THE PSYCHEDELIC ENSEMBLE

US-based outfit THE PSYCHEDELIC ENSEMBLE appeared more or less out of nowhere in 2009, a one man project whose creator prefers his endeavors in the field of progressive rock to stay anonymous. "The Dream of the Magic Jongleur" is his third full length production and was released in 2011.

The Dream of the Magic Jongleur" is an impressive creation, especially since it has been conceived, developed and recorded by a single person. And while some friends do help out with some details, this is the vision of one man. A man with a strong and deep affection for yesteryear's brand of symphonic progressive rock, and who has tried and, at least to my ears, succeeded in crafting a disc filled with music that should find strong favor among others who share his fascination, in particular for the sophisticated varieties of it.

I dunno, guys, I really don't know. When the mystery of precisely who is behind The Psychedelic Ensemble is more interesting than their actual music you know there's got to be something wrong. With reasonable but not exceptional production values and a vague concept about dying (as though we don't already have enough concept albums about wild near-death experiences or post-mortem journeys), The Myth of Dying presents a sound rooted in rather pretty and accessible space rock reminiscent of what would happen if post-Roger Waters Pink Floyd got into a collaboration with Mercury Rev.

The problem I have with it is that I can't really get a handle on the atmosphere it's going for - if, indeed, it's going for one at all. It's too laid back to go for a bombastic Floydian rock out, but too busy to be a relaxing New Age soundscape trip, and flirts just enough with both of those styles that I keep expecting it to definitively plump for one or the other but it never does. I just don't get the appeal here.

I was fortunate enough to get a physical copy of this album from the man who is the creator of THE PSYCHEDELIC ENSEMBLE. I can't tell you his name because he has chosen to remain anonymous, but I have talked to him. He told me that with his music he tries to retain the spirit of classic Prog while introducing those Classical and Fusion influences that he has studied over the years. I have to say that this is a classy release with lots of info in the liner notes with lyrics and a discussion about the album's concept. Also there are some beautiful pictures which are related to the story. I've made it no secret that i'm not really into concept albums but this is one I can get lost in. As far as the music goes my only complaint is that the synths are very dominant at times. I love spacey synths but these are more in the style of Rick Wakeman showing what he can do. A minor complaint and one that is about my tastes only. I actually feel the same way about the synths in "Romantic Warrior" by RETURN TO FOREVER. Not bad company right ? The compositions here though have left me shaking my head in appreciation. This isn't what I was expecting at all. This isn't what i'd call Neo, in fact I thought of YES more than any other band. A lot of these tracks blend into one another as well.

"Overture-Into The Night" opens with church bells and atmosphere before it kicks in around 1 1/2 minutes. Vocals follow then synths. Atmosphere and vocals then lead before a beat and lots of synths take over. Atmosphere and church bells end it. Great start ! It blends into "The Quest" which opens with the church bells still ringing from the previous track before synths come in swirling as we get some bombast. The guitar makes some noise in a good way and the drums seem to be all over the place. It settles late with atmosphere and blends into "The Secrets Of Your Mind". Vocals lead with a beat and synths before a minute. Church bells ring briefly after 2 minutes then we get some guitar. Vocals are back before 5 minutes. "The Benefaction Of The Noble Wizard" reminds me of Wakeman as the organ leads throughout. "Listen To Me" opens with guitar before drums and synths kick in along with bass. Vocals join in and it eventually blends into "Stones To Flowers" where it settles down with vocals and picked guitar.

"Magicking" is led by intricate guitar then we get "The Riddle" where we hear some fiddle along with synths and more. I like this one a lot. "Dream And Premonition" has some powerful atmosphere and it turns experimental and dark before kicking in somewhat.Great stuff ! "Strange Days" is another killer tune. Strummed guitar, flute and vocals lead early. Very cool.Synths after 3 minutes. Drums, organ and guitar follow and check out the passionate backing female vocals. "End Of Days-Epilogue" ends it and what a way to finish ! This is my favourite track and the longest at almost 11 minutes. It's raining as the thunder booms. Church bells and atmosphere follow. A heavy soundscape takes over before 2 minutes. So good.Vocals and more later. The synths rip it up 4 minutes in. Lots of synths as it brightens late.

