STATIC

DAVE KERZNER is already known to me due to the well-made Sound Of Contact debut 'Dimensionaut' from the year 2013, which shows him handling the keyboards exclusively. 'Static' yet is his second solo album in the meanwhile, where he has invited some well known collaborators to support him. It's always tricky when having such names like Steve Hackett, Nick D'Virgilio or Colin Edwin decorating the credits. Of course this is arousing interest in general. I can't get rid of the impression that this is often enough turning into a fad nowadays. No problem here, to make it clear. Reputation and instrumental skills are building one side of the coin. Though also the compositions have to convince, impress anyhow.

My conclusion: succeeded. And so Dave has added another excellent album to the prog table in 2017. His purpose is to tell a story in a melodic musical way. Hereby the further instrumental core is consisting of drummer Derek Cintron as well as Fernando Perdomo, Randy McStine and fellow SOC band mate Matt Dorsey on diverse guitars. It's a 'progressive rock opera about the clutter and chaos in modern everyday life', especially the 'hypocritical and corrupt characters in politics, media and society today'. There are enough examples to name in these days, all over the world, or what? Anyway, above 70 minutes filled with entertaining prog music, what more could one want?

When listening you will stumble upon similarities or maybe even intended references to diverse known bands here and there, needless to say. The song couple Quiet Storm and Dirty Soap Box makes my day especially, reminding a bit of the earlier Porcupine Tree days. The nice dreamy psychedelic title track sounds close to RPWL somehow. Some charming Beatles reminiscences are to detect, though overall this comes as a very unique DAVE KERZNER affair. The album grows with every minute, culminating in the epic The Carnival Of Modern Life, which shows quite an eclectic flow and a wondering mix of impressions. As for that 'Static' turns out to be a really respectable achievement, art work contributed by Ed Unitsky, also important to mention.