THE BOX

'The Box' - Ian Gordon (5/10)

Although directing most of his muse towards his band Drama, songwriter and musician Ian Gordon has found it suitable to pursue a solo career. Compiling his solo work into one album, this recording has not seen a physical release, but instead has been distributed freely through digital format. A sprawling two hour collection of songs, Ian Gordon certainly did not leave any stones unturned with this album, and it is clear that there has been been a lot of time and effort put into making this project come to fruition. Even so, I do not find myself entirely convinced by what 'The Box' offers, and though promise of something greater seeps through the cracks more than once on this longwinded observation, the whole doesn't seem to have quite amounted to the sum of its parts.

'The Box' is apparently a quasi-conceptual album that seeks to expose the 'darker parts of human nature', the parts of our consciousness that we push below the threshold for better or worse. Boasting such an ambitious concept, it is clear that Ian Gordon has invested 'The Box' as a multi-layered work that should keep its listeners busy for weeks as they attempt to unlock this box. This makes it that more of a disappointment when so much of the album comes off as somewhat cold and dispassionate. Not so much in the writing of the music itself- which is sometimes excellent- but the production and performance of this music is so bumpy and rough that it becomes difficult to see the album as anything but a mixed success. There are certainly successful elements here, but there are sharp lacks in consistency that should have been addressed while making the album.

'The Box' is a two hour spectacle of sometimes-theatrical melodic prog rock, these pieces range widely in mood and feeling, from sentimental moments to harder rock and quite a few 'weird' moments thrown in to keep a listener engaged, such as a circus music interlude. Truth be told, some of these elements are very well done, particularly Gordon's work with keyboards. The writing here is quite good, although there is always a feeling that even the most inspired bits of writing here are held back by what I consider to be a subpar production and rough performance. For example, the aptly titled 'Opening' features some nice melodies, but the instrumentation and keyboards sound roughly sampled and the vocals fall a little flat. On the other hand, later in the album (and particularly towards the latter half of it), Gordon's voice and performance generally improves, although there are still moments where the performance could have used polishing. Also- need I say- the two hour length certainly is an idea that was taken far out of hand; there are few albums that can remain effective at that length, and with the sheer amount of less powerful moments here, it would have been a much better decision to perhaps cut 'The Box' in half, as far as duration goes.

Although I have not yet heard Ian Gordon's band Drama, and do not find myself drawn to what's been done here, it is evident that Gordon has talent and vision as a musician. It is also clear from my angle that his music could use some more polish on it, because despite its strengths, the ultimate impression here is that of a vast grab bag; some things are good, other things not so much, and there is the sense that things would be that much more satisfying if the statement Gordon tries to make here would be condensed, if even just a little bit.

I have listened to The Box many times all the way through since I purchased it at Bandcamp, ( a great place by the way to hear bands that are not well known but still quite good). This is a fine effort from Ian Gordan, a long concept album about somebody Gordan calls Jason who seems to be trying to face his troubles and learn why he feels the way he feels. It is really quite a nice story, kind of reminds me of a story from a fantasy novel. The music is well played throughout, this is another of these one man band albums that are making their way more and more to today's music market, with modern technology these people can make their living room their studio, and the sound quality is really good on most of them that I have heard, I mean everybody seems to be doing it this way now, going from young talent like Ian Gordan all the way to established stars like Steve Hackett. I really like The Box, and can not wait to hear what comes next from this guy, it gives me hope for music when I see these younger people like Ian making quality prog. music, all is not lost out there. I rate this one at 4 1/2 stars, can't post it that way but that is how I rate it.

A few months ago my attention was drawn by the album ' the box ' from Ian Gordon. Due to the simplicity of the cover, which is only a small white drawn box on a completely black background, I was curious. I had no expectations about the content and carefully decided to open 'the box' and discover what was in it. After less more then two hours I sat totally stunned at the couch. Guys, what an album is this! I barely realized what had happend to me in those 2 hours, but it was fantastic, yes there was no doubt about it. I decided to open 'the box' again. Yes it was not an illusion. Ian Gordon has delivered an album of a rare high level. ' The box ' tells us the story of a lonely boy -Jason- who starts to make a trip after the death of his father. The journey leads him along unknown cities and other places where he never has been. Ian Gordon has transformed Jasons voyage into magical sounds so the listener can experience all adventures during the trip itself. After 8 times listening I tried to pick out the highlights of this album, but I failed. ' The box ' is just one big adventurous highlight. I dare to say that Ian Gordon has delivered a magnificent masterpiece with 'the box'. With a wink to the Genesis of the 1970s, Ian has managed to develope a unique style. 'The box' gives listeners the feeling of being in a spectaculaire rollercoaster. The box has been one of my all-time favorites and surely the best album I've discovered in 2011. Finally, I would like to give a warning to all progfans: after opening 'the box', the content grabs you by the throat and doesn't let you go for the next two hours! Beware...

