4

Don't care much about an imaginative album title ... when your music is appealing ... simple as that. At least it's quite a subtle reference that we have the band's fourth album in consideration here. With every instance they are going for a more multi-dimensional attitude. Some significant trademarks are stable, let it be Alex Crispin's unmatchable vocal part for example, or the jazzy and partially Middle East flavoured wind instruments contributed by Nicholas Whittaker. This exemplarily proves the track Chroma. Line up and overall feel have remained over the course of time. Nevertheless they fortunately are trying to avoid standstill, always want to go further in composition and sound.

Thus being motivated by many positive reactions regarding the previous 'Arc' album the DIAGONAL crew intended to take advantage of the momentum, and went into the studio for some new recordings very soon. That's the main reason that it solely took a two year gap for a new one this time. A good move in any case. As for the global impression, on this occasion you will detect more psychedelic elements within the sound. Where the title taken for the opening song Amon actually appears as a reference to the German krautrock band Amon Düül II. Must admit, I (yet?) don't really can get it, this is a bit of a stretch. Nevertheless here we have a fine and typical DIAGONAL song, though featuring a rather kosmische ambient finishing anyhow.

And then the instrumental Stellate mutates to another excellent heavy psychedelic tinged tune, provided with a proper jamming attitude. The closing Totem makes the long track. Showcasing an extended relaxed period at first, underlaid with a looping guitar figure and ethereal vocals. But this is gradually evolving into a somewhat thunderous finale. 36 minutes playing time, eh, due to the extraordinary entertaining compositions that passes so quickly. Hopefully there will come more soon. Why not taking advantage of the positive flow again? On the other hand, if needed please take your time DIAGONAL, in order to offer something substantial once more. By the way, if this meets your taste, I strongly recommend to check out the side project BARON, headed by Crispin and drummer Luke Foster, soundwise a tad more mainstream rock oriented.