This week a special treat for my loyal followers; I have been asked to review the latest release from The Aaron Clift Experiment. Their new CD, "Outer Light, Inner Darkness" hits the streets Friday September 18th--a mere three days from today. It was just about a year ago--to the very day--I posted an interview with Aaron Clift where he discussed a kickstarter campaign to raise money for the band's second album...suddenly the dream has become reality!
For those eager to immerse themselves right away, I have included a clip below that teases each song on the album; kinda like your favorite restaurant handing out free mini-samples of their dinner fare...luring you in with the promise of more...
When I started this blog I wanted to discover new prog sounds and help thrust them on the masses...so let us not waste time but rather run to the prog buffet and check out all that Aaron Clift has to offer...
A self-proclaimed proghead myself, it only seems fitting and logical to start at the beginning. Dropping the laser on cut number one, a multi-layered piece called "Kissed by the Sun" starts the revelry--and disappointed I am not. The drum/guitar/violin explosion is immediate as the headphones seem incapable of handling all that is being thrust upon my auditory canals. The canvas is splashed with bright colors on this tune, seeming to burst from every angle. OK...the outer light is undeniably exposed...
My next selection is a more tranquil song called "Bathed in Moonlight." Gray hues hit the canvas this time as soft vocals are caressed by delicate keyboards and a drumbeat sitting sentry at the gate. Guitars come in and move the tempo around yet keep true to the temperament of the song. The Aaron Clift Experiment rides a mood and goes deep into emotional territory with this cut...and the inner darkness says hello...
Quick Liner Notes...The Aaron Clift Experiment hails from Austin,Texas and currently consists of lead vocalist, keyboard, organ, grand piano player and band founder Aaron Clift, Eric Gutierrez on guitar, Devin North on bass and double bass, and Joe Resnick sitting behind the drum kit. The album also includes Oscar Dodier, Corina Santos, and Beahnam Arzaghi on violin, Michael Zahlit on viola, and Diana Burgess on cello. OK...back to the music...
Selection number three has a bit of a Marillion vibe; "Fragments of Sleep." The opening guitar riff has top notes that hint of vintage Thin Lizzy while the keyboards and drums provide just the right highlights. Aaron's vocals once again propel through the speakers in blasts much akin to that feeling of being tossed by rough waves in the ocean and you don't know which way is up. This tune stretches the boundaries of the album; there is a distinct theme building on its own momentum--but "Fragments of Sleep" alters the trajectory. Ah, the beauty of prog!
One more slice from the buffet this week; an upbeat full-color piece called "Aoide, Goddess of Song." Another cut from the outer light side of the garden, this tune fills the air with aromas of Transatlantic infused with a toned down Pandora. The experiment part of The Aaron Clift Experiment seems to be a rousing success thus far...
The clip below is the earlier reviewed "Kissed by the Sun." Smart shoppers always test the merchandise before buying so go ahead; pop the hood and kick the tires...The Aaron Clift Experiment can handle the scrutiny. Just be sure to take that next step and purchase the entire thing; one song does not a prog feast make. Learn more and make that purchase at http://aaronclift.com/. You can also follow the band on Twitter @AaronCliftMusic and check out the latest info on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AaronCliftMusic?fref=ts. Rest assured; once you whet your appetite you will need the entire meal...
The Aaron Clift Experiment comes at you from the dark and the light...upbeat and a bit downtrodden. What leaps at me is the emotion these folks pour into their music. On Outer Light, Inner Darkness, The Aaron Clift Experiment leaves nerves exposed and emotions laid out on their collective sleeves. The prog garden yields a variety of fruit; there is an abundance of different "sub-genres" if you will. The Aaron Clift Experiment isn't satisfied staying in one roped off section--they prefer to leap through the garden and taste it all...isn't that what experimenting is all about?
My final clip from the new album is called "Locked." The band wandered down a new path yet again with this one; I get a smooth jazz fusion feel a la Steely Dan. Everything flows creamy smooth like a silk scarf carried by a soft breeze. The tempo does pick up as the guitar takes center stage, but the hard edges are rounded off by the drums and vocals.
Well fellow progheads, I hope you enjoyed this installment from the Concert Closet. I enjoy album reviews because they allow me to go deeper into the music and wander further behind the curtain. I get to do nothing but spend time listening to the heart and soul of a band. The Aaron Clift Experiment laid it all out and asked me to take a look-see and have a listen...now it's your turn.
Progressive rock continues to flourish and as long as bands like The Aaron Clift Experiment spring forth from the prog garden, my "work" will never end...until next week...
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