VULTRESS

Definitely one for Hammond fans, this one! Led by organist, singer and main songwriter Ray Vanderby, this is an album heavy on the Atomic Rooster, Nice and less bombastic ELP influences. Opening track "Another World" starts off with a pulsating keyboard riff and is a good uptempo opener. This leads us into "No More Heartaches" which starts off sounding like ELP before settling into a heavy plodding rhythm which is very reminiscent of early 1960s underground/prog. "Elephant in my Soup" lightens things up a bit with its "boop boop de boop" backing vocals, sounding a bit like The Nice complete with suspect lyrics ("How he loves the rain like tears from heaven, How he loves the rain more than sliced devon") . "Escape Through the Mews" throws in some electric piano to break things up a bit, although again the lyrics a bit lacking in the correct English department ("Well they might be a millionaire, They might be a thief") . "Return of the Vultress" is the epic 10 minute track here, again showing early ELP influences. It even manages to throw in a short drum solo. "We Are Lemurians" wraps things up (sorry, I don't know what a Lumerian is).

Obviously with a band so heavily based on the Hammond, there will be comparisons with other similar bands such as those already mentioned, but the songs are good as are the performances and the production, which is modern yet retro at the same time, is just right. My main criticism, as with a number of other new bands, is that the vocals lack character. Overall, a very enjoyable CD, highly recommended for Hammond fans!

Man, whatever happened to all that great, bluesy, organ heavy music from the early '70s? Apparently, a group of guys from Australia were asking themselves the same question a few years back. COSMIC NOMADS have resurrected the beast, and make no apologies for it. It may sound dated in style, but they have added a few twists.

Their latest release, "Vultress," is an absolute pleasure. It's a foot tapping organ fest. At a glance, it may not seem like prog. "Wait, I can almost dance to this." you may say to yourself. But digging a bit deeper, the complexity can be found. However, this does not change the fact that this could be the most head-boppin' prog I have ever heard. It's blues based, and rhythmic. The guitars crunch, and the bass churns. There is also a nice sense of humor involved. I get the feeling that they are Mike Patton Fans (just listen to "Elephant in My Soup").

If you miss the glory days of Deep Purple, Atomic Rooster, and Quatermass, this is definitely for you. If you just want some fun, rockin' prog, this is also for you. I love this album, and I encourage everyone to check it out.

H.T. Riekels

Cosmic Nomads is an australian band led by organist, singer and main songwriter Ray Vanderby. This album Vultress is their second releas from 2007. At first listning i had the impression i listen to some rock and roll band with keyes added, and a voice a la Roy Orbison in places, but after 4 spins became to grow on me and now is a good but non essential album in my opinion. Not much to add just that Cosmic Nomads are a fun band, with upbeat pieces and is a pleasure to listen to them from time to time, not very complicated music. The best tracks are the opening one Another world - is a keyboar fest and Journey Of Trelucabeth's Dream/Escape Through The Mews, the rest are ok. Well 3 strs i think is the fair rate. Pleasent album and the cover art is quite strange.

When taking about this Australian band, we are talking about Ray Vanderby, the man who set up Cosmic Nomads in Sydney in 2003.Vanderby is the main composer, organist and singer of the band, which changed no less than 8 members during the early years.After the ''Make love not war'' album (2004) and the 2005 EP ''Dreamin' about you'', both released on Vanderby's own Majique Music label, the man took the whole thing to Melbourne and Cosmic Nomads received a serious lifting.Vanderby was now collaborating with 'King' Con Patogiannis (guitar, vocals), Geoff Brown (bass), Gina Woods (Wurlitzer piano, synths), Anni Lang (percussion, vocals) and Miam Lentini (drums).This line-up recorded the second album of the band ''Vultress'', released in 2007.

Cosmic Nomads and Vanderby appear to be full-blown lovers of early-70's Psychedelic and Progressive Rock with a sound flirting with the fundamentals of URIAH HEEP (groovy parts), QUATERMASS (more bluesy organ-smashed numbers) and BRIAN AUGER's tendency towards Fusion paths.As a result the majority of the displayed tracks are based on rhythmic tunes, full of Hammond organ parts, solid drumming and occasional guitar moves with poetic vocals and some humourous touches.Bombastic organ torturing, psychedelic solos and clean multi-parted vocals combine for a musicianship, which passes from groovy Rock to Prog to Jazz-Fusion.The music is mostly fast-paced with strecthed instrumental masturbations, but also a very positive and rockin' vibe, making the listener tapping his foot over the pleasant rhythmic parts.Reputedly Vanderby was also a fan of Classical Music, but there is little of such an influence in this album, which is dominated by a Heavy/Psych Rock mood with organ in the forefront and an overall joyful atmosphere.

Maybe a file next to NIACIN, albeit in a less jazzy version.Pop vocals, monster organ waves and attractive rhythms in a blend of vintage sounds.Recommended.