SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC - PART TWO

Unlike the Part One album which I have reviewed previously, this one is harder for me to digest. That's why it has taken three weeks since I received the CD to review it after more than 8 spins, I think. It sounds awkward at first as I can not hear the melody clearly from the first spin of the CD. As I spin some more finally I find the key to listening to this CD is to focus more onto the musical composition by forgetting the melody line. Well, there must be melody but it did not flow quite naturally or was catchy enough to my ears. That's something as mystery in prog music as I experienced the first time with Yes "Tales From Topographic Ocean" or "Gates of Delirium" which did not sound familiar to my ears.

Innovative and brilliant!

The opening track "As The Sun Sets" (1:13) is an acrobatic keyboard solo which is nice to my ears. When it moves to "Into The Night" (8:52) the vocal line does not seem to produce something catchy to typical ears. But hey, forget the vocal line and focus to the music. I can find the beauty of the composition. The music flows neatly with each instrument plays complex notes producing unique listening experience especially when I play it loud with descent sound system. I like the organ maneuvers in some passages that really enrich the textures of the music. It's brilliant man!

It moves seamlessly into a bit friendly passages in the next track "The Hunter" (5:57) where bass guitar plays tight lines and so powerful accompanying the guitar work. The sounds of Gentle Giant is now becoming prevalent and it mixes beautifully with Zappa like music. The break using vintage organ sound reminds me to the old days of prog. It's so stunning! The vocal quality is also great. I tell you the truth .. it's great enjoying this passage! Observe the tight bass lines and singing style.it's so powerful and so inspiring!

In "South Of The Border" (7:43) the band tries to bring a catchy musical riff through combined guitar work and followed by powerful low register notes vocal. There are many surprises throughout this track and I really enjoy it. "Cashflow" (6:08) is probably the funniest parts of the music as the sound of keyboard is a bit awkward but funny and .. entertaining! I really admire the band especially with this passage of musical magic! " The Downward Spiral/Chimay" (7.10) follows with another style of music focusing more on the style of Gentle Giant with tight arrangement combining dynamic singing and tight bass lines, dynamic drumming.

The peak is of course the epic "Sleeping In Traffic" (35.44) which has varieties of styles and tempo. There are so many breaks during the passage of the music with some textures of Gentle Giant. If you listen to this track carefully, you might find some riffs that remind you to Gentle Giant's "I Lost My Head" even though it's not the same. Try it! (Of course if you are familiar with Genntle Giant albums). The album concludes with "Sunrise Again" (1.37).

Overall, I can use countless words to describe how powerful this album is but I am sure you will get bored with it. And I do believe if you like eclectic prog like Gentle Giant or Zappa, you can definitely enjoy this album. Not only that, you will LOVE this album. I am very sure that this album deserves a full five star rating. The rationale is: it has neat and tight composition in every single segment of the music when if everything is combined together into song and later into album they all form a one cohesive whole that is hard to beat by others. In addition, they are all brilliant musicians, I truly believe. Production quality is top notch! Highly recommended. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW (i-Rock! Music Community)