DOMINION

Zopp's Dominion marks a significant progression for the duo, showcasing growth in composition and complexity compared to their earlier work. Led by Ryan Stevenson and drummer Andrea Moneta, this album explores deeper elements of progressive rock, especially in vocal harmonies and overall sound richness. The music is intricate, with layers of instruments and voices adding depth to the arrangements. The production is excellent, capturing a vintage sound. The contributions from side members play a significant role. Notable contributors include Sally Minnear Voices, Caroline Joy Clarke Voices, Jorgen Munkeby sax and flute, Mike Benson tenor sax, Rob Milne tenor sax and flute, Tomás Figueiredo french horn, and Joe Burns additional percussion. The cover art by Tom Adams is outstanding.

The record opens with "Amor Fati" (The Fate of Love), featuring Minnear's beautiful voice, which sets the tone for this short but complex piece. It includes elements like French horns, flutes, and various keyboards, making you wish it lasted longer.

The second track, "You," is an epic 11-minute journey that highlights Zopp at their best. It starts with lush keyboard sounds, creating an inviting atmosphere. Moneta's drumming is energetic, providing a solid foundation. As the song progresses, a saxophone leads into a fantastic vocal line by Stevenson, showcasing outstanding musicianship throughout.

Moving on, the third song, "Bushnell Keeler," has a '70s vibe, blending influences from Hatfield and the North with Zappa's Uncle Meat. Great from start to finish, this instrumental piece excels and transports you to another era.

The fourth track, "Uppmärksamhet," is a hypnotic piece with impressive keyboards and guitar fills.

The fifth track, "Reality Tunnels," is energetic and combines elements from Italian prog bands like Museo Rosenbach, Area, Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso and influences from Canterbury groups like Caravan.

"Wetiko Approaching" is another great short track with excellent vocal work and instrumentation that leads into the final song.

"Toxicity," the last track, is a 14-minute piece that blends '70s elements, featuring a mix of Canterbury, Italian prog, and Zappa influences, all supported by Moneta's solid drumming.

Throughout Dominion, the Farfisa organ adds a distinct early '70s vibe that blends well with modern production. This retro touch, along with a huge collection of keyboards like mellotron, hammond organ, mini moog? gives the album a classic prog feel while sounding fresh.

Compared to their debut, Dominion takes more risks and explores complex structures and sounds. The intricate time signatures and rich vocal harmonies show the band's growth. For progressive rock fans, this album is a must- listen, merging British roots with Italian precision while capturing a nostalgic '70s atmosphere.

Dominion can also be seen as a conceptual album exploring themes of love and relationships. The songs reflect emotional experiences, from the highs of love to the pain of heartbreak, creating a cohesive exploration of romantic dynamics.

However, I feel the short songs are so good they deserved to be longer. I would have liked "Amor Fati" and "Uppmärksamhet" to have more time on the album, rather than just a couple of minutes.

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