STILL THE WATERS

Though there have been threads and threads about this subject, I'd like to make my opinion clear. Epignosis is a talented amateur who has produced a both inspired and flawed album of mellow symphonic prog that deserves to be on Prog Archives but does not deserve us to pretend it is something that it is not.

Epignosis is a moniker for a single solo artist, Robert Brown. His skills mainly lie in keyboards, guitars, and songwriting. However, on this project, due to practical constrictions, he did all parts, including bass, vocals, and drum programming. The first is more than adequate for the project. Unfortunately, the last two fail him. Which is an unfair judgment on an artist who more than anything needs a full band. A human drummer, a dedicated singer, to convert good symphonic prog compositions into a truly good debut recording and then evolve together into something inspiring for a second and third album.

The best comparison to this album is Camel, another talented but undermanned outfit that has some moments of brilliance but also some major drawbacks (mainly in the vocal department). To be fair, Robert Brown tries harder vocally than Camel, creates better melodies, but unfortunately his own vocals don't hit pitch too often and the recording suffers. One wonders if the background singer had been encouraged enough to sing lead and just hit pitch whether this project would have been that much better. Similarly, the programmed beats work well enough, but the fills often don't match the grooove of the song. Being before and the behind the beat is such a subtlety that experienced human drummers do well, but computers cannot.

My feelings are so mixed on this. I have so many recordings from folks I consider friends, some with very different moments of brilliance, but also flawed in their own ways. I have scores of my own recordings with similar traits.

Bottom line, if you are a PA member, consider Epignosis a comrade, and want to hear some symphonic prog in the style of Camel with some Kansas added in, you will not be disappointed. Those not familiar with the artist will see some glimpses of an artist who may one day find his place among the familiar names.

Good job Robert, this is a great effort. You did good. Now kick our butts next time.

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