For their debut disc, Greek trio Verbal Delirium has decided to make you think a little bit. As you listen to this disc it is hard not to imagine some of the great progressive and rock and roll bands of the past yet they put a new spin on a sound that is familiar and certainly captivating at times. It is hard to keep from thinking of The Pineapple Thief, Supertramp, The Beatles and a host of other groups that have been major influences on so many