FANFARE & FANTASY

COMEDY OF ERRORS made quite an impact with their bold 2011 album 'Disobey'. And I had reason to wonder how this Scottish quintet would cope with the follow-up. But great moments in life are worth waiting for... What's to be found on 'Fanfare And Fantasy' are nine superb compositions which take the magnificent neo-progressive blue print with fluid keyboard figures, incredible guitar playing, polished rhythm textures and remarkable vocals. Each track can impress with creative flourish and is lengthy in its own rite, making a fabulous release that's over 66 minutes long. Wonderful melodies and intricate passages swim in this ocean of invention. There are grace and passion, power and wide range of dynamics. All members prove their talents. Undoubtedly, Jim Johnston, Mark Spalding and Bruce Levick are superb masters of instrumental flight within a song context. Joe Cairney makes up his splendid performance to help drive the music forward. It's also pleasant to hear that John Fitzgerald (a new COE bassist) has added extra flavour with some backing vocals. In sum, 'Fanfare And Fantasy' is a collection of satisfyingly impressive and compelling tracks. Just spin the album once. And by the second go around you will catch yourself thinking that you're listening to a future prog classic. It gets my highest recommendation of an essential release for 2013.