THE ART OF MADNESS

"The Art of Madness" is the initial effort of a US-based composer and multi-instrumentalist who prefer to stay anonymous, and was initially self-released in 2009. Musea Records would subsequently sign the artist.

And if this debut album is an indicator of what's in store later on, fans of sophisticated art rock has quite a lot to look forward to. A concept album dealing with the topics of sanity and insanity - madness if you like - and it's relation to art. A number of stylistic expressions are covered, from a laidback gentle version of symphonic rock to more richly textured atmospheric creations with a nod or three in the direction of late 70's Pink Floyd. There's even room for a chaotic, dissonant slightly embellished classical chamber piece in the shape of Apparition.

Those who love concept albums, find pleasure in songs lasting for an hour and have a soft spot for late 70's Pink Floyd should make up the perfect audience for this album. And while perhaps not quite as breathtaking as the masters of old this is a good quality production through and through, and a very promising first CD from this US artist.