SAMURAI OF PROG " THE IMPERIAL HOTEL"

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

The last release was incredible.
This latest could be a future classic.

Even so, I think they are at their best on non-lp tracks they laid down for various Colossus projects.

Imperial Hotel starts with the vocals more in the Starcastle (YES) realm.  The compositions are rich -  violin & some flute ,as well as the usual. On the long title track the vocalist seems to change.The Hammond in the middle part has me thinking , "Get 'em Out By Friday".

If I have any complaint, its maybe that its a bit too verbose.

The fault of most new bands is even though they are impressive in chops, they dont know how to compose good vocal-driven harmonies. The 70s vocal harmonies are memorable - the newer bands output generally are not. (Often vocal harmonies missing altogether - they have lost the art.).
The last track is a tapestry of complex vocals, directly recalling me the track "Great expectations" from Fireballet's second lp.

ALL OVER they reminded me of some Brit band - only I cant nail it!   Druid?   No - mebbe  methought Strange Days???
Then I look up the liner notes and, guess what, a member of England guests. And, yes, THAT'S what the melodies remind me of - the old "Garden Shed" lp.

Edited by jacksiedanny - February 09 2015 at 15:56

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
jacksiedanny Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: February 05 2015 Location: Ontario Status: Offline Points: 193	Topic: SAMURAI OF PROG " THE IMPERIAL HOTEL" Posted: February 09 2015 at 14:44
	The last release was incredible. This latest could be a future classic. Even so, I think they are at their best on non-lp tracks they laid down for various Colossus projects. Imperial Hotel starts with the vocals more in the Starcastle (YES) realm. The compositions are rich - violin & some flute ,as well as the usual. On the long title track the vocalist seems to change.The Hammond in the middle part has me thinking , "Get 'em Out By Friday". If I have any complaint, its maybe that its a bit too verbose. The fault of most new bands is even though they are impressive in chops, they dont know how to compose good vocal-driven harmonies. The 70s vocal harmonies are memorable - the newer bands output generally are not. (Often vocal harmonies missing altogether - they have lost the art.). The last track is a tapestry of complex vocals, directly recalling me the track "Great expectations" from Fireballet's second lp. ALL OVER they reminded me of some Brit band - only I cant nail it! Druid? No - mebbe methought Strange Days??? Then I look up the liner notes and, guess what, a member of England guests. And, yes, THAT'S what the melodies remind me of - the old "Garden Shed" lp. Edited by jacksiedanny - February 09 2015 at 15:56

Gerinski Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Prog Reviewer Joined: February 10 2010 Location: Barcelona Spain Status: Offline Points: 5100	Posted: February 10 2015 at 07:31
	I didn't know the band and the band's name put me off, but after reading some very positive reviews I got it and I really like it, it's unashamedly retro-Prog but it's good, nice compositions with good melodies, harmonies and arrangements. Indeed the first tracks remind of Yes / Starcastle / Cathedral, while the suite sounds like Gabriel-era Genesis qith its theatrical mood. And yes, they have nice vocal harmonies (try Moon Safari's Blomljud if you like modern retro-Prog with that!)

jacksiedanny Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: February 05 2015 Location: Ontario Status: Offline Points: 193	Posted: February 10 2015 at 08:19
	Yep - theatrical mood. The title track is about a rundown Victorian hotel inhabited by ghosts (who dont seem to realize they are dead but just go on and on with their pattern whilst alive.)