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Fish On Friday: Godspeed
ByFormed in 2009, Belgian keyboardists, Frank van Bogaert and William Beckers invited Californians, guitarist Marty Townsend and drummer Marcus Weymaere to join the group in 2010, consummated by highly regarded British session ace, bassist Nick Beggs' (Steve Hackett band) enlistment. Hence, it's a winning recipe, when considering the respective artists' diverse stylistic faculties and guiding principles that operate on the same trajectory.
Many of these works are framed on medium tempo prog rock overtures, enamored by the vocalists' hush toned vocals that at times, are mixed a little below the instrumentation, providing depth and mystical qualities. Otherwise "Callin' Planet Home," ignite recollections of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon era vocal choruses atop a wall of sound. Yet the ensemble changes the pulse, also featuring Townsend's rangy, extended note solo spot that mirrors Floyd guitarist David Gilmore's resonating lead lines.
Most if not all of these pieces would seemingly enjoy gobs of radio airplay, but "Radio" contains palpable pop-rock sensibilities thanks to an endearing and catchy hook, complete with textural keys, alternating cadences and a counterbalancing synth and organ part. In other regions of sound, the musicians meld stately motifs with sanguine acoustic-electric treatments, ethereal backdrops, prismatic ostinato grooves and solid backbeats. Therefore, Godspeed is a rousing success, boosted by a multifaceted production, devised on strong compositions that radiantly morph grace, power and blissful therapeutic attributes into an unassailable sense of fulfillment.
Track Listing
Godspeed; Just A Nightmare; She Colours The Rainbow; Callin’ Planet Home; Ghost Song; Radio; Sancturary; Stay; Don’t Love Me To Death; Tick Tock; My Dog.
Personnel
William Beckers: keyboards, percussion; Frank Van Bogaert: keyboards, vocals, backing vocals, additional guitars; Nick Beggs: bass guitar, Chapman Stick, backing vocals; Marty Townsend: electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin; Marcus Weymaere: drums, percussion.
Album information
Title: Godspeed | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Cherry Red Records
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