THE FORM OF THE GOOD

"The Form Of The Good" is the second full-length studio album by US progressive rock/jazz-rock/fusion act Deluge Grander. The album was released through the Emkog Records label in June 2009. It´s the successor to "August in the Urals" from July 2006. The two Deluge Grander albums are however bridged by the March 2008 debut full-length studio album by keyboard player/vocalist Dan Britton´s and bassist Brett D´Anon´s other project Birds and Buildings. So at least half the Deluge Grander lineup have kept themselves busy in the three years between "August in the Urals" and "The Form Of The Good".

Stylistically the material on "The Form Of The Good" continues the hybrid progressive rock and jazz-rock/fusion style of the last album. It´s still highly eclectic music featuring elements from many different genres and playing styles, and it´s all delivered in a busy and dynamic fashion with avant-garde parts sometimes entering the picture for an even more diverse listen. So don´t be fooled by the tranquil and atmospheric nature of album opener "Before The Common Era", as it´s easily the most accessible track on the whole album. The hyper energetic "The Tree Factory" follows and it´s quite the enjoyable song featuring both country and blues rock elements along side the progressive rock and jazz-rock/fusion elements. The remaining three tracks are just as eclectic and adventurous. In addition to drums, bass, guitar, and various keyboards, the music also features flute, saxophone, violin/cello, clarinet, oboe, and trumpet/trombone.

The music is predominantly instrumental but features a few vocal parts. Vocals are however not at all as prominently featured here as they were on "August in the Urals". Although the latter is also a mostly instrumental album, especially two of the tracks feature vocals, which are an important part of those compositions. That´s not really the case on "The Form Of The Good". Although the drums are sometimes drowned a bit in the busy soundscape, "The Form Of The Good" is overall a well produced and well sounding release. There´s a nice organic tone to the instruments and upon conclusion "The Form Of The Good" is another good quality release from Deluge Grander. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.