VOYAGE HOME

Although residing in different parts of the States twin brothers Richard and David Horn are teaming up here under the moniker INFINITOME for a very nice symphonic tinged and mostly instrumental prog excursion. It won't be their last effort, that is assured already. 'Voyage Home' is designed as a progressive rock opera telling a Sci-Fi story. Quasi initiating with a space travel back to Earth, the home planet of mankind, where things have run out of control sometime in the past. For what reason ever you may not intend to study the rather comprehensive plot manifested in the CD booklet. Accordingly it is helpful to have at least one track (ideally the first) which features lyrics, and therefore gives a proper clue what the album is dealing with in its entirety. A contemporary reference is given in some way. 'Scorched Land And Dried Up Sea' are mentioned - all of this is threatening in reality sooner or later, if we don't take action, in time. This alone requires repeating, again and again. Well, the delivered music anyway.

Usually there is a special chemistry available among twins, and that's the case too regarding this album. Aside of the challenging story Richard and David are taking care of the main tools, as there are guitars, bass, and the diverse keyboard instruments plus samples. We can also hear United Kingdom based Scott Higham, providing a great job on the drums. He's known for collaborating with a bunch of music projects, some of them connected with the neo progressive scene, to name the band Pendragon for example. Altogether they are delivering more than 70 minutes of really appealing music. As reported beforehand, the initial track Far Beyond Our Star bears lyrics, that would mean vocals too, yep, contributed by Rinaldo Martinez. One can hear a jazzy piano from time to time, likely referring to the Jazz Club where the entire story is getting started. Okay, the protagonist decides to enter his spaceship in order to return back to Earth. Just like an archeologist who's aiming to uncover diverse secrets.

Due to a telescope shown the front picture definitely fits by the way. After the unmistakable and dramatic Arrival, some applause included, things are evolving in a totally unexpected manner though ... musically I find this an exceptional entertaining effort, I'm still detecting new facets, nuances, everytime I listen. Music-wise they are remarking some definite influences. The sensitive guitar playing comes Steve Hackett inspired occasionally. But overall this is something independent for sure, including manifold variations and tempo changes. Melancholic and powerful moments are constantly alternating, like it is with piano, organ and symphonic orchestral keyboard strings, as well as acoustic and electric guitar. Offering some saxophone on top the extended title suite Voyage Home sums it all up, comes as the ultimate highlight. Recommended, don't miss that! All in all regarding the conceptional, visual, compositional and sonic aspect 'Voyage Home' is a very rounded production, and a definite must have for symphonic prog fans moreover.