DE-LOUSED IN THE COMATORIUM

First of all, although it is 'divided' into ten tracks, it joins onto each other seamlessly. Closing your eyes it honestly appears to be a 'single act' play with its parts seperating itself by circumstance rather than the end of songs. Because of this, I personally feel that the songs have been disected individually quite enough by other reviewers. This is an Album (and a conceptual one too) and I feel should be described as a whole.

Unfortunately, i only 'considered' it to be a concept due to its musicallity, the lyrics are just a little bit vague to me... Not that it is entirely a bad thing. Sonically, Cedrics vocal tones (mostly) fits in with the manicness of what is surrounding him. Not knowing the lyrics really dosent detract from the listening, except if you really had to remind yourself of the 'legend' of the album with each listen (no, im not going to repeat it.).

This is a very percussive driven album, where bass and drums shine. Not with the 'driving force' that pushes it along, but more of the 'pinball machine' approach where the band appear to experiment with polyrhythms, almost randomly, and using them to represent the mood. The melodic instruments follow obeisantly, and just as manically. The sounds of the album also make a good touch, there seems to be an intuitive approach on where a sound needs to fill out an emotive 'pause'. Congrats guys, not many bands achieve that as well as you did here.

Unfortunately (and i am nit-picking here) there are times where Cedrics voice does go a little bit too harsh, and the higher notes do seem to stab thru the eardrums like the preverbial compass (for gods sake, tone it down... please). However, this being said, I would have to say that this is the only real fault of the album.

A word of warning: Give yourself time to get used to this music. Several listens will only begin to give you a bit of an idea of what this album is about. Also, do not use this to calm any one in a state of panic or anxiety...or (really) to use this as background music... this is NOT an all-purpose listening album, and it WILL grab your attention. However, with all the layers of musicallity that this album offers, this offers excellent education into the wonderful world of (dare i say) 'modern prog', taking what you desire, whilst also savouring the whole experience.

Well done, guys.

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