This is one of the more interesting albums i've listened to this year and a solid 4 stars.

The Psychedelic Ensemble have released a number of albums and their latest is a superb example of modern Neo Prog. "The Dream of the Magic Jongleur" is the vision of the one man multi instrumentalist who remains anonymous and proudly enigmatic. His style is extreme psychedelic at times sounding like the acid rock of the 60s such as on 'Overture Into the Night', a blistering keyboard driven master work.

The bass is incredible on this album and really glistens with creativity on 'The Quest'. Each track sounds different, the vocals are pleasant and there are even shades of quasi-Neo on tracks such as 'The Secrets of Your Mind'. The harmonies are terrific and the music is organic, and creative at all times.

'The Benefaction Of The Noble Wizard' begins with piercing cathedral church organ, reminding me of one Wakeman. Even the melody is like Wakeman. One can imagine a royal procession making their way down the aisle. The pipe organ is joined by bass pedals, and "rollerball" atmospheres. Hmmm, church was never like this.

'Listen To Me' has a guitar intro, striking after the church organ. A very nice funkadelic rhythm locks in with spacey keyboards, and glorious Happy organ sounds. The vocals return, interesting lyrics; "gather ye round, hear ye what I found, my magic is on display to all, I've got a tale to sing to you, now listen to me." The lead break is great. The tale continues of a Wizard of dreams where it is said the dragon dwells. The flute sound and lute is as medieval as Gryphon. The keyboard runs are stellar on this, a definitive highlight.

'Stones To Flowers' is a short thing sounding like the 60s are back. A throwback to the flower power scene.

'Magicking' is a wonderful twin acoustic virtuosic guitar solo. The harmonics are beautiful, so good to hear at the end of the day as night falls.

'The Riddle' is an 8 minute labyrinthine journey into mystical musicianship. The keyboard runs are frenetic, the vocals are multi tracked and beautifully harmoinised, the percussion is deliriously sporadic and the soloing is incredible. The synergy of dynamic tension and release, instruments competing and warring against wild time sigs, is masterful. This is a quintessential highlight not to be missed.

'Dream And Premonition' brings things into a dreamy soundscape, a bass solo over an ambient keyboard pad. It builds into some awesome dramatic blasts and bass guitar heaven. One of the best basslines I have heard.

'Strange Days' is quite strange, acoustic chord progression and a flute sounding like Ian Anderson dropped by or a chat. The vocals are even a bit like Anderson; "strange days indeed, am I lost in a dream, these are strange days it seems, like the darkest of dreams." There is an angular guitar over a keyboard solo and gorgeous flute embellishments. The lead break is good but mixed a little low. I love that shimmering Hammond though. Then a louder guitar break and keyboard run chimes in. It is a relaxing journey and definitely well worth listening.

'End Of Days ? Epilogue' is an 11 minute romp to finish this incredible album. It begins with esoteric effects, a bell chimes, a grand lead guitar is heard, reminds me of Pink Floyd but it is very regal pop rock. The heaviest riff crunches in with lighning fast key runs answering. I love that off kilter time sig and heaviness. The music is so dense it needs to breathe and so the sig is fractured with a new sig, speedy percussion and steady vocals; "the sea is churning blowing over me, the stars are burning blazing down on me, and it seems like end of days." The next key run is very techno and way of the scale. As good as Jordan Rudess running over his continuum. The musicianship is exemplary.

I am glad I heard this and it was a prime example of a one man genius, a vision and virtuosic skill doing what he loves; creating a compelling album of glorious prog. Some parts could be improved, and more musicians would augment the overall feel, maybe some guests vocalists, but this is excellent psych prog by any standards.

