VERSA

This is the 4th album from this Canadian Prog band led by multi-instrumentalist-vocalist Matthew Dulmage. This follows as a direct continuation of their previous album, A Voyage A Destination (Part 1) from 2022, but I think this album improves upon that quite good album in almost every aspect. It is a mainly instrumental album that features acoustic instrumentation (piano, flute, violin, horns, etc.) in their arrangements. It is filled with beautiful, soothing melodies and harmonies that provide a welcome respite from the harsh, aggressive, violent world around us. Most songs start plainly and simply but build with delicately intricate melodies and harmonies, as well as build throughout the album to reach impressive heights in the later tracks. Vocals are used sparingly, but quite effectively, and often treated as another instrument in the lush sound profiles, and adds substantially to the whole. Also includes contributions from some notable guest artists, including Ross Jennings (Haken), Sam Vallen (Caligula's Horse), and Michael Trew (Moon Letters). Although some have labelled this as a type of post-rock, I don't hear that at all. It's too melodic and structured for post-rock, more along the lines of New Age, but with a strong prog aesthetic and appeal. Overall, a joy to listen to, and all the tracks merge into a wonderful sonic experience, from the short Prelude to the epic-length Artemis. Best Tracks: Artemis, Destination, Flew the Coop, Breaking and Entering. Rating: 4