EPISTROPHOBIA

Not to be taken that literally, but writing a review about this album caused some headache, and needed time. Yes, this is an epic monster - meant in a positive sense strictly seen - though sometimes genius and insanity are not too far apart from each other. So it comes that every listening session took me and still takes me on a different ride, being fascinated in principle afterwards, though occasionally also torn. At first, and I would argue there won't come up any doubts in this case, I should honour Thomas' artistical finesse. Technically seen a top notch job. He appears to be a prolific multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and music producer in a body. Besides the instruments which are regularly given concerning a rock music production, I can hear some saxophone and viola too.

Everything is played, recorded, produced by himself to assume, which generally offers the possibility for a bunch of adjustments in the aftermath. Though probably not necessary if you are well prepared. 'Epistrophobia' again delivers an epic, cinematic event, subsequent to the 'Fragmentropy' suite from 2015. And a third partition is announced for the year 2017, what I know. Above all the guitars are well appointed, soaring psych here, heavy metallish there ... and everything else in between. There's dramaturgy pure to state over the course. Artist T makes his own thing on a high level, come what may. In addition to that, just while putting the cherry on the cake maybe, a warm welcome if you will like a blend of a Hogarth melancholy and even more of a Bowie inspiration, and this not exclusively when it comes to the vocals. What if Not for example shows some clear references to Major Tom amongst others.

'Epistrophobia' evolves like a rollercoaster of feelings, an astounding eclectic suite comprised of symphonic, neo and art rock ingredients. When coming back to the impression 'torn', this occasionally seems to me like appearing with a very intellectual approach, 'kopflastig' we say in German, not easy to digest, as if overachieving, like too much of a good thing. But then again sounding very coherent in its entirety ... well, if you like please ask me in a year or so, and I'm probably willing to queue this as a progressive rock masterpiece. We'll see. In the meanwhile I recommend to have a thorough listen from time to time. It's well worth, won't be a tiresome issue, I can confirm.

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