DRIFTWOOD

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So, German quintet DEAFENING OPERA forged a path filled with heavy riffs interspersed with gentle acoustic passages, tempo changes and musical twists and turns, and clean male vocals that are an acquired taste.

Now, their latest album "Driftwood" has this tagline, which seems pretty appropriate: "handmade acoustic prog influenced by folk and jazz".

Here's the lineup on this album: -Moritz Kunkel / guitars, pianos, backing vocals; - Thomas Moser / guitars; - Christian Eckstein / bass, backing vocals; - Adrian Daleore / vocals; and - Konrad Gonschorek / drums.

Yup, basically the same as on their most recent album, 2018's "Let Silence Fall". The only change has been the departure of their keyboardist, and Moritz Kunkel handily fills in there.

But I Did Say 'Hard Turn'

You'll have to decide for yourself if it's a hard turn left, or right. For me, I enjoyed it- seems to me, that the pandemic scourge has had a few silver linings along with the inevitable heavy losses and profound changes it has brought.

For one, progressive rock outfits have outdone themselves perhaps having, and taking the time to write, reflect, rehearse, and experiment. DEAFENING OPERA presents on "Driftwood" seven-and-a-half engaging, melodic, tender, energetic, intense, restrained, and varied progressive rock that is somehow at the core, acoustic.

Baffling Lyrics/Concept

One carry-over: baffling lyrical content (and this time I had to specifically ask for the lyrics) which at times suggests enormous loss and grief, and uses imagery that leaves me guessing. It's more than possible things get lost in translation, and it could be lyrics matter too much to me anyhow.

The Music

What makes the album special, and makes the music shine however, is the acoustic core of the music. It makes the music intimate and closer to the heart (to borrow a phrase). It reveals some vulnerabilities without having the flash and panache of electric guitars and crunchy bass and pulverizing drums and glittering keyboards.

We still get plenty of musical variety, lots of mood changes and tempo shifts and atmosphere. There are strong melody lines, and some most enjoyable vocal harmonies. I could tell the band worked hard on vocal arrangements, and it pays off.

The crisp acoustic guitar strumming and chording makes a nice center. At times there is tasty classical guitar, and once what sounded like acoustic guitar and electric guitar lead duets. Acoustic piano ripples and roams, and there are other rather understated keyboard settings which provide atmosphere. Bass guitar is deep and full, rather than punchy and lively. The drumming often has touches of jazz and blues, with delicate fills, or use of brushes and hi-hats.

Standout Tracks

For me, "Man and Machine" with its crisp opening, then very laidback jazz feel, which grows more intense. and very slick electric piano/acoustic piano, and guitar interplay wer highlights, in a tune that just seems to go from slow burn to full flame.

Also, I like "Snowman's Meadow", with the spiky opening, some electric guitar and complex lines, shifting to jazzy, solo male voice, and a jazzy/funky feel seemed pretty great.

Sum It Up

DEAFENING OPERA have decided to take some chances, take a 'hard turn'.

For all these reasons- the risks taken, the sense of intimacy and vulnerability, the elegant musicality brought by the acoustic center, and the variety found here, I think this album is an excellent addition to any progressive rock collection.

I give it four warmly glowing stars.

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