D'ARCANA

US Progressive Rock band from Nevada City, California, formed in 2003 and led by prog veteran and ex-E Motive's member Jay Tausig on vocals and various instruments.He collaborates with bassist/singer Shelby Snow and multi-instrumentalist James Cambling for this project and the first self-titled debut of the trio was privately released in 2004 through CDBaby.

On this album Tausig & Co. chose to deliver smooth, intense and strongly lyrical Progressive Rock, instead of showing any kind of technical ability or dealing with complicated orchestrations.The sound recalls the softer moments of GENESIS or GENTLE GIANT but there are also more energetic moments in the vein of bands TILES, RUSH or ENCHANT.The album is equally split between richer tracks with a bit of a symphonic sound, more apparent use of keys and interesting rhythm parts and a softer, more lyrical approach with light multi-vocal arrangements and mellow acoustic guitars.The later contain strong psychedelic vibes at times with a very dreamy atmosphere and even some pianos and discreet flutes added for a more flexible sound.Tausig's voice is a suprise, being an expressive yet warm vocalist, who delivers the lyrics with comfort.When needed though, D'arcana become more powerful with longer instrumental themes, based on complex synths parts and electric guitars on the move as well as a touch of Fusion in the more dynamic interplays, blended well among the Classic Prog stylings of these compositions.

Interesting and quasi personal debut by D'arcana, who's main focus seems to become the alternation between different moods and genres.Warmly recommended.