DYONISOS

This is not a band, but instead is the work of Dan Cowan, an American multi-instrumentalist who for some reason is signed to the Russian Mals label. I know nothing about Dan, although I do believe that he has released some other albums as well, but this is a 2006 release and there is no title so is being portrayed possibly as a debut? Whatever the reason, this is an album that fans of classic Floyd are going to be seeking out. This mixture of instrumentals and songs show that here is a musician who not only has Dave Gilmour's guitar sound off to a tee but also has an innate understanding of the music and emotions behind 'Wish You Were Here' era Pink Floyd. It really is a great album, with passages that let the listener blissfully drift away.

From the sound I would say that the drums are programmed instead of being 'real', but they are tastefully down and are not too intrusive on the album as a whole. The more I played this the more I felt that here is an artist that the prog scene are just waiting to discover ? all power to Mals for picking up on this and releasing it, here is an album that need to be picked up upon, even if it does mean some work in sourcing it.

Before I go any further I need to confirm that I do have the title correct ? this is 'Ages High' ? not 'Aces High'. This is Dyonisos and not Iron Maiden, although it appears that virtually every web reviewer can't read either the label wesbite or the CD cover itself, never mind. So once you get over the shock that this isn't the latest compilation by everyone's favourite HM band, you can sit back and relax in this album by Dan Covan. Of course Dan is American, his stage name is that of the Greek god of wine and madness, vegetation, and the theatre, and he is signed to a Russian record label. I'm glad I've managed to clear that up..

This isn't the first time I have come across Dyonisos, as I reviewed his debut, and this is his third (and since this album he has released a fourth) and yet again I find myself enjoying it. This is an unusual album in that it never really seems to sit in any particular style, but rather happily moves around ? following whatever is the correct path. To my ears it sits mostly in the happy style of late Seventies rock but just when I feel that I am getting a handle on it off it goes again. "Passage To Evermore" is a case in point with some great layered guitar solos and rock ethic that suddenly goes full pelt into 'Animals' style Floyd. Just wonderful.

This is an album that is worth hearing, but while there are elements of Jadis and Camel (and maybe some Hackett) this isn't a prog album as such, just one that contains bits and pieces. It can feel a little disjointed at times, but when it works this really is a delight. www.mals.ru

DYONISOS is a one-man band courtesy of US multi-instrumentalist Dan Cowan, who has released 5 albums under this moniker prior to the most recent production, "Ages High", released in 2008 on the Russian MALS label.

"Ages High" is a production that requires a patient listener with an ear for and a liking of experimental and adventurous music, of the kind that appreciates a full CD that evolves slowly and surely from a starting point until it reaches a set target at the end: a musical journey if you like, or perhaps even a quest. I would guess that followers of Pink Floyd's earlier output and fans of Frank Zappa might be the ones with the greatest chance of enjoying this creation, but I would advise potential buyers to sample many tunes here before deciding. It's a challenging release in many ways, and one it will take time to fully appreciate.