TIMESLIP

A HELMET OF GNATS are an American all instrumental band who offer up some great Fusion here on their second studio album. I have really enjoyed this album a lot, and while these guys know their instruments very well they also know how to compose a song.These tracks were recorded live in studio on analog equipment. The sound quality here is pristine to say the least. Just a quality release all around.

"Almost Babylon" has a good beat with organ as the guitar comes in. The guitar will come and go until the organ takes the spotlight after 2 minutes. Nice bass 3 1/2 minutes in then some relaxed guitar arrives a minute later. The guitar melodies from earlier are back around 7 minutes. "Chinese Leftovers" has a good solid sound to open as organ, bass, drums and guitar almost pulse together. Then it settles in. I like the guitar and drums that follow as contrasts continue. A change before 3 1/2 minutes as it lightens but not for long. A heavier sound follows. Some soaring guitar before 5 1/2 minutes then the organ takes the lead. The guitar is back ripping it up.

"Yesterday's Brain" opens with keyboards. The guitar and drums become prominant. The sound changes 2 1/2 minutes in as the tempo picks up. The guitar is crying out 4 1/2 minutes in, and then it takes the lead. "Crumbs" features laid back guitar as the organ floats. When the organ stops the guitar becomes more aggressive with piano. "Lesser Beings" has no melody really as some children come in singing "Ring Around The Rosie". Dark sounds follow. Cool track. "Misfit Toys" is an uptempo track to start. It settles before a minute. Some nice bass lines follow. I like the guitar before 3 1/2 minutes. "Chimps In Space" is my favourite. I just love the sound here. Piano, drums and bass stand out early before it turns intense. The guitar, piano and drums all trade off, then the bass takes a turn before 3 minutes. Guitar comes in over top. Lots of piano after 6 minutes but it's the emotional guitar that follows that does it for me. Amazing tune !

I highly recommend this record for many reasons. A must for fans of Fusion styled music.