A COMPLEX NATURE

YANG is the brainchild of Frederic L'Epee the former guitarist for PHILHARMONIE and SHYLOCK. It's recordings like this that make me so glad i'm into progressive music. This band combines dual lead guitarists who can be intricate or angular, while the bass is very prominant along with the drums, offering a lot of bottom end or at times jazzy melodies. Lots of variety on this one. In the liner notes they mention that it took three days to record this album as it was important for them to try to preserve the intensity of a spontaneous performance. And yes, "A Complex Nature" is an appropriate title.

"The Two Worlds" is probably my favourite track because of how dark and heavy it is. There is this heavy undercurrent early and the guitar leads are outstanding ! Lots of chunky bass as the guitar starts to solo a minute in. It does calm right down to a very cool soundscape with intricate guitar. A minute later the heaviness returns with angular guitar this time. I can't get over how heavy the bass is. This is pure bliss for me. Haha. It settles down again as the contrast continues. "Subterranean" is complex and intricate,think "Discipline" by KING CRIMSON. I love the angular guitar 1 1/2 minutes in. A nice heavy sound before 3 minutes. "Innocent Seducer" is a mid-paced, guitar led tune with fat bass lines. It's quite catchy at times. Check out the guitar melodies 4 1/2 minutes in.

"Compassion" opens with gently played guitar, before the other guitar comes in beautifully with drums. As the title suggests this song is warm and giving. Nice bass 2 1/2 minutes in. I really like the guitar 3 1/2 minutes in as it gets a little more passionate. "Manchild" features different shades of sound for the first 2 1/2 minutes, then intricate guitar melodies dominate until it ends like it began. "Impatience" is kind of a groovy track baby. Relaxed and fun until the final 30 seconds when we get another "Discipline"-like moment. "The Red Mask" is a melodic and catchy guitar led tune. I like the sound 2 1/2 minutes in when it calms down. Back to original melody a minute later but with heavier bass. "Pride" opens with drums and a heavier sound. The guitar starts to take the lead 2 1/2 minutes in with lots of bottom end to support it. Check out the bass 4 1/2 minutes in.

This is an excellent instrumental album that is worthy of 4 stars.