OCEANARIUM

This is the fourth album from Deluge Grander, but it is the first time I have come across them. To be honest, if it wasn't for bandleader Dan Britton (keyboards, guitars, other instruments) contacting me through both ProgArchives and LastFM, I still wouldn't have! But, I personally think it is great when musicians push themselves out there to people who may be interested, so I was intrigued to hear this. Joining him on this album is Brett d'Anon (bass, guitar) and Patrick Gaffney on drums along with assorted guests, and by having certain instruments only involved with certain songs it gives the music an incredibly varied feel.

I have seen some people liken this to Mike Oldfield, but that isn't at all fair on either artist, and doesn't represent what the music is like, as for me this is what would have happened if Frank Zappa had moved more into the symphonic progressive field as opposed to the avant garde. There are times when the music becomes almost oriental, and I found myself thinking of Dennis Rea and his incredible 'Views From Chicheng Precipice', but again brought more into mainstream progressive music. Dan's keyboards are always at the very heart of this instrumental album, and here the music really does live up to the album title as when playing this I can envisage myself underwater following fish near the seabed.

Due to the variety of sounds and instruments, one doesn't always know what to expect around the next coral reef or valley in the sea floor, which makes the album consistently interesting and enjoyable. I did warn Dan that if he sent me the album he had to understand that it would be reviewed honestly, and I would say exactly what I thought, which may not be what he wanted. But, he accepted that, but from the moment I put this on I knew that it was never going to be an issue, as this is one that I have enjoyed throughout. Well worth further investigation.