knows me knows I had to hear it first. Hack's vocals sing, "Alone I have to roam. Why make me hide away? Oh, no, no.". Those introspective lyrics you remember from the '70s. yes. But this time set to a very modern and cool keyboard melody supported perfectly with deep bass, and those brilliant lead electric guitar soars. Later Hack sings, "I will never be far away from here if lost is like a river…Flowing through us all. A raging waterfall". Yah, powerful lyrics you remember from the past. It all comes roaring back. Sit back and enjoy that powerful keyboard, strings, bass, drums, and lead guitar instrumental. "Live your life, just carry on, you will be fine". Amen.

"Joust" opens with brilliant regal revelry from the keyboards. The joust is between the Hackett sounding lead electric guitar and those Banks keyboards. Who will win? You the listener of course. Magic for your ears. Enjoy.

Everyone wants a "New Adventure", and this album has already delivered that experience and more. But this track almost takes you up to the sound of last Genesis album, Calling All Stations sound. Modern sounding melodies which still possess the golden keys of the past. "Follow me"…indeed.

They just had to have a song for my favorite season. And they do…"Like Autumn Now". It takes you back to hearing "Follow You, Follow Me" for the first time again. Yes, the melody is completely different but the feeling and sensations from that magical time of the year is all over the performance. Piano dominates this one with waves of Hackett level guitar soaring above deep bass and soft drums. "Send me round. To the place where I am found. Enriched by the darkness. I'll guide you through", set to dancing piano and deep Hackettesque guitar.

If you are from the early Genesis generation you knew they had to have a deep storyline in at least one of their songs. "Fingal's Cave" is that instrumental experience. Google the title and you will find that it is a sea cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa, in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. You will also find that the title involves the story of the eponymous hero of an epic poem by 18th-century Scots poet-historian historian James Macpherson. Unfortunately there is no lyrical adventure in this instrumental, but do not be dismayed. This over six minute keyboard and electric guitar extravaganza will tell enough of the story on its own, complete with deep Hammond, bass and galloping drums.

"Light at the End of the Tunnel" is the closer full of deep Hammond and synth keyboards set to amaze. At nearly six minutes it is a fitting closer to one of the best albums of the year. Sit back and let this keyboard extravaganza flow through your ears.

Wow! One of my favorite albums of the year already. Wish I hadn't missed them in the 1970s. Well, as I always say, it's not when you find a band, it's that you do find them and appreciate them when found. This album must be experienced to be fully appreciated. I have attempted to capture the spirit, but only hearing it yourself will truly register the dynamic power of this album. Not like The Watch, but also providing the sound and music like they do, that we as Genesis fans truly miss.

Great to find this band. They are definitely on my "watch list" now. Get this album and I guarantee they will also be on yours.Review from seaoftranquility

Track Listing:

1. Climbing the Gyroscope
2. Cold Reading
3. Fast Decay
4. Calling Me Home
5. Chasing Red
6. Joust
7. New Adventure
8. Like Autumn Now
9. Fingal's Cave
10. Light at the End of the Tunnel

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