Sylvan, Nad: Monumentata

The ever-busy singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Nad Sylvan returns with his latest album for InsideOut Music, Monumentata. Appearing with him on his latest musical journey include: Tony Levin (King Crimson), Randy McStine (Steven Wilson), Nick Beggs (Steven Wilson), Jonas Reingold (Steve Hackett), Lalle Larsson (The Flower Kings), Mirko De Maio (The Flower Kings), Joe Deninzon (Kansas), Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats), and others.

The album opens with "Secret Lover", a pretty heavy track, good guitar riffs from Randy McStine, great vocals from Nad (fans of early Phil Collins will love this), Marco Minnemann on drums, Jonas Reingold on bass, David Kollar on lead guitar. It's followed by "That's Not Me", which also rocks hard, more prominent use of keyboards here from Nad, who also plays all guitars. The great Tony Levin on bass, and Mirko De Maio on drums. Another really good song. Love how Nad's vocals are like the perfect blend of Peter Gabriel, Phil, and Fish. Next up is "Monte Carlo Priceless", a mellower song, with lovely vocals over lush acoustic guitar and light keys. More pop comes in the form of "Flowerland", though there are some prog flourishes, and tasty slide guitar from McStine. Fans of Wind & Wuthering era Genesis will like this one. "Wildfire" is more of an upbeat track, great vocals from Nad, Nick Beggs on bass, MM on drums, and Lalle Larson on the synth solo. It's another strong Genesis-flavored track.

On the back end of the album, we have "Make Somebody Proud", a totally groovy track, musically pretty complex, with a fun and playful vocal from Nad, tasty David Kollar guitar solo, and the always excellent Jonas R pumping on the bass. Really dig this one. "I'm Stepping Out" is another more groove-laden track, with a catchy chorus...this one isn't prog, but it's a memorable number. Love the dreamy Joe Deninzon (Kansas) violin solo! "Monumental" features gorgeous piano from Nad, an emotional vocal, and some silky bass from Tony Levin. It's ultimately a dreamy pop song, and a good one. Again, those who like the latter '70s Genesis output will love this. Closing out the album is "Unskillable", with Nad doing it all on this quick little quirky piece, nice rhythms, playful vocals...a fun track, with some catchy hooks.

Monumentata is an enjoyable album from Nad Sylvan. Vocals are spot on, instrumentation is very good throughout, and I like that he throws some different styles at you. Easy recommendation to anyone who has followed his solo output or loves late '70s Genesis.

Track Listing
1)Secret Lover
2)That's Not Me
3)Monte Carlo Priceless
4)Flowerland
5)Wildfire
6)Make Somebody Proud
7)I'm Stepping Out
8)Monumentata
9)Unkillable (bonus track for CD)

Added: August 30th 2025
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 118
Language: english

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