A HISTORY OF MADNESS

This one is a lot different then their last one "In Extremis". I really enjoyed "In Extremis", in fact it's one of my favourite Rio / Avant albums. "A History Of Madness" isn't as melodic, it's sombre, melancholic and more acoustic. This was a little difficult to digest actually but there are some passages I love. Even Deborah's vocals are more serious and monotone. Unfortunately Dave Kerman is reduced to a percussion role, but at least we have former SLEEPYTIME GORILLA MUSEUM drummer David Shamrock taking his place behind the kit.

"Blown Apart" really has it's focus on the vocals that are at times mechanical-like and at other times used to sing melodies. There is some good guitar, drums and percussion in this one that turns pastoral for the last 3 minutes. "Consolamentum" features vocals that are both soft and reserved, while heavy drums pound. The tempo picks up with some aggressive guitar towards the latter half of the song. ""Rapture Of The Deep(for Leslie)" has some beautiful acoustic guitar melodies with gentle vocals coming in. The vocal melodies are great and some heaviness is added 4 minutes in. Amazing tune. "Gudamy Le Mayagot" is a mixed bag with tempo changes, accordion and harmonium. "Marching As To War, No.1" along with the other four "Marching" songs that make up that suite, are made up of piano melodies and are around a minute in length. They make up songs 5, 7,10 and 12.

"Our Way Of Life And War On Terra" is divided into two parts, the first "Our Way Of Life" being dominated by vocal melodies and angular guitar. While the second half "War On Terra" is really a soundscape of eerie sounds. "Least Aether For Saxaphone & Le Gouffre" opens with these sombre sax melodies that are slowly played. There is an applause as it ends after 3 1/2 minutes. Next is the sound of running water and then we get a haunting soundscape of eerie sounds that reminded me of "Saucerful Of Secrets" . "The Underground Stream" is a top three for me on this disc. Gentle guitar, vocals, horns and accordion all create such a fine sound. It seems like there is so much going on. Piano comes in after 3 minutes sounding like a stream. A full sound arrives 5 minutes in as drums and vocals lead the way. "Lux Lucet" is the other top three track for me. It changes and evolves throughout with different moods and tempo changes. A good beat at times with some angular guitar. Just a feast really.

This really is a trip. Where do these guys come up with the ideas ? Amazing album