Art Griffin’s Sound Chaser: Approaching Translucence

2022’s The Seven Ages of Starlight was my initial exposure to multi-instrumentalist Art Griffin’s Sound Chaser, an all-instrumental Progressive Rock album that included my favorite musical combination, guitar (Kelly Kereliuk), and violin (Victoria Yeh). Mr. Griffin does not disappoint on his latest Approaching Translucence as that combination is ever-present and fiery throughout. Griffin writes all the music and lays down thick and throaty bass lines propelled by two fabulous drummers: Marco Minneman and Todd Sucherman. If that’s not enough, Randy McStine (Steven Wilson) also guests on a few tracks, a star-studded cast bringing the music to life.

After the atmospheric intro, the band launches into the title track and Kereliuk and Yeh get to show their stuff. Griffin’s playing will remind you of Chris Squire at times, his bass is prominent and powerful in the mix. A good rocking track with memorable lead melodies, and I like when Griffin plays in unison with the guitar melody. Keyboardist Marco Luciani adds cool synth runs at the end of the song. Yeh’s violin sings during “So Fine�, and the song is elevated with a wonderful B3 solo (and various keys) from the one and only Derek Sherinian.

My favorite track is “Your Personal Panacea�, I love the feel and playing, and Griffin’s bass slices through. This is one of the heavier pieces featuring incredible guitar and violin solos, and the keyboard line is infectious. If that’s not enough, let’s add synth and let all three instruments trade licks, talk about putting a cherry on top!

Check out Art’s basslines in “The Yin and the Yang�, you’ll feel those in your chest. Yeh and Kereliuk are stunning here too, check out the guitar at the end, pure firepower. As a lover of instrumental music, Approaching Translucence hits all the right buttons and keeps the energy level at 10.

Track Listing
1. In The Grand Scheme of Things
2. Approaching Translucence
3. So Fine
4. Your Personal Panacea
5. The Universe Has Its Ways
6. Stormbringer
7. Approaching Translucence 2
8. The Yin and the Yang
9. Chordal Mover Pts 1 & 2

Added: November 25th 2025
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 356
Language: english

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