DAY AND NIGHT

This is the second 2013 release from Dynamo Bliss and certainly the more "progressive" of the pair. The first was Poplar Music, whose clever title gives a clue to the direction of the songs. I had previously reviewed that one and gave it low marks for production quality. They have since remixed and remastered it with significantly improved results. Still poppy, certainly, but the remix brings out the progressive underpinnings to much better effect.

Now, to Day and Night. This one has an Alan Parsons Project feel to me at times, incorporating memorable songs with carefully crafted melodies, interspersed with atmospheric and sometimes quite adventurous instrumental pieces. Where Poplar Music was dedicated to the vocal side of the band, Day and Night is largely instrumental, with only three songs actually having vocals. I always felt that these gentlemen were competent players, but this album demonstrates a much higher level of musicianship than I had previously realized. There are a couple of solo acoustic guitar pieces (Morning On Mars & Vespertine) that are just beautiful, the latter serving as an intro to the wonderful "Night Storm". This ten minute instrumental alternates between a two phrase repeating theme, and some excellent soloing, with piano and guitar taking turns.

I love all three of this band's full length albums. They have an attention to melody that is often absent from modern music. This is easily accessible, but with careful listening you uncover a level of detail that just doesn't exist in most popular music. I look forward to hearing where they go next!