Thanks again to Sunhillow and progstreaming.com. Does anyone recognize how lucky we are to have The Psychedelic Ensemble in our lives? Three top notch albums in three years--and all conceived, composed, performed, and produced by one guy! Has there ever been a solo composer/performer who has produced music of this quality? And people: This Is The Best of all the Psychedelic Ensemble releases. It is utterly astounding! Time after time I am blown away by the emotion, the virtuosic performances--on many instruments--and the incredible clarity and engineering of this production. There are many times on this album that I am hearing an instrument solo, duelled by another, then a third! a FOURTH! even a fifth instrument gets into the act-- all playing top notch riffs, talking to each other through the fire of their instruments. Astounding! Amazing! God! I hate these reviews and the inability to get my excitement and enthusasm across. This, not "Shattered ..." or "Visions" or "Grace for ..." or "Ghosts" or SKE may be the Album of the Year!! Certainly the year's Best Album That Nobody's Ever Heard! There is no keyboard player on the planet that can compare to this guy's power and versatility.

The album opens with a cacophony of beautiful world sounds: bells, sitars, church organ, fuzz guitars and so much more, before it kicks into a great rocker with such a fullness of sound. "Overture: Into the Night" (9/10) is such a 'complete' well-thought out, well- constructed song (much like many of the BIG BIG TRAIN compositions of recent years)--which sets the stage for a whole album of absolutely TOP QUALITY music. The 5:54 mark gives the first real introduction to the ride you're in for: amazing soli, multiple instruments dueling (in this case like STEVE HOWE and RICK WAKEMAN in their finest hours).

The instrumental "The Quest" (9/10) begins with a STARCASTLE/ROBIN TROWER sound until the main themes are played simultaneously buy guitars and multiple keyboards. Love the 'bubble bass' sounding not unlike fretless master PERCY JONES. He even gets a solo (an awesome one at that!) at the 2:40-3:10 span. Return to STARCASTLE/YES sound. Awesome energy!

"The Secrets of your Mind" (9/10) opens with a bit slower pace but with exciting 'bubble' JACO PASTORIUS-like bass patterns. Vocals are rather high and etheric--somehow similar to JAMES TAYLOR--with some really well-constructed intricate harmonies. The long solo section has more laid back and layered approach to multiple instrumental soli--electric and acoustic guitars, electric and acoustic keyboards, GENIUS! Absolute genius!!

Next is the mind-bending church organ song, "The Benefaction of the Nobal Wizard" (10/10). This was my first experience while listening to this album of goosebump and awe. It starts simply, unassumingly. Then, suddenly a full organ chord is added. Then second had and bass pedals. The effect is humbling, truly humbling. Not unlike Wakeman's intro to Yes' "Awaken" combined with the the traditional Yes intro, Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite"--but with more emotion.

"Listen to Me" (9/10) brings us back to Earth--but at fairly high speed--and with some incredible keyboard and guitar work--the level of instrumental performance has just been turned up to 11! Vocals are the ONLY weak point here--and they aren't bad!

The all-too-brief "Stones to Flowers" (10/10) brings us back to the BEATLES/MAMAS & THE PAPAS 60s before gently fading into a dreamy BBT-like vocal collage.

"Magicking" (10/10) presents a beautiful, sensitive, virtuosic acoustic guitar duet. Somewhat reminiscent of "Mood for a Day" but moreso of Brother Ape's gorgeous BILL EVANS-like "In a Rare Moment" from 2010's In A Rare Moment of Insight.

"The Riddle" (10/10) puts speed and multi-instrumental soli back in our faces in a BIG way! My favorite song on the album, it is full of such hauntingly beautiful melodies--every vocal, instrument's sound, instrumental solo is of such high adrenaline pumping value that I don't think even JAN AKKERMAN could do it better! Once in a rare eon you wish there was a rating number higher than 10! This is it; my 11/10 for 2011/12! Amazing song. I listened to it over and over--had such joy trying to imagine playing all of the soli, imagining the level of extreme genius that could compose and perform at such a high level. He simply cannot be human!

