THE MEASURE OF THE TIME

Third time out by this Spanish act, and while their foundation in late 70's Floydian isn't one too original the additions they provide as the songs move along does represent a different flavour to this style.

Floating spacey textures and atmospheric guitar soloing from the Gilmour school seems to be the starting point for the band in each track here, and the additional textures added in as the composition evolves are basically of two kinds: Distorted guitar soloing and riffs of a more Frippian nature and heavier riffs closer to hard rock in style, often backed by surging organ Deep Purple style. At times additional symphonic textures are utilized as well. Towards the end the different sounds and textures are usually blended into a more all encompassing expression, often in a more intense and energetic grand finale final motif.

In the first half of this disc Neverness seems to struggle quite a bit with the transitions, providing tracks with plenty of good and interesting ideas mashed together in what for me became an annoying start and stop manner. The final three tracks are more coherent in that respect and generally comes across as better compositions overall, but the motifs and themes are slightly less intriguing as well. A mixed affair then, but worth checking out if late 70's Floyd and hard rock sounds like a good mix.

This captivating Spanish formation was founded in the late Nineties, in 2002 they released their debut album Horizonte De Sucesos, their fifth and most recent effort is from 2014, entitled Renacimiento. This review is about Neverness their excellent fourth album named The Measure Of Time, from 2009.

Well, let's start with a conclusion: what a captivating and unique music, after 40 years of progrock, on this album Neverness is a shining example that progrock still can be progressive! OK, the elements of progrock legends King Crimson and Pink Floyd are obviously. But Neverness used it as a basic element to be creative. And these Spanish musicians sound creative, the music is loaded with dynamics and variety.

From a fat Moog sound with propulsive drums and compelling bombastic climates with fiery guitar to lots of tension between mellow with soaring keyboards and an ominous sound like King Crimson on Red in Behind Your Face

From powerful guitar with Mellotron violins and propulsive guitar riffs with Hammond organ to a surprising electronic part featuring sequencers and synthesizers in the titletrack,

First acoustic rhythm guitar with vocals and then a compelling rhythm with sensitive electric guitar runs to a bit avant-garde-like synthesizer solo in The Letter,

A blend of blues and psychedelia with varied guitar work and splendid keyboards in Reing Of Fools,

A lush keyboard sound with warm Grand piano, majestic church organ, soaring Farfisa organ and mellow Mellotron along emotional vocals and an excellent bombastic finale in Rest In Pieces.

And finally cascades of shifting moods, breaks and solos in the long Shadows Of The Past (more than11 minutes) in which the final part is breathtaking: more and more lush and compelling with slide guitar, orchestral keyboards, a propulsive rhythm-section and pleasant English vocals (as on the entire album).

On this album Neverness delivers compelling and adventurous compositions in which a lot happens, pretty overwhelming, with the accent on variety. If you are up to this kind of music, you will be carried away by their unique blend of several styles and inventive musical ideas.

For those who want to discover more of the captivating and overlooked Spanish progressive rock, here are my recommendations (from neo-prog and fusion to symphonic rock and Rock Andaluz). The compilations Rockandalus (1-CD), Duende Electrico (2-CD) Hijos Del Agobio Y Del Dolor (2-CD + DVD). The collaboration of flamenco guitarists with progrock musicians by Juan Martin - Picasso Portraits (featuring Simon Phillips, Tony Hymas and Ian Mosley), Sabicas - Rock Encounter With Joe Beck (featuring Tony Levin) and Diego De Moron - Same (with members from Triana and Granada). Rock Andaluz bands Triana, Iman, Mezquita, Azahar, Medina Azahara, Cai, Alameda and Guadalquivir. And Spanish prog bands (past and present) Iceberg, Granada, Itoiz, Fusioon, PI2, Bijou, Dr. No, Senogul, Taifa, Albatros and The Paco De Lucia Sextet (awesome prog folk). Muchas alegrias!