Reviews
From: Nik Brückner @
Since
the early days of postmodernism are phrases such as "between tradition and
modernity" become meaningless because of the mix of styles, she has produced,
has made these two former Poland two pools that are eventually flowed into each
other inseparably. In view of retro phenomena which are contemporary because
they could not be more retro otherwise, temporal sequences seems to be
repealed. And even these are now again subject of new grenzverläugnender style
blends become. The good old Retroprog, once to anchor clearly in the work of
bands like The Flower Kings and Spock's Beard based crisp bass sounds, jazzy
drumming and especially archaic keyboard sounds, has long since with neo prog,
new art rock, jazz, prog metal or alternative to barely clearly mixed in a
recognizable spectrum are rooted individual styles of individual bands, has
produced its ever independent crossover phenomena.
Sky
Architect are as a band. Would the phrase "between tradition and modernity" in
our postmodern still make sense to her music would exactly describe it. In fact,
is the music of Sky Architect is an excellent example of how stylistic elements
integrated at the end of all stories in the music together so that their
temporal diversity is canceled and their epoch affiliation is meaningless. Sky
Architect integrate this space rock, "Animals"-Pink Floyd, King Crimson,
classical counterpoint, straighten Acid Rock, Progressive Rock pathetic,
technically polyrhythmic virtuosity and a lot of alternative / new art rock to a
no longer entmisschbaren and that's what compelling mix of styles. And so it's
become clear to you readers too sure: "A Billion Years of Solitude" is Sky
Architects best album so far - by far.
Even
"The Curious One" proves that the band has learned in the design of long
tracks. Although it is still a little room for improvement, the song hangs
together much better than previous longtracks the band. In its atmosphere, he is
somewhat reminiscent of Marillion's "Gaza", but is more of a piece and can come
up with the more interesting parts. However, there are again especially the
songs of short to medium duration, which can accommodate Sky Architect to
himself. The first highlight is the multi-part, and yet to the point placed
"wormholes", which features excellent riffs that are provided to each other in
tense contrasts. Here it leaves the band finally a big bang again, something
that had been missing on the second album a bit.
"Tides"
takes the same score, is a little more concise and shows the alternative
influences of the band. This is new art rock, like me: The ominous mood of the
song is not caused by sound magic, but by compositional means: The strange,
weighty riffing, the classic proggige contrapuntal Interlude and spun vocal
melody ensure a perfect Atmorock as he should be.
The
next blast is called "Elegy". He waits on par with a polyrhythmic part before
the song in floydianische climes migrate ("Animals" phase) - but somehow it's
just quite contemporary new art rock .. A quiet piano part then advances to one
characterized by horny Geriffe passage that is still inclined enough to pick up
the Progfan where he almost rusted when many Retroproghören. The piano returns
and leads back to the "Animal"-pean new art rock, the band shows off here than
what he just may be: Unlike many bands that are active in this area, Sky
Architect explore the potential this genre to the full. So one has to do it!
"Jim's
Ride to Hell" This is exactly frenetic Heavy riff-storm which the title
suggests. Alternating with intricate staccato the Metal version of "Heart of the
Sunrise" riffs is presented, so to speak, complete with distorted guitar and
Mellotronstreichern. Terrific piece - and yet only a prelude to the next album
track "Revolution", which again contrapuntal Retroprogmetal in the program
before it then space loungeig weiterght, with a thick shot of jazz
harmony. Again, the band shows how well they capture atmospheres and can bring
compositionally to the point. Fluent are the transitions to the next passages,
and before you know it you're back in the middle of a world of sound between a
dull metal and intelligent new art rock, but also in the good old pig organ is
in good hands. The whole thing comes up with dramatic dissonance and intricate
rhythms as well as to with great histrionic gestures and a climactic
finale. Modern Prog par excellence!
The
same can one say about the final piece - though here again comes to light that
the glue that will hold together the song that is applied slightly too
thin. Though there are some parts repeatedly, but a real train to port is not
heard. Nevertheless, the track with its extremely groovy rhythms, its strong
melodies and especially his uninhibited space rock passages is once again a
highlight of the disc.
It
remains to mention that "A Billion Years of Solitude" is a concept album, which
can be influenced by the sci-fi classics of the 50s, 60s and 70s has. Here it
goes right across the space, and you can hear that the music also. The good
news: The effect is not produced on Blubbersounds and studio tricks, but with
solid compositional means. That the works over the entire length of the album,
Sky Architect lifts finally out of the mass of the Retroprog and New-art-rock
bands also - and far. "A Billion Years of Solitude" is not only the best album
of the band, but also one of the best albums from this corner, I've heard this
year. Forget Steven Wilson.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
 | A Billion Years of Solitude CD - £9.99 |
 | A Dying Man's Hymn CD - £7.99 |
No comments:
Post a Comment