Then--GET THIS--"The Riddle" is followed by a truly rare and amazing song of deft skillmanship:

The bass performance on "Dream and Premonition" (10/10) is jaw-dropping in a JACO PASTORIUS way. A song if you heard you would not soon forget!

The vocal harmonies and guitar and flutes on the JETHRO TULL-like "Strange Days" (9/10) is wonderful. Not unlike 2010's CICCADA release, like getting a fresh dose of great TULL!

The album's closer, the 11-minute epic "The End of Days: Epilogue" (9/10) is interesting for its emotional Richie Havens-like lead vocalist, high paced frenetic drumming (à la BROTHER APE), and of course, amazing interplay of what seems like an infinite number of keyboards and guitar. Great BIG BIG TRAIN feel to it.

A TIMELESS MASTERPIECE. (No arguments accepted.)

GET IT!

NOW!!

With so many once-great prog bands releasing an increasing number of disappointing albums, it is a rare treat to find new bands with that "classic prog" sound making fresh and exciting music. One such band, The Psychedelic Ensemble, has been making quite a name for itself lately. This anonymous one-man-band has released a new album every year since 2009, and though all three albums within the band's current oeuvre display a remarkable level of talent and craftsmanship, there has been a considerable increase in the quality of the songs and inventiveness of arrangements with each new album.

2011's "The Dream of the Magic Jongleur" is not only my personal favorite from the band, but also the best prog album I have heard in a number of years. According to interviews found on The Psychedelic Ensemble's website, the man writing and performing this music is an accomplished composer of contemporary classical music; as a likely result of this, there is an exceptionally high level of compositional craftsmanship found throughout his music. Even a cursory listen to "The Benefaction of the Noble Wizard" should convince any listener that this composer has an incredible grasp on eighteenth-century counterpoint, and it is breathtaking to hear the fugal treatment given to a modern-prog-style theme that occurs throughout the album. And for those of you who care more about the performances than the writing, this album also contains The Psychedelic Ensemble's most demanding and dexterous instrumental and vocal work to date (with "The Riddle" and "The Secrets of Your Mind" deserving a special mention). The fact that the listener is hearing absolutely top-tier playing on each instrument is made all the more baffling when one realizes that all of these parts are written and performed by the same person.

If you have not yet heard The Psychedelic Ensemble's music, giving this album a listen should be at the top of your to-do list. At the time of this review, you can check the album out on progstreaming.com if you want to give it a listen before buying the album, but the wonderful presentation of the CD (featuring some fantastic artwork by Sam Del Russi) and the incredible music make this a must-buy for any prog fan.

"Cool story bro..."

The inspiration for this album came from an exhibition comprising of pieces of art created by patients of a psychiatric centre. Each song explores a different manifestation of madness.

The Good: It is music.

The Bad: As many new prog bands are heavily influenced by already established acts, when listening to them you are sometimes left with a strong sense of déjà vu. This isn't always a bad thing as many add a new twist, or revive older styles whilst still making them sound fresh and enjoyable. However after countless listens to this album I can only describe it as a bland, C-rate Pink Floyd clone that brings absolutely nothing new to the table. There are no songs that really stand out and, whilst concept albums are meant to be enjoyed as a whole, just reaching the end of this is a relief.

The Verdict: The only mad thing about this is the $14.99 price tag.

US-based project THE PSYCHEDELIC ENSEMBLE entered the world of progressive rock in 2009 with the concept album "The Art of Madness", a likeable production in the Pink Floyd vein that was well received by the progressive community at large. "The Myth of Dying" is the second venture by this composer and multi-instrumentalist who prefers to stay anonymous so that his musical endeavours can be enjoyed on their own without being associated with a person who may or may not be well known.

