THE WORLD OF QWAARN

QWAARN are a Neo-Prog band out of Quebec. I'm familiar with the vocalist on the debut here as he used to be in a band called DAGMAHR. This is a concept album and Paul Whitehead did the album's cover art. Okay enough with the details, the bottom line is that this album is a disappointment on so many levels.

"Bright Blue" opens with synths and piano then vocals arrive before a minute. A beat and a fuller sound kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes. We get a guitar solo 4 minutes in. "It's Three O'Clock" is mellow with acoustic guitar and synths. A beat joins in then vocals. It's better after 2 minutes when the guitar arrives. It settles back and piano ends it. "The Word Of Qwaarn" opens with spacey synths then it kicks in around a minute. Spoken words before 2 minutes. Reserved vocals and piano follow as it settles back.It picks up after 4 minutes. "The Endless Night" is spacey with spoken words then it kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes. A guitar solo after 8 minutes. It settles 9 1/2 minutes in. Spoken words end it.

"Djan's Mission" turns heavier after 1 1/2 minutes. Bass and keyboards lead with drums 3 minutes in. It lightenes and we get some vocal melodies too. "Virtz's Operation" is lightweight with vocals. Not good at all. "The Quest For The Spirit" is pastoral to open as spoken words come in.The tempo picks up some with vocals. It's speeding up 2 1/2 minutes in then it calms down as themes are repeated. "Response" features synths and relaxed guitar as the drums join in. A fair amount of atmosphere here. Spoken words after 1 1/2 minutes then the vocals arrive as it picks up a minute later. More spoken words then vocals end it. "Realities" opens with synths as spoken words come in. It picks up with vocals 2 1/2 minutes in.

I feel like i'm being generous with the 2 star rating here. You've been warned.