|
|
|
|
|
|
DELUGE GRANDER
"August
in the Urals" (Emkog Records; 2006)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Deluge Grander formed after the breakup of Cerebus Effect when Dave
Britton needed a new outlet for his music (see our reviews of Cerebus
Effect here.
“August in the Urals” is dominated by instrumental sections which allows Deluge Grander to patiently and deftly explore a vast
romantic musical landscape. As previously implied, the vocals are sparse; however, maximum
impact is made by appropriate timing and storytelling aspects, although brief, never gets in the way of the music.
Of course this leaves most of the sonic tapestry in the hands of the
musicians – and we should be thankful. “August in the Urals” features a sound that incorporates classical and jazz to the
70s symphonic progressive rock blueprint – this is sort of what early Yes might sound
like if they recorded in the style of Mahavishnu Orchestra. Deluge Grander balance quiet passages with typical
prog-rock “fanciness” for lack of a better descriptive term. It is easy to see how many metalheads would
see “August in the Urals” as a bit self-indulgent, but I see the disc as paying respects to the prog-rock genre while still managing to find new
sonic environments to discover.
The five tracks on “August in the Urals” are a virtual cinematic explosion in epic songwriting. The first track, the twenty-seven
minute “Inaugural Bash” alone is enough to keep me studying for months on end. The
remaining four tracks range in length from seven minutes to nearly 16 minutes – each song is rich and complex and an endless source of
progressive styles.
While I may be the most qualified person at Rough Edge to review progressive rock music, I have serious doubts I have enough
qualifications and experience to properly review “August in the Urals” given its
stylistic uniqueness compared to the vast majority of what we review. Regardless, Deluge Grander provides ample sonic challenges to even the
most dedicated prog-rock fan.
“August in the Urals” was produced by Deluge Grander.
Deluge Grander is Dan Britton on keyboards and vocals, Dave Berggren on guitars, Patrick Gaffney on drums, and Bret d’Anon
on drums and oud.
Contributors include Adnarium Dadelos, Jeff Suzdal, Frank
d’Anon, Stephanie Barksdale, Kezia Terracciano, and Semion Shchedrin.
For more information visit http://www.delugegrander.com.
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.
| Our writers choose
which products we review on RoughEdge.com, and we may earn an affiliate commission when you buy something through our website. Thanks, by the way! |
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