While initially perhaps appearing to be slightly too chaotic and quirky, "The Myth of Dying" soon proves to be a splendid production of the symphonic art rock variety, with numerous details to savor and plenty of intricate compositional features to enjoy. All of these are placed within a brilliantly produced single composition that spans the entire album. Beautiful cover art, extensive liner notes and a high quality booklet are treats for those who prefer to buy a physical CD. And while the latter isn't needed to be able to enjoy this splendid creation, they will enhance the overall experience. A few very minor details aside, this is a brilliant production and obviously highly recommended.

Superb.

To my ears The Psychedelic Ensemble´s second studio album is one of the most fresh sounding and profound releases of 2010 both thematically and musically. This synthesizer-heavy neo-prog frenzy, written mainly in minor key and played with heaps of distinctive synth effects and odd time signatures is especially powerful when added the well-crafted concept that has inspired the melodies and lyrics.

The Concept

According to it The Myth of Dying is a musical journey that follows a deceased young poet through his afterlife. Each of the nine cantos represents one step of his spirit wandering through different realms of eternity - brilliant lights, the black star, hell etc. Excerpts from famous literary sources like C.S. Lewis, William Blake, Dante and others are combined in the lyrics to support and create an original vision of the afterlife.

The Sound

Although very little is known about the solo artist who forms The Psychedelic Ensemble (as he perfers to remain anonymous) his work is outstanding. The instrumental base for almost all songs on this album are multi-layered and fast-paced synthesizer movements accompanied by longer and more psychedelic backing riffs with occasional contribution from accoustic and electric guitars. As some of percussion and bass line is also played on synths, the overall sound is rather electronic. In that sense the album reminds largely the soundscapes from Jordan Rudess´ 2007 release The Road Home and in some cases also Ozric Tentacles.

Despite heavy synths the album is still surprisingly versatile. Probably a lot of it has to do with quite original vocals and humble melodies that somewhat add oddity to this otherwise psychedelic chaos. Each song takes in a slightly new perspective. For example in The Devil´s Proffer we can hear influences from late King Crimson (Similar whiny vocal distortion. And I swear I can see Tony Levin every time I hear this bass line). The Devil´s Lament on the other hand is based on blues rock guitar riff and ends with a brilliant classical orchestral violin outro.

There is a weird but utterly enjoyable transition in the last three songs though. All of a sudden, in The Realm of the Skeptics, the sound clears out and synth melodies fade into background, leaving accoustic guitars to end the day in ELP´s Still...You Turn Me On-style. The Mysterium of the Divine serves as a short classical piano composition and the second half of The Truth of Eternity is as Pink Floydish as anything except Pink Floyd can possibly be.

Nevertheless, this piece of pie is not for everyone I´m afraid. You shouldn´t expect any virtuous guitars or drumming from this album. Rather than melodies, this release is all about richly diverse psychedelic soundscapes. You might like The Myth of Dying if you feel comfy with The Road Home by Jordan Rudess and Tarkus by ELP.

For me, this is a masterpiece and every time I listen to it, it leaves me mesmerised.

Recommended.

Well, here is an interesting piece of album. First listen to this album got me going for real, the start of the album is a modern Yes progressive rock wich is really good. Next two songs we have ELP territory all over just to move over to song nr 4 wich plays Gentle giant like no band has done since Gentle giant. Wow!

Moving on to song nr 6 and here we have Oasis playing bluesrock...what?? Song nr 7 is an acoustic piece more like Simon and Garfunkel.

This is kind of the downfall of the album, it's not very consistent. It's like ten different bands playing one song each. If the band would have sounded more like one band and tried to pull their sound together this could have been one of the best albums of 2010. When they go for Gentle giant or ELP they really shines, some pieces of this album will be favourites to me for a very long time.

For the next one, I hope they could find one style that fits together. Still, when they're good, they're really good!