DOMINION

In 2020, the world of progressive rock was treated to the sound of an exiting new band from Nottingham, namely Zopp. Move on three years, we have album number two, entitled Dominion. If Zopp One, was an amazing debut album, or in culinary terms, a tasty hors d'oeuvre. Dominion, is without doubt, a Michelin 5 star, main course.

I know we are only just into the second month of this calendar year, but already this record is going to be a contender, for prog rock album of 2023.

Ryan Stevenson, the brain child behind this project, has proven to be a multi faceted song writer as well as being a very accomplished keyboard and guitar player. Dominion also showcases his vocal abilities on three of the tracks, which were kept under wraps on Zopp one.

I think what sets this record apart, and Zopp in particular, from other artists of this genre, is the diversity of composition. As with the first album, every song is different. Alright, there are the historical Canterbury sound reference points, with the opening track "Amor Fati" and the short but very sweet," Wetiko Approaching", and Ryan's penchant for the Dave Stewart esque fuzz organ sound, but there are so many other varied and wonderful influences on show here, from jazz , to ambient to traditional prog, that it is impossible to pigeon hole this band into any particular category.

Without doubt, Zopp deserve to do well with this album, as there has obviously been a massive amount of detailed input and well constructed melody injected into every part of the record. I hope for their sake, that it falls on enough appreciable ears.

A great effort from Ryan Stevenson and the other musicians associated with this project. undoubtedly a 5 star performance in every sense.