DEEP THOUGHT
"Somewhere
in the Dark" (Galileo Records/SUISA; 2002)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Even after one cursory listen to "Somewhere In The Dark" it was easy to say that Switzerland-based Deep Thought is best described as a progressive rock band in the mold of Spock's Beard or The Flower Kings. Over the years I haven't minded listening to this particular brand of mellow prog-rock, but lately this style has done little or nothing for me. However, like most albums even one simple pass through an album isn't quite enough to do it justice.
"Somewhere In The Dark" contains nine tracks at nearly 73 minutes. The nine tracks are comprised of four new songs and five re-vamped versions of older songs. Since this is my first introduction to the band none of the songs seemed remarkable or distinct enough to suggest that they were written at different times in the band’s history. Four songs clock in at lengths greater than ten minutes which definitely gives most prog-rock bands a run for their money on stylistic and compositional grounds. A number of other tracks clock in at more radio friendly lengths, but you’d be hard pressed to find any radio station playing this particular style of progressive rock.
The music is stellar, if subdued, and just a tad weighed down by overly technical prog-rock tendencies. The band varies the music from simple to complex in interesting ways. Deep Thought's ability to weave symphonic and art-rock elements into the progressive rock style is impressive. Deep Thought is comprised of four talented musicians and a vocalist who, while not spectacular, does a fitting job.
I found "Somewhere In The Dark" to be thoroughly enjoyable regardless of my preference for more energetic forms of metal. As such, "Somewhere In The Dark" is not something that will garner repeat listens on a regular basis, but I will pull it out when I am in the mood to listen to Camel, Kaipa, The Flower Kings, Rush, and Spock's Beard.
"Somewhere In The Dark" was produced by Deep Thought and mixed by Kinimod Namdur. The production varies from average to above average -- what’s interesting is that when the music calls for greater attention to detail in the production, it's usually there.
Deep Thought: Pat Merz on vocals, Marcel Oehler on guitars, Dominik Rudmann on bass, Dominik Pfleghaar on keyboards, and Martin Altenbach on drums.
For more information visit http://www.deepthought.ch.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Revised: 23 Nov 2020 20:51:45 -0500.
