Divine Baze Orchestra, The: Dead But Dreaming

What is it that the Swedes put in the water, as they consistently churn out stunning prog rock bands? Here is another band to add to your list; The Divine Baze Orchestra who have recorded their second album Dead But Dreaming, which is absolutely stunning, being an album that is seriously skirting on the edges of being in my top 10 list of favourite albums of 2010. This is an album of musical chicanery from the opening and somewhat dark instrumental "It Came From The Stars...", these guys just ooze class. This has the hallmark of prog QUALITY written right through it; drawing on elements of the classic rock bands of yesteryear, retro sounds and vibes, being their second album, and displaying such maturity.

"They Rise" bounces along with confidence, supported by some rather dexterous drum work, strong vocal presentation, being musically retro in its approach. Eek hallmarks his guitar sound throughout the whole album, whether it is his picking or fuzz toned work, all I can say is that it is to die for. "Origins" features a very eloquent vocal approach, somewhat reminiscent of Genesis, which will have you listening with intent. "Flow/Unity" is possessed with a rather unique tone, an intelligent jazz fusion approach; haunting soundscapes that really makes this album track breathe. "What Must Be Spoken" sees a dark brooding bass line, like a mad man stalking his victim, slowly, intently and determined, as it builds to a crescendo of power, keyboard interludes layered, which changes the tone and pace. "The Cellar" keeps up that dark theme both musically and lyrically as it narrates a somewhat disturbing and twisted tale, which is really punctuated by some powerful passages. The epic penultimate track "Lastly, lament" culminates all past interactions, unifying them, offering a more beautiful musical approach, but no less intense, featuring a perfect balance of energy from all. "1927 - A homage" is a beautiful musical lament being a fitting bookend to the more powerful instrumental opener.

Throughout the whole album the band have really melded their souls in to each one of these creations, yes creations not songs; The structures are powerful and exact, every note well thought out, being perfectly placed for the listen to digest, allowing them to put their own imagery to the words. This is a band that I would love to sit down with, discussing their thought process and emotions, finding the real meaning to all this.

I am not sure if it was intentional, but what I noticed was that each track builds in length, being longer than its predecessor, with the closing piece being the shortest.

For the completist amongst us, or should that be converted, their debut album is called Once We Were Born….. Which I can guarantee you will want to track down after hearing this. If you are loving bands like Black Bonzo, then you are going to adore these guys. I need to hear more albums of this quality! Damn it the world needs to hear more albums of this quality.

If you are a 70's heavy prog freak, your bases have been covered here. Sweden…. Heavy Prog…. What more can I say? Oh Yeah…. BUY.

Track Listing
1 It came from the stars...
2 They rise
3 Origins
4 Flow/Unity
5 What mustn't be spoken
6 The cellar
7 Lastly, lament
8 1927 - A homage

Added: December 8th 2010
Reviewer: John OBoyle
Score:
Related Link: Band MySpace Page
Hits: 2742
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]