REDTAIL

Originally to be included in Azure's latest (and good!) album, Of Brine and Angels Beaks, Redtail is a musical tale ostensibly about a demon-esque being, destiny, and tragedy. This is a pretty good concept for a twenty minute epic, and it certainly elevates the music by giving it meaning and adding to its emotional impact.

Narrative aside, the instrumental affairs are composed and played well. There's a brief overture that introduces one to a few themes and motifs; The ensuing movements range from catchy melodies to brooding synths to heavy riffs to some delicious solos; Transitions between these sections are congruent; and the thematic pieces introduced in the song's beginning are never forgotten.

The layering and interplay between instruments, specifically the keyboard an guitar, is a highlight: lots of depth and great sounds are forged. Speaking of the keyboard, the sounds used are reminiscent of those fantasy 90s console RPGs, and considering the epic's concept, it's quite fitting. Finally, the vocals are great, and they have the flexibility to mesh well with the softer and harder instrumental passages.

Azure's Redtail, and the rest of their works, is one centered around "fantasy", and everything from the sounds to the story are serve this. The result is fairly unique, and one that I recommend.

Update 1: Fixed some typos.

Update 2: Rewrote the review in its entirety.