Rushfan4's New CD Discussion Thread 3 - Eureka

Having just listened to some of this via Last FM, I'm very tempted to get this for keeps. I'm very impressed.

Finally got around to listen to it. Decent, but not captivating enough. It has already been mentioned, and it was on my mind immediately, how the narrative intro sort of puts this next to Wakeman (it doesn't have to be Journey, a few others featured this), while the first part is Oldfield-ish (from around Five Miles Out - or rather Islands?). Ain't picking or missed entirely the drama build-up, for such a concept, which makes me think the overall instrumental developement could have been much more attractive.

Otherwise, it's a decent one for the (genre) fans. 2.5, megives.


Edited by Ricochet - October 09 2009 at 07:57

I'm giving this album another spin after about a 10 day layoff.  I haven't gotten to know this album as well as I would like to yet.  I haven't given it as many listens as I did with the previous two discussion albums.  Track 4 - Grytviken Whaling Station is kind of giving me a Pink Floyd Momentary Lapse of Reason vibe.  

Nyaha. Located. Thought the thread had vanished.

So, first impressions with the power of Spotify (one listen, fairly concentrated):

General quality estimate: 3
+ side: capably played, capable of some very powerful atmosphere on occasion, strong bass playing... a firm general sound, the ability to alternate solid instrumental rock with more keyboard-based material.

- side: not convinced the story truly flows, the vocal tracks seemed basically throwaways (except Will You Return, which had a gorgeous piano part) and very lightweight pop indeed... plus the lyrics were pretty dire... one nitpick, I felt the musical ending was a bit too non-commital... there was nothing to suggest that the end was different to the preceding few minutes.

Mneh side: not sure whether I liked the folk instrument inclusions (seemed a bit cheap-Celtic), a few elements of Rush visible under the surface... haven't decided whether that's alright... I guess the narration proved to the album's advantage overall, but I still didn't find it very satisfying.

All in all, mixed bag on the good side... a 3 from the first listen, something I imagine I'll be listening to again.

rushfan4 wrote: I've yet to hear anything else from Eureka, so I'd be curious to hear the rest of the discography as well.  This was definitely an enjoyable album. I always enjoy albums like these that include a good concept story in which the music plays a major part.

There are several tracks available on lastfm from all Eureka's other albums. On initial listen I would say that The Compass Rose is worthy of further exploration and I shall be ordering a copy shortly.

I'd be curious to hear people's thoughts on how well the music contributes or tells the story.  The music is beautiful and the narrative and singing certainly help in the telling of the story, but the majority of the songs are just instrumentals.  Does the music feel to you as though it fits the story as a whole and each song's title individually?  Not being a musician, I am curious if this is the case.  I've heard it said that classical music tells the various stories that are tied to them, but my non-musical ears doesn't really hear it.  Any thoughts?

I find some concept albums hard to follow.....negating the concept.....this album however flows and I think is immensely helped by the spoken word narrative which seems to have just the right amount of prescence.......one of my favorite albums of the year.

A wonderful album, very balanced and well put together, makes me want to work backwards in Eureka`s discography, no noodling on this album.........impressive!

I know it is different but Battiato did a song about Shackleton it is the last track on Gommalaca. How could I forget 

I'm with you Rushfan4. I stumbled across this album by accident and until I read your comments I hadn't made the connection with Wakeman's Journey to the Centre of the Earth. There are also hints of Vangelis that helps create a certain mood as in the Elephant Island track.

As an aside it seems that I am won over by any album that has Troy Donockley involved (note to self to check out Iona as I have already appreciated him on Nightwish,Mostly Autumn & Magenta) and this is no exception.

We need more music from Eureka and I will be at the front of the queue for the next release.