SAMURAI OF PROG " THE IMPERIAL HOTEL"
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Recommendations/Featured albums
Forum Description: Make or seek recommendations and discuss specific prog albums
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=101294
Printed Date: June 08 2024 at 18:42
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Topic: SAMURAI OF PROG " THE IMPERIAL HOTEL"
Posted By: jacksiedanny
Subject: SAMURAI OF PROG " THE IMPERIAL HOTEL"
Date Posted: February 09 2015 at 14:44
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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. |
Replies:
Posted By: Gerinski
Date 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!) 
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Posted By: jacksiedanny
Date Posted: February 10 2015 at 08:19
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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.) |