GENTRY

3.5 stars. RED SAND are a Neo-Prog from Quebec and this is their second album "Gentry". I feel this is a definite upgrade over their debut and the two very long tracks that make up the bulk of this album work quite well. Both are over 18 minutes in length with a short track in between. This sounds pretty good as they use a fair amount of sampled mellotron, emotional guitar and vocals that we often hear of from this genre. I do believe this is a concept album from all the samples we get.

"Submissive" starts out with synths and gentle guitar as mellotron joins in. Reserved vocals after a minute then we can hear the street noise of barking dogs etc. as it builds. A relaxed guitar solo arrives when the vocals stop 3 1/2 minutes in. It kicks back in after 5 1/2 minutes instrumentally then the vocals return after 6 minutes. It then settles back with that gentle guitar like the intro after 11 minutes with mellotron.Vocals are back and the sound gets fuller. Some nice guitar after 14 minutes. Some passionate vocals before 16 minutes then the guitar replaces the vocals.

"Gentry" opens with a sample of an operator speaking as piano comes in then reserved vocals. Synths 1 1/2 minutes in then a fuller sound with vocals. It settles again as contrasts continue.The operator is back to end it. "Very Strange" opens with mellotron and lots of atmosphere. Drums and a fuller sound a minute in.Vocals as it picks up 2 1/2 minutes in.The tempo continues to shift on this over 19 minute song. A calm 3 minutes in as reserved vocals come in. It starts to pick up after 4 minutes. A couple of "F" bombs are dropped before 6 minutes and two more after 6 minutes for good measure. Some samples follow then it picks back up. Good sound 10 minutes in with guitar, bass and vocals shining. A calm follows. More samples as the vocals continue.The guitar cries out before 12 minutes. It settles again 14 minutes in before picking up again. "The Voice" is a sappy bonus track.

If your a Neo-Prog fan i'd very much suggest you check this album out.