SOUL ENVY

Canadian multi-instrumentalist and composer Id Guinness released his debut album back in 2007, a production that earned him quite a lot of praise with it's sophisticated take on mainstream rock music. In the spring of 2010 he returned with his second effort exploring music residing in the borderlands between mainstream and art rock in the shape of "Soul Envy".

The compositions presented are all of the relatively brief variety, with just one song clocking in at just over 5 minutes in length. The compositional structure is rather straight forward, few shifts in pace and with a limited number of themes and motifs explored. And while the obvious similarities aren't too many, I'd describe the general approach as one containing similarities with artists such as The Beatles, REM and - to some extent - Chris Rea.

The arrangements is the factor that adds levels of sophistication to his endeavours. Floating synths, strings, organ and the occasional mellotron-sounding layer are added to the proceedings. On some occasions as subtle downmixed textures adding minor details to the sonic tapestry, on other occasions in the shape of rich multilayered and at times dominating embellishments to the main musical motif or theme. Late 70's Pink Floyd can probably be called upon as a point of reference for this aspect of the compositions, containing both symphonic and space-tinged elements presented in a warm and sophisticated manner.

All in all it's an interesting album too, where my personal taste goes towards the track Back of My Hand as the standout track amidst many solid efforts. Highly recommended to those who'd like to enjoy a slice of sophisticated mainstream rock with distinct progressive credentials.