CORVUS STONE II

If any progressive release should be labeled as "eclectic", than it's this fine second release form the multi-national Corvus Stone. Let's see what I hear: Zappa, Moody Blues, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Utopia, The Beatles, salsa, flamenco, classical guitar, dark blues, Strawbs, Haken, Ambrosia, and probably more that I can't recall at this moment. You would think that with this much diversity an any release, the artist would be straining to pull it off. But Colin Tench and the rest of the amazingly talented musicians have no problem doing just that. From the opening sounds of The Simple Life wiith its Beatles leanings, to the rocking Purple Stone (Deep Purple influence overt here), to the brooding Finnish sounds of Camelus Bactrianus, to the short interludes between the longer pieces, this album never has a let down. I don't feel any temptation to skip over any of the 16 tracks. If I have to play favorites, the vote would go to The Simple Life, Camelus Bactrianus, the Strawbesque Moaning Lisa, and the Finnish mellow closer Campfire. I don't know the translation for either of the Finnish language songs, but they are highly enjoyable. Along with IQ Road of Bones, this has been getting the most airplay around my house in the desert. I can see why it has been getting such great reviews on ProgArchives. The hardcore members of the band along with special guests such as Sean Filkins, Blake Carpenter, and Timo Rautiainen have shown they can combine superb musicianship with eclectic prog sensability with a touch of goofy mirth to create one of the year's best releases. Thanks to Colin Tench for letting me listen to the digital download of this great release. And cheers to the artist who made the beautiful cover, Sonia Mota. A prog album without interesting art is a sad thing. 5 stars!