The plan was for me to clear my decks of the various instrumental albums I have to review. It seems I am being seen as open to them and have been getting quite a few. Fortunately, this week we do not suffer from anything like the tedious instrumental offerings I have reviewed in the past. In fact, there is really something for everyone in this lot
CD Reviews
Virgil Franklin: Dark Hollow
With a name like Dark Hollow you don't expecting something cheery and happy now do you? And it is not the case with this 11 song collection of creepy arse symphonic music. This does strike one as the soundtrack to a horror movie you have never heard. It has all the right elements; creepy piano and atmospheric touches really set the mood for it all.
Much in the style of Nox Arcana, and unlike some other of this type, it never gets boring or tiresome. There is plenty here for the b-movie slasher flicks as well as the Cthulhu-fans looking for backing music for their next Call of Cthulhu game. In short this is perfect soundtrack to your next All Hallow's Eve party. Good stuff.
Karcius: Kaleidescope
It's Quebec neo-jazz/prog. Oh dear, one has to think this might not be an easy listen. And one would be wrong. While not the most exciting stuff in the world for us heavy rockers, it does the very edgy and jazzy side of Dream Theater and their ilk with touches of Spyro Gyra as well.
This is jazz fusion with a touch of prog. The songs on here blend into each other and produce a soothing soundtrack, though I would not recommend driving to it. I found myself drifting off to near-sleep when I had this on the stereo; it is that mellow and relaxing. Check out "Epilogue" if you don't believe me. It's not exactly heavy or rocking but pleasant nonetheless.
Kopecky: Blood
First thing that came to mind on hearing this disc was Voivod without vocals and slightly less avant-garde. Kopecky is certainly prog-metal and quite good as well. There are serious shades of Dream Theater and OSI. I did find myself missing vocals at times but that might be my quirk.
The musicianship on this seven tracker is first rate and classy. This bunch of Americans has toured with prog powerhouses like Spock's Beard, Flower Kings, Uriah Heep and Planet X. If you like your prog instrumental albums then this will be up your street. It's quite enjoyable and never gets tedious which is high praise for any instrumental album of whatever type.
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