Well, I've listened to this solid, for the last two days, and these are my conclusions, likes and dislikes. More positives than negatives about the music, but as I've said, i'm not a Prog Rock fan, although, I wouldn't say this is out and out Prog Rock.
It's an interesting opening, as we're transported on a funky psychedelic galactic space ride, to the planet " Luminol " ! I love the funky bass line throughout this song, and the main dramatic staccato like keys / hammond throughout. Then i'm taken by surprise by commander SW's first vocals.
I know Prog Rock is about light & shade, but I find the " busyness " of it too hectic. One definite negative for me, is the drummers style throughout. I detest it in places, and it spoils parts of songs. ( more on that later ) One major positive for me is SW's vocals, they have a gentle sweet relaxing tonality to them. They remind me of the " Jellyfish " guys vocals & harmonies. ( I hear similarities in their music too )
....more to come, don't want to lose what I've typed.....
....i'm just listening through again, as I type, I really do love the sweet gentle vocals of SW, backed by the cool hypnotic piano & harmonies, before we go off tangent to a more dramatic ending, which I don't dislike. " Science Fiction " comes to mind when listening to this, a sort of " Space Opera ". Love those keys / Hammond phrases, as we finish with sharp drum beats e.t.c.
Well, I had a great time on planet " Luminol", but I think it's time to " Drive Home " back to Earth, to face my demons & fears. The next 7 minutes or so, is some of the most gorgeous beautiful eargasmic music I've heard in a long time ! The melody, vocals & harmonies, are to die for ! I'm not sort of too keen on the opening " Greensleeves " type of notes, sounds like something from the 14th century. ( Perhaps, SW, is a Dr. Who like figure, being transported from the planet " Luminol " to 14th century Earth ! ? ) My imagination, is really going places today !
On first listen, I did wonder if the Pink Floyd like guitar solo ending was too long, but for me the real ( sad & disappointing criticism ) is having the drumming ending involved. This song doesn't need it ! It's a song of beauty, that needs a beautiful ending ( not building with the hectic pace of the drum beats ) Let the guitar & keys, soar on their own. As my idol would say, " Let it simmer. Let it bathe in the moonlight ". For me, putting the drum in, and the style of drumming, is criminal, because it almost ruins, what is a " masterpiece. "
I need a rest & a drink....with " The Holy Drinker ", after all that ! I think we've all known one of them ( if not one ourselves ! ? ) There was a lot going on at planet " Luminol " but I think my moment spent with the Drinker, has left me in a drunken stupor, figuring out all the complexities ! This really has everything you could think of ! ( good & bad ! ) I really do need to get over my hangover.....back later !
.....i'm back, just trying to sober up ! " The Holy Drinker ", really was a rollercoaster ride ! Lots of high's, a few lows....lets start with the latter....I really don't like the welcome into the establishment, that the Drinker frequents...like some crazy jazz club, gone mad ! The opening notes remind me of some kind of '70's TV series soundtrack....but thankfully the rock act for tonight, are about to take to the stage...enter commander SW and his starship band. ( If only he could have lost " Animal " from " The Muppets, on the way back from planet "Luminol" ! )
I really like the opening languid lazy rock style vocals from commander SW on this, and the latter " eastern " vibe feel. His toying with the Holy Drinker, before he banishes him to his rightful place...HELL !!....his going to meet many people on the way....The Phantom Of The Opera, playing the " March to Hell "....before finally being banished into the night, fed to the wolves !
As I find myself, stumbling in the Black forest, ( thankful that I escaped the Holy Drinker's clutches. ) guided only by the light of the " two moons of Luminol ", a single Raven momentarily blocks it's light. You could hear a " Pin Drop "....but in the distance, I hear a choir beckoning....