THE DIARY OF THE MISSED ONE

It's always a bit difficult when reviewing something recorded by an artist you know. It is even more difficult when it happens to be a friend, and colleague. Now throw in the factor that it is a musical style I don't generally care for. I have to be honest, so I really want to be able to like it. Well, my friend Igor Sidorenko has surpassed my expectations, and given me one of the few post-rock offerings that I truly enjoy. I am also honored (and a bit surprised) to be the first one to review "The Diary of the Missed One."

"Park Luny" begins with an interesting bit of something that sounds like Asian folk music. It then moves into a hypnotic realm of bass and guitar, with a tight percussion click behind it. It is repetitive, but not static. Igor begins a theme, then gradually builds, and adds more to it. This is actually prevalent throughout the album. Within this song, I hear the first signs of Steve Hackett influence. As it builds, so does the drama. After the peak, Igor provides a lovely little simple guitar cool down.

"By the Music of Autumn Trees" is almost two separate songs. The first part is delicate, haunting beauty. It's just a lovely tune, and easy to get lost in. After a very soft interlude, it changes tone just a bit. A sort of slow march begins, and it easy to tell that it is building to something. It continues to build, with the guitars getting heavier, and more distorted. By the end, it is a complete jam.

"The Fred Bull's Blues" is the full epic track. Had I not already heard the first two songs, the first part of this may have had me concerned. It sounds like this could be the type of meandering thing I do not enjoy. However, I had already seen the pattern laid down before. I knew Igor would be building to something, and he delivers. This is true epic territory. Ups and downs, heavy and soft, and there is even a bit of a psychedelic freak-out. This one is a bit darker in atmosphere too (it is called a blues after all). It doesn't have the steady build to a final crescendo like the previous two, but this is a different type of piece.

Many times when listening to post-rock, a true sense of purpose is lost on me. This is definitely not the case here. Igor definitely shows a true sense of direction in his music. These are well thought out themes. He also keeps things interesting. Just when you think it might get boring, there is a change, or something is added. I like the way he builds from the beginning to the end. This is also the way the album is laid out, with the tracks building in length. The instrumentation is captivating, and in many places I am reminded of Steve Hackett's more ethereal work.

Bravo Igor! This is a solid debut effort. I may not much of a post-rock fan, but I know what I like, and I like this.

H.T. Riekels