THE OCTOPUS

After hearing some really great things about this band and their new album The Octopus. I finally chanced upon this album at my local record store. Let me begin by saying it blew my mind on the first listen and still does after so many subsequent listenings. I will not go through a track by track especially on a double concept album. All to be said, is that every track flows expertly and they seem to have their own style , but of course with influences like, Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, maybe a little Crimson and general psychadelic pop as well, but it is far from pop. It's rather hard to find the time to listen to the whole album completely, but even in blocks it radiates something special. Sel Balamir is a master crafter of guitar and soundscapes, Matt Brobin is an extremely gifted and tight drummer and Neil Mahoney contributes ear candy Bass noodlings that complement the others perfectly. I wish I had the 70 page story line and lyric book, but it didn't come with my copy. I make up my own fantastical stories as I listen anyway. I think this album(s) is truly a masterpiece and deserves every star available.