LONELINESS

DAWN were a four piece band from Switzerland who released two studio albums seven years apart. "Loneliness" is the debut from 2007 and it really comes across to my ears as being a mix of Neo Prog and Symphonic. It's the emotional swiss accented english vocals, along with the synths that bring Neo to mind. There are so many great ideas on this record. I like the sound as well, both emotional and melancholic with lots of mellotron. The album basically looks at a day in the life, and features that epic 18 minute track called "The Story Of Nobody".

The melancholy starts with the opener "Dawn" with those synths swirling right out of the gate joined by a bass line then vocals. Drums after a minute but it's just before 2 minutes that we get a full sound including organ. It settles then builds. "Rain On The Moon" is where the guitar gets some attention, but first atmosphere which is replaced by synths and bass. Again followed by vocals and organ like the opener. Catchy as well. I like this a lot. Back to that earlier relaxed and melancholic sound as contrasts continue. The piano is a nice touch after 3 1/2 minutes and the sound is so uplifting 6 minutes in. The vocals after 7 minutes could not be more passionate.

The Brook" opens with mechanical sounds then piano takes over, then a calm with percussion and atmosphere. Processed vocals almost speaking are next then it turns powerful and all instrumental. A calm around 7 minutes then later the synths buzz with bass and beats in tow before it turns powerful and experimental after 8 1/2 minutes. It's powerful again before 10 minutes then settles late. "Loneliness" opens with vocals only before the music swells so beautifully. Oh my, thankyou. Such emotion and soaring guitar late. Skip to the closer "Dusk" which is mostly vocals, piano and mellotron. Nice.

Saving "The Story Of Nobody" for last, as this almost 18 minute track shows a band with some great ideas. Inventive is the word at times. Slow to start with cymbal clashes and sparse piano. Some random drums too but it won't be until before 2 minutes that the drums get active as the atmosphere and piano continue. Bass and drums then lead. So good. Then we get vocals. I like that prolonged section with the guitar leading then mellotron before 9 minutes with reserved vocals. The guitar is crying out after 11 1/2 minutes, and the vocals and sound are amped up here. After 14 1/2 minutes we get mellotron and bass as a voice cries out repeatedly "Mr. Nobody?", then it kicks in a minute later.

Six tracks worth 50 minutes, and this is a very solid 4 star record in my world.

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