PAN - AN URBAN PASTORAL

It's very difficult to describe the album. I will start saying what this is NOT. This is not heavy prog, not even close; this is a pure and simple (well, not that simple) symphonic prog with a lot of folk elements. Yes, there are a lot of conceptual albums and maybe this album is not groundbreaking, but the way this band aboard the concept, the care of every little detail, and the impressive extension of different styles and arguments worth the listen.

Now, the album start very slow paced and as it grows more and more styles are added and the story grows to come impossible to push the "stop" button. The keyboards are melodic and bring out a lot of retro 70's styles but keeping it fresh and nice; the bass is present all the way making very nice melodies and sometimes pushing some strange but lovely dissonances; the guitars are like a background element, strong and well measured and sometimes bringing out some cool solos and even some nice acoustic themes; The percussion and drums are quite refreshing, original and drops a lot of folk elements that is just wonderful to listen every "oddity" that came out always in an unexpected place.

The summoning of all those elements builds up an impressive journey. The music is strong and fresh, and it feels like a true band ensemble and the instrumental progressions remind me a lot of symphonic rock of the 70's, but always keeping it innovative. Now, maybe the thing that takes it to a complete new level is the vocals. Ashley Peer's vocals are at the top of the game, being dramatic, melodic and with a lot of character. I loved her style and the way the melodies are twisted giving a very strange sensation but impressive and different.

The album has 19 songs, a lot of them very short but all linked together to build up a flawless concept, extraordinary performed. The sound quality is quite great, nothing is missing, a well balanced sound and if that's not enough, even the booklet is great too. It has the story explained or at least presented in a way you can "get it". The art is great and is one of those albums I just can't stop listening.

5 stars. A total masterpiece that I hope people won't overlook. "Come- I'll sing to you the Chaosong..."

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