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Review:
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(Moth Vellum's) debut album is currently
getting more play than anything else in my house. It confirms
my love of symphonic prog above other sub genres, despite
a recent attempt to embrace prog metal. (Moth Vellum) are
hardly the most original band in the history of prog. Their
music falls somewhere between "Going for the One"
(Yes), and mid period (Collins, Genesis), with a few Floyd
references on the lead guitar front. That said, their strength,
purely and simply is in the songs, which are all marvellous.
(Ryan Downes) '(J.Anderson)-esque' vocals,
mean that that their Yes influence comes across stronger
than their other leanings. Indeed, some of the harmonies
are very reminiscent of (Yes). At times however, the vocals
hint towards a late 80's (Geddy Lee) and even (Sting)! The
Chorus to "Whalehead" could have been done by
(The Police) just prior to their "Synchronicty"
era. This is one of my favourite songs on the album; full
of strong melodies and changing moods throughout. The crystal
clear production allows the atmospherics and dynamics on
this album come across beautifully. There's no bad tracks,
but I guess "Whalehead" "Let the Race Begin"
and "Salvo" are probably the strongest pieces,
in terms of memorability and fine musical performances from
the whole band. There is some wonderfull piano work, great
guitar solos and some good dramatic percussion.
( Moth Vellum) are not going to win any
awards for originality, like I said. They are basically
just enjoying making good quality symphonic prog rock, and
seemingly cramming in as many references to their heroes
as they can. Everyone from the "Happy the Man"
to "Rush", through Genesis, Yes and Floyd get
a nod. This is a sit back and relax album, with an emphasis
on lush soundscapes built upon soaring vocals, melodic guitar,
classical piano and discreetly spiralling synths. Don't
expect to be grabbed by the balls and swung around the room
by this work, but do expect to indulge in what is a collection
of excellent songs. On that alone, I'm happy to award this
album 3.5 stars. In the right mood, and if I were the kind
to get so stoned I could hardly stand, I would probably
rate it the best album I'd ever heard.....man ;-)
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