SOLITARY WITNESS

Since my experience with Landmarq newer album "The Vision Pit" that disappointed me even with some more spins, I gave up with the band after a friend of mine lent me this debut album. Wow! It's totally different experience as I found this album is much more inspiring and therefore much more attractive than the "Vision Pit" album. Through "Solitary Witness" Landmarq delivers what neo prog music should perform. Yes, the music is basically keyboard driven and it flows in natural way from on segment to another with relatively smooth transition pieces. The opening track "Killing Fields" (4:51) clearly demonstrates what good neo prog music should sound. It blends keyboard work and guitar in a nice way, using tight basslines. There are also heavy parts delivered by Landmarq through this track, using guitar as a main driver. It flows nicely to next track "Forever Young" (8:51) where the keyboard still serve as dominant factor in rhythm section with some interesting solo. The same vein is replicated nicely through the next track "April First" (4:53).

The fourth track sees the band in different style of music where the guitar is played thicker than the previous tracks. "Foxing The Fox" (6:35) contains keyboard as main rhythm section and the music flows in a style similar to Queen's "Innuendo" (song) especially in the way keyboard is played. But the role of guitar to accentuate the song is very noticeable. The next track "Terracota Army" (3:32) is another good one with good guitar work combined brilliantly with keyboard. "Freefall" is an excellent instrumental work. The most inspiring song is "Suite: St. Helens" (9:40) especially with its brilliant opening using piano touch combined with multi-layered keyboard work with the music that moves dynamically. What follows is a nice guitar solo backed with keyboard as rhythm section. The stunning guitar solo takes long duration augmented by tight basslines until it reaches break at approx minute 3:30 where the music turns to slow with piano and guitar fills. The vocal line enters in mellow style backed by bass guitar and soft piano touch. It's really a beautifully composed music. This is an excellent track, definitely!

Overall, this is an album with a solid composition and excellent performance. Fans of neo progressive rock will definitely love this album. Three and a half star. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW (i-Rock! Music Community)