RETURN TO THE 'E'

Who makes the warlock here? Hailing from Minneapolis K'MONO is a totally new prog entity, a trio comprised of Jeffrey Carlson (guitars, keys), Chad Fjerstad (bass, keys), plus drummer Timothy Java. The project would not exist like that without the COVID-19 pandemic, they are claiming. Hell, this again proves that Good and Bad are inseperable twins, or what? And some other things are unusual ... or are they not? For example the album is also available in vintage Cassette format. But then again this perfectly complements the retrospective 1970s references within the music. And the Roger Dean adapted cover picture makes a modest contribution too. Anyhow, this album has landed on the prog stage with sovereign self-evidence, just under 40 minutes playing time, divided in five parts, perfectly adjusted for a possible vinyl release.

As a matter of course, also prog typical, especially Hammond and Mellotron, there is some prominent keyboard work in place. The extended closing epic - (no, I do not repeat the strange song title here!) - evokes some Supertramp feel due to guest saxophone player Alexander Kish. Strictly speaking there's no need to emphasize any song on this occasion, the album is a rounded contribution to the prog realm. Neo prog enriched with psychedelic imprints - they are showing a rather unique musical approach in its entirety. However, for those who want to have handed out some references anyhow, if you like currently active bands akin to Windom End or Lighthouse Sparrows you're definitely on the right track here. Another great discovery.

K'Mono hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota and is made up of a trio of Jeffrey Carlson (guitars, vocals, synths, organs), Chad Fjerstad (bass, vocals, synths, organs), and Timothy Java (drums). The band claims their major influence is 1970s progressive rock and this is not only represented in their musical/lyrical style, but the album cover art looks like something that could have existed back in the early 1970s; not to mention that their debut has also been released on a limited edition cassette harkening back to that old school format (of course, vinyl would have been more appropriate barring the expenses needed to release in this format).

On the band's Bandcamp page, they have tagged their music with classic bands Camel, Goblin, King Crimson, and Yes. To be fair, they've accurately assigned these tags as I hear a little bit of all these bands. Of these, Yes seems like the biggest influence. Though far from being a clone, they exhibit many of the qualities of Yes including good vocal harmonies, a driving bass, a mix of organ and old-style synths with a dash of Mellotron, and the occasional Howe-like lick or riff. Though the tendency here is towards retro-prog, the production makes it sound fresh and modern.

Lyrically, the band seem to have been influenced by both early Yes and Genesis. It would take the effort of a learned professor of English to pull these things apart to understand what is going on here. For instance, the longest track is given the title "The Judicious Shall Be Particoated & The Unpregnant O'er Wrought" which sounds like a witty outtake from Foxtrot. Being a fan of bizarre lyrics, I was delighted with this treatment.

Overall, an enjoyable listen with nary a weak a track.

9/10 stars: All for the King; Feel You Pulsing; The Judicious Shall Be Particoated...; 8.5/10 stars: Which Warlock?; 8/10 stars: Highlighter

Overall rating: 8.85/10 (4.42 PA)