DRUCKFARBEN

Druckfarben's debut offers a variety of sounds and complex musical passages, most of which are hurried and fine for it. With high and clear vocals and obvious nods to Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, this album should have a wide appeal among progressive rock fans. A number of influences shine through, and this makes Duckfarben's eponymous debut something of a musical jigsaw, one that's pieces don't all fit. It will be refreshing to hear what happens next should this extremely capable Canadian quintet settle into their own coherent sound.

"ELPO" As its name might suggest, this is an ELP-inspired romp with grandiose percussive flourishes and organ gymnastics. Unless I'm mistaken, that additional vowel in the title may indicate the rapid electric guitar riffs.

"Influenza" Coalescing Steve Howe's countrified rock (guitar tone included) with a heavy funk rock, the first song of the album introduces the singer's rich and strong tenor, as well as some dazzling keyboard excursions and some dynamic bass work.

"Smaller Wooden Frog" The long instrumental introduction is quite similar to latter output from The Flower Kings, with dizzying rhythmic changes and a grandiose, colorful variety of sounds.

"Dead Play Awake" This song has some similarities to Blue Oyster Cult, although the vocals remind me of John Wetton in the late 1970s. Delicate piano embellishments decorate the middle section.

"Walk Away" A more straightforward arena rocker, I might compare this to Trevor Rabin-led Yes or "All on a Sunday" by Spock's Beard.

"Seems So Real" This piece initially evokes Gentle Giant, using a variety of keyboards and the bass in a quirky manner before becoming another uncomplicated rock song.

"Nat Nayah" Sprightly clean guitar, piano, and strings dance around in the beginning. This song sounds like it came right from Yes's 1991 album Talk.

"Sons Of Anakim" Easily the worst thing to be heard here, this punchy affair has a vocal melody that grates against the raucous backing riff. Even with some interesting instrumental bits, it's flashy clutter.

"Nonchalant" An excellent, predominantly acoustic closer features mandolin, violin, and a memorable refrain.