Tirian Flame considers themselves "...melodic progressive rock..." Hmmm; could be a "not-so-obvious" way of saying this is just a band with shiny, fancy artwork on the CD cover, or a non-assuming way to say they got talent and just need a listen to drive the point home...either way, the Concert Closet has docked in the northwestern section of the UK for seven days of searching out and listening to Tirian Flame...
Checking out the buffet as spread before me, the opening track seems the obvious kick-off point; "Destiny." Exceptionally crisp sound; the keyboards and drums flow almost seamlessly, each intertwined with the other in a melodic romp through an open field. Definite top notes of Mister Mister and Marillion on this particular cut. The guitar makes a strong appearance but seems content with a backseat for this piece...no need to shout over the top when the message is getting through.
The second track cued up for headphone ingestion is another high paced song, "Adventures of a Lightning Chaser." Keyboards are once again on the front burner, setting the tone for an adventurous ride through the latter-day Genesis/Roxy Music section of the prog garden. The vocals ride high across the top while guitars and drums are content to "hunker down" and keep the foundation firm and secure. Tirian Flame emits top notes of Be Bop Deluxe and perhaps a hint of Yes when they were in their "new line-up every album" run. Colors are bright on the canvas but not so much as to make you cover your eyes and turn down the volume...the hues bleed through each other in a way that creates a sound as smooth as honey dripping down the side of a hot biscuit...
Liner Notes...Tirian Flame hails from Manchester, UK and is currently comprised of two members; Gary Gordon on guitars, bass, drums, and vocals, and Neil Gordon playing those high flying keyboards. Tirian Flame originated in 1992 and disbanded in 1994...nothing really new about that; the plight of many a prog band has played out in similar fashion.
What seems to set Tirian Flame apart from those other bands is their refusal to surrender so easily. Breaking up may have been the swansong of other prog bands--but not Tirian Flame. The brothers(?) Gordon reunited with the other original band members, Darren Ogden and Niall Fryer, to record the LP "Destiny" in 2008. This was re-mixed/re-mastered and ultimately re-released September 2013...hence the Concert Closet picking up the scent now and bringing it to you my fellow progheads.
The third and final platter of prog this week is a dish called "Yes It's True." Tirian Flame does in fact stay true to their desire to build big sound that flows smooth and easy while splashing vivid color across an otherwise mundane prog terrain. Leaning a bit heavier on the drum kit for this piece, I pick up strong top notes of Kansas and undertones of 10cc...even a hint of Asia floating through the headphones. If Tirian Flame has a fault, it would be that they are almost too smooth...too polished. While that isn't a negative per se, it tends to baffle me a bit as to why a band this crisp only has one LP on its resume in two decades plus. Stay the course yes, but at least leave a mark...
The cut below is a live version of "Romantic Escape." Live cuts are always a risk because of the
hit-or-miss quality of the videographer, the acoustics, the sound equipment, blah blah blah...and while this is not exactly the best live clip I have seen--it is definitely not the worst. You do get a sense of what Tirian Flame is about, and Gary's vocals are pretty clean for a small venue...of course this clip is from 1993, so the cleaner, smoother, closer-to-present-day studio work on the LP makes sense. All the more reason to go to the Tirian Flame website Tirian Flame Band and check out the entire album and--dare I say it--make a purchase! You can also see what is happening in the world of Tirian Flame on Facebook Tirian Flame Facebook. On Twitter you will get a sense of their musical likes and tastes, something I personally like to analyze...see for yourself at @GaryRetepGordon.
Well fellow progheads, another chapter in the book of prog written, another plot in the garden of prog tilled. While Tirian Flame has a bit of a "waxy shine," the band manages to hit you with clean shots at just the right moment...keeping you alert and waiting for the next round. Tirian Flame runs smooth, but rest assured there are lumps in the mix...like so many bands before and untold numbers to inevitably follow, Tirian Flame has spent much time tending the seedlings and nurturing the sound from the shadows, while we listeners enjoy the fruit of those labors basking in the sun.
Time now to head home and clean out the deep, dark corners of the Concert Closet. The search for all things prog has logged quite a few miles as we near the half-way marker for 2016...a good spot for reflection and a chance to catch up with some friends who have much going on in the prog garden. The search for all things prog will resume after a fortnight hiatus; that is two weeks to those of you unfamiliar with Old English. I have a few surprises and some exciting new releases and interviews to finish up...the world of prog continues to move at a rapid pace; I'm just trying to keep up.
Looking forward to continuing the search and sharing some more great prog with you June 6th...until then...
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