CONUNDRUM

Verbal Delirium is a unique progressive rock band from Greece that has been around since the mid-2000s. This is their 4th album, but first that I've heard, and it is fantastic. A whirlwiond of different styles and influences blended into a totally unique musical experience. Although certainly Prog in its attitude, they combine many disparate elements (often within the same song), including pop, rock, jazz, soul, musical theater, and metal into their prog. The core of the band is Jargon (John Kosmidis), as primary composer, vocalist, and keybaordist, George 'K' Kyriakidis (guitars), and Nikolas Nikolopoulos (flute, saxophone, Mellotron). The title track is a whirling dervish of an instrumental having a convoluted Klezmer-esque feel, constantly moving and shifting into a sort of ELP meets Steely Dan exercise. 'Intruder' mixes in pop melodies, Beach Boys harmonies, punkish new wave, all leading to a big theatrical finish. The best tracks are also the longest ones, such as 'The Watcher', which starts out with a quirky new wave section, like something from Oingo Boingo, then drops in an 80's dream pop chorus (ala Crowded House, Tears for Fears) before shifting into a full Prog instrumental section, the return of dream pop, leading to a satisfying conclusion. Even better is 'Neon Eye Cage', which opens as a kind of blue-eyed soul pop number (ala Hall and Oates?) then goes into a more rockin' section that seems straight out of some lost Peter Gabriel album before elevating to a Genesisian instrumental finish. Closing the album is the lovely 'Fall From Grace', a beautiful song highlighted by Jargon's emotive, theatrical vocals and K's soaring guitar. Overall, their mix of musical styles are constantly merging in interesting and enigmatic ways throughout, introducing one clever element after another, while still maintaining strong melodies and emotions. Although I don't necessarily agree with all of their choices, their endlessly inventive and creative approach is certainly refreshing and enticing throughout. Best Tracks: Neon Eye Cage, The Watcher, Conundrum, Fall From Grace. Weak Tracks: none. Rating 4.5 stars