HOLOGRAMATRON

I have to admit that this album is perhaps a bridge too far for me.

But I got it from Barry as a gift/promo and I always review what I get. Therefore, I have to describe what I hear because this is a type of music I simply do not "get".

The music here is a mix of vocals based songs and some avant-garde and drone stuff. The vocals is a mix of female and male vocals. Barry Cleveland uses guest vocals here and some of his friends from the scene/other bands helps him out. Their names is unknown to me so I am not walking down this "impressing the readers" path by namedropping them. See the full list of vocalists in the presentation of the musicians here. Ditto for the other musicians.

The music has a jazz feeling. In particular on the vocal tracks. In short, this album feels like a jazz project with some hints of the west coast. I am off course referring to California. There is also an eastern or even middle east feeling here. Mostly due to the inclusion of Erdem Helvacioglu on this album. His contributions is good. The same goes for Barry Cleveland himself and in particular; the bassist Michael Manring. His work here is excellent.

The quality of the musicianship is excellent. The music......... well, it is an acquired taste. This album is by no means easy listening. In particular for a guy like myself. I feel I am stretching my skin, my ears and my brain cells to breaking point on this album.

........... but I have grown to like it. The guitar sound is excellent. The overall result is good. But this album is too diverse for me to call it a true great album. It feels like I am browsing through a photo album with pictures from both the South Pole and the French Riveria. But I will though recommend it and Barry Cleveland's music to those who are seeking a challenge in the Jazz/ Eclectic Prog area. You will be truly challenged by this album.

3 stars