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XNA: When We Changed You
ByLed by vocalist David Hussey of the Genesis tribute ensemble Gabble Ratchet, the program is chock full of tuneful storylines, accorded a little bite by guitarist Danny Bryle's streaming sustain licks and crunchy single note leads. But Hussey's emphatic and sincere deportment adds believability to the lyricism. However, the ensemble augments its attack with gritty soloing, symphonic textures, and a conspicuous penchant for the dynamic.
Keyboardist and Sci-Fi enthusiast Adam Malin is as a co- founder of Creation Entertainmentan organization that is responsible for the original Star Trek conventiongenerates a multilayered scope of attack with his various keyboards. And multi-instrumentalist Billy Sherwood (Yes) plays bass and chips in on the guitar front. Moreover, Sherwood has been involved in numerous prog-rock productions for this label, including Star Trek actor William Shatner's release, Ponder The Mystery (Cleopatra Records, 2013).
On the fifteen-minute opus "Banner of the Whyte Boar," the band fuses a memorable theme with stately choruses and a few flights of fancy, nestled within a suite-like approach amid nods to Britain's legendary '70s Canterbury scene. With guest artist Tonilyn Hornung's bittersweet flute lines and Malin's supple piano interludes, the band signals a capricious or perhaps phantasmagorical throwback to the glory days of prog. Other pieces contain stinging guitars, and the unification of Eastern modalities with Western song-forms. And "The Vale of Avalon" boasts an endearing melody that is pop friendly, but contrasted with the artists' serious-minded interplay and a few twists and turns. In sum, the musicians hit the mark and touch a nerve by bridging a sense of antiquity with a novel slant, powered by their irrefutable conviction and the alluring compositions.
Track Listing
At Childhood’s Beginning; When We Changed You; Banner of the Whyte Boar; The Flying Dutchman; The Vale of Avalon; Annapurna; At Childhood’s End
Personnel
David Hussey: lead vocals; Adam Malin: keyboards; Scott Connor: drums, percussion; Danny Bryle: guitars; Billy Sherwood: bass, additional guitars.
Album information
Title: When We Changed You | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Cleopatra Records