| The
Review |
This one was a hard review to write and a hard album
to learn. This album is... different... and a mixed bag of
styles. Zen Carnival's first release from 1999 was a neo-prog
affair that had a lot to like about it, despite its bad production.
The band then disappeared from the face of the earth. Now,
7 years later, we finally have a follow up. Let me warn any
who are expecting the same type of music - the band has changed
their sound. This is not necessarily a bad thing - but do
not expect the same Marillion-influenced work as before (although
some of that does remain).
"Bardo" sounds to me as if it was recorded in two different
time phases: some of it sounds similar to the past, as if
it was recorded around the time the first album was released,
and some has a new, jazzy feel to it. Indeed, in looking at
the sleeve - it states the album was recorded over a 5 year
period, so perhaps I am right. There is also a distinct "poppy-prog"
influence that definitely brings to mind some of the newer
post rock bands from time to time (think Porcupine Tree, Kino,
etc). The jazz influence would have to be the biggest difference
here, however, as it influences the majority of the tracks
to some degree. There is still a healthy dose of prog to go
around, however - and the band's vocalist, Ken Pfeifer, sounds
great as ever. For those unfamiliar - he sounds very similar
to Steve Hogarth.
So we have some jazzy pieces (Solar Circles, In This World),
some neo-prog influenced pieces (Pins and Needles, Blindness,
Evening of Our Days - any of these 3 could have easily been
on the first release) and some weird ones that grow on you
(Shadows Speak, Coax, Half Awake). This is one of those albums
that will not immediately impress you, but after repeated
listenings you realize that it is very different from anything
else out there and begin to admire it. Sometimes change is
good - I like what these guys are doing and think they are
on to something. All they need at this point is some better
production and a record deal and they are on their way! I
think they are perfect for Inside Out....
Check out this release for something different than your
standard prog outfit. Lets hope their next release comes out
before 2013!
Rating: 3.5 stars
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