FOUR

Another multi-varianted 2022 album, some fresh produce coming in from Tenk Van Dool. Okay, plus a few friends in music, needless to say, everything covered under the moniker TEMPLE OF SWITCHES again. A mixed bag, 'Four' appears rich on impressions, surprises, turns, edges. Hereby offering a real crossover of music styles, a great mix of atmospheric moody things and heavier occasions, also equipped with a touch of weirdness on top of it. And so, sooner or later, one is practically urged to find out more about the individual pieces of music. Very useful then, if you will have the accompanying PDF file at hand that is offering the particular lyrics, as well as some rather enlightening comments offered by the mastermind himself.

There is another regular contributor to consider here, not to forget. I mean drummer David White of course, who already has produced music with Tenk Van Dool in the past in one way or another. He intensively was involved in the songwriting process too. The songs are made of new material, but this is also drawing on inspirations, even recorded portions from the past in the same way. Now please, let's say welcome to the album due to the eponymously named short instrumental track that already evolves with an unpredictable flow. Showcasing the lovely Amanda Lehmann contributing the vocals for The Wind this appears in a proper Cary Grace mood, I would say. Fretless bass and nice organ are properly underlaying this charming matter. Paredolia then joins nearly in the same mood with a strong ambient, psychedelic and indo/raga feel.

To whom it may concern ... Dale's Neglected Song finally has reached for a renewal. A bit Rush infected this is culled from former recordings back in the late Eighties, when Tenk Van Dool, David White, and Dale Wiser (bass) intensively worked together. Towards the end it also shows some impressions from the original extended drum solo. Quite a lot of instruments are used for the suite The Unfurling. This may be acclaimed as the album's masterpiece by many. Certainly a challenge, especially from the compositorial point of view. This album offers an entertaining song collection. During more than 50 minutes playing time there's plenty to discover, that's guaranteed.