Dead Ernest’sJanuary 2005 by Andy G. First
take the timeless introduction to Genesis' 'Watcher Of The Skies', then
prepare the bits of first two albums-era Greenslade minus the vocals,
add to that the moog solos from ELP's 'Pictures At An Exhibition" and
Tony Banks-style mellotrons, mix well then layer with Mainhorse-style
organ. Add to that an electric bass somewhere between Magma and Stanley
Clarke - and plenty of it, no mamby pamby portions - then top with drum
work that could have come off any great seventies fusion album - "et
voila" - an opening instrumental prog track lasting 7.36 that you will
enjoy so much you'll want to make it again and again and again. I
actually played it three times before even starting on the rest of the
album - it's THAT hot.
This is an instrumental prog-rock album
from an electric bassist who writes all the compositions, a drummer and
two musicians, each on synthesizers and keyboards. Four further tracks
from 6 to 14 minutes long, form the rest of a concept album based around
outer space and old sci-fi films, but, musically, it's like a
progressive stick of rock with the word "seventies" running right
through. For prog-rock fans who crave that style and want nothing more
than tons of synths, organ and mellotron work in that classic, timeless
vein, this album is a dream come true. The bass work is also quite
phenomenal, while the drums have been produced to sound solid, crisp and
crunchy. But it's the wailing moog solos, the anthemic seventies style
synth sounds, the organ work and the mellotron heaven that takes center
stage as the two synth/keys players really spark, duel and shine. Of its
kind, and even with influences as strong as this, it retains an
originality, is absolutely timeless and one of the best instrumental
keys/synths-based prog albums you'll hear.
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