This album is a concept of sorts, telling the story of the transitory nature of human existence and life in general. Opening with "Gravity Wells" I am immediately put at ease by the deceptive calm that is the ocean...soft percussion wrapped around velvety smooth guitar allows you to float away like so much driftwood rolling up on shore. There is a darkness hovering however; just enough to keep you focused, waiting for the waves to swell...and then the tide rolls out without so much as a whitecap. There are top notes of King Crimson, early Jethro Tull, and a touch of the dark side of Atomic Rooster floating through this piece...don't you just love being oceanside?
The next cut I dive into is called "The Beguiler." The vocals start soft and inviting--but listener beware. There is an almost subliminal warning siren riding the undercurrent...New Sun is tilling previously untouched soil in the prog garden as they bring a "classic prog meets her eclectic uncle" vibe to this song. Imagine a Peter Gabriel fronted Genesis collaborating with The Moody Blues and Be Bop Deluxe...now you're getting close...
Liner Notes...New Sun was formed in the Silicon Valley area of California in 1993. Founding members D.L. Erickson on guitar and Christopher Scott Cooper on vocals, guitar, and keyboards took the band through a few line-up changes, including the 1999 departure of Mr. Erickson. Fast forward two decades and you discover New Sun has built a very loyal following on the left coast--specifically the northern California/Oregon area of these United States; although their music has traveled the globe.
New Sun is rounded out with Alex Kley on bass and despite his passing in January of this year, Chris Trujillo is still credited as the band's drummer; a tribute I can only describe as classy. Chris did lay some tracks for the Transitory album and is greatly missed. The new album also includes guest musicians Gus Fjelstrom on bass, John Hasty on drums, Benito Cortez on violin, Rebecca Lomnicky on fiddle, and David Brewer on pipes and whistles.
New Sun doesn't re-invent themselves with this album; rather they expand their boundaries, stretch their abilities as artists and musicians, and move to a new level in the prog garden. This recording does all that--opening and exploring an entirely new spectrum, seen through an "alternative view" lens and listened to with ears ripe for exploration as the listener whisks off on a journey they would otherwise never be exposed to...all for the price of a CD...
My final selection for review from this marvelous release is the title cut "Transitory." Continuing on the dark path that permeates the album--but does not blot out the light--this cut alternates between quick hits and subtle jabs. The drums on this cut, laid down by Chris, are extremely tight and carry the rest of the band like a Range Rover through thick forest. Vocals cut through it all while the tempo takes you through a hectic pace allowing you the opportunity to catch your breath one moment so as to have it taken away the next.
Learn more about New Sun and purchase this incredible album at New Sun. This would be a great time to expand your prog library by perusing (and purchasing) the other great releases New Sun has out there as well. New Sun can also be found on Reverbnation at New Sun Reverbnation. Check the band's Facebook page for news about upcoming shows, new releases, tour dates, and other critical band information at New Sun FB. Don't forget to follow New Sun on Twitter so you will never miss a beat @NewSun_Band .
The cut below is another that will take you to the ocean and mesmerize you with tranquility, allowing you to find your inner Zen, "Down By Sea. " This beauty is a tribute to the Scottish sailors who went to sea in the 19th century and never made it home...of course the bagpipes at the end are such a pleasant surprise, much like finding the proverbial pearl in the oyster. Violins are hypnotic as they brace you for the "onslaught" of guitar and percussion that sneak in behind. New Sun reflects images of Gaillion and perhaps a touch of Dream Theater in their "Scenes From a Memory" days...just remember to stay with the bagpipes as they float you away...
Thanks for checking in this week fellow progheads; I hope the sounds of New Sun were as therapeutic for you as they were for me. This is an album that should catapult New Sun into the prog spotlight and get them some of that much needed exposure...we all know the prog garden flourishes best when shared and appreciated by the masses. One of my main goals in writing this blog each week is to get the music that needs to be heard out there for all to grasp, recognize for its beauty and worth, and of course play over and over again...
As I continue this journey, I realize the prog garden is in good hands. However; no time to rest on my laurels as the search for all things prog continues deeper into 2016 and beyond...until next week...
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