UK multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and frontman of rock band Drama.Ian grew up in the small town of Westhoughton,but relocated in Bolton, where, influenced by bands like GENESIS and RUSH, he started working on his ambitious first solo output.It took him a decade to eventually give the album life by recording it and selling it as a digital download on bandcamp.com in 2011.''The box'' is a concept album about human anxities,clocking at over two hours.

With Ian only handling all instruments and voices,the work presents an already mature musician with a flexible sound,but always in progressive rock grounds, and tracks torn between grandiose and challenging compositions and more somber and mellow pieces.The overall sound is close to the likes of bands like SPOCK'S BEARD, TRANSATLANTIC, SENSE and BRIGHTEYE BRISON, an impressive mix of Retro-Prog,Neo Prog and Symphonic Rock with a modern flavor.All cuts are surprisingly strong with some nice instrumental parts and heavy lyrical moments,where Ian prooves to be an excellent singer as well.The guitar parts are also good with both heavy and smooth passages and his keyboard work includes symphonic organs,orchestral synths and even some virtuosic solos from time to time.More impressively Ian managed to create a very tight release with no particular drawbacks and a good balance between vocal- and instrumental moments.

While not being very original or groundbreaking,''The box'' shows a young musician ready to step on the progressive stage with a great potential and mature enough to present a very long album after some really hard work.Recommended to all fans of modern progressive rock with occasional vintage references.

If you're going to play all of the instruments on an album barring for assistance from others on a very few tracks then you had better be a damn good song writer to attract my attention because I doubt that you are going to be a master of all of the instruments that you play. Further than that if you are going to use artificial drums to any extent then it is very rare that I'm going to listen to your music.

I got hold of this album due to the fact that the artist is categorised as neo-prog here and I have a thing for neo-prog. With this album it was kind of a "curiosity didn't kill the cat" experience. I don't love the album but I don't dislike it either and part of the reason for that is that this work is a treasure chest of musical ideas and there are many moments that I love herein. One of the attractions for me with this is Ian Gordon's voice which is very similar to that of David Bowie. I love theatrics and drama in music and this has a lot of those elements in spades. The keyboard and lead guitar work are very well done.

Quoted from the artist himself as I couldn't say it better - "I grew up in a small town in Northern England. There I discovered the very things that would inspire me to compose "The Box", from the eerie woods and stories of 'lost souls', to the house I grew up in and the clutter that gave it character. My first musical influences were those who weren't afraid to tell stories; Genesis, Rush and Iron Maiden amongst others. The progressive influence introduced me to the idea of experimentation, and much of the material that makes up "The Box" is a result of that experimentation. Conceptually, the idea of one becoming 'lost' in some distant land was the catalyst for the story; in which a process of rediscovery would have to be undertaken in order for one to remember who they truly were. Being a fan of the surreal and the macabre, this concept evolved into something much more elaborate. Conceived in the winter of 1999, a full 10 years passed before "The Box" was finally recorded. It has been a labour of love, and I'm proud to share it with the world at last"

I do find that in places the album is disjointed and that sometimes it is a patchwork of musical ideas however for the wealth of musical ideas throughout this and for the many moments of pure musical magic I have to give it major credit. There are many who believe that albums should be cut down in size in order to make them more coherent in what they are trying to achieve however I don't necessarily agree with that at all - there is two hours of music here and if I can find an hours worth of magic in such an album then I'm totally satisfied - I found way more than hours worth of pleasure here. It is a massive work especially considering the fact that it is from an artist relatively new to the musical field. If you loved Gabriel era Genesis then don't hesitate trying this on. A solid four stars from me for taking me on a musical journey.