BLUE RAIN

Every once in a while an album comes along that proves to be a pleasant way to ease in to your morning or a revitalizing way to decompress at the end of your busy day. If your looking for screaming guitars and soaring synths keep walking, this isn't for you. But if you would like a mellow flash of the past this just might be what you are looking for. There is a comfort in finding something that is - although new to you ' seemingly very familiar from the first spin.

What strikes you is that although this is a relatively new recording it sounds and feels like it was produced in the 60's. My immediate first perception of this was, this is what early Pink Floyd might have sounded like had they gone all singer / song writer mode on us, and then done a full album of folk tunes. But there is much more here than this alone.

Observing that this album sounds 'old' and relatively simple, in this case, is a compliment of the highest order. Given the polish of modern production and how thick, dense, and deep prog can be in many cases, the airiness, simplicity and relative innocence of these songs is quite refreshing.

And, as one of my professors once said, it is a talent and skill to make something complex seem easy. And be not fooled, while this may be in the 'alternative folk' genre, this is progressive music. Although simple on the surface, there is much going on with changes in the music. There is interesting transitions of instruments, acoustic to electric and back, vocal and musical sound effects. There are guitars and synths, yes, creatively used, but always properly restrained for our relaxation. Additionally, it seems to me that the music has some of the flavor of the kinds of different ideas that the beatles used, that on the surface seemed just wrong, and yet were so right. It is obvious that the artist here has a vision of what he wants to achieve, and it works in a big way.

I think it is worth mentioning that the singing and song writing is of high quality. Cary's voice is quite pleasant and easy to listen to. Couldn't tell you if he has a grand vocal range, but it works nicely in the realm of these songs. The lyrics, while not dwelling on the deep mind bending places that prog can often go, is thankfully not cheesy either. There is an obvious respect for the listener's intelligence, and the themes reach into our common life experiences and feelings. Works for me!

This may not be a perfect diamond but it is definitely a hidden gem. If you want to go back to a more innocent age and enjoy some folk style prog music for your down time this may be it. It is simple enough that it can be a background tapestry for your morning or evening, but at the same time it is plenty complex enough to keep you fully engaged if you choose to pay attention. As regards to this being a hidden gem, a tip of the hat to Kev for his first review of this artist. I am sure I would never have discovered this otherwise. That would have been a shame.

BTW: supposedly a third album is in the works and 'close' to being ready. I couldn't find anything to substantiate this, but hope it's true. Will be anxious to hear his follow up work!

So, let's give this 4 creatively restrained relaxing stars for defrosting a 'frozen dream of another time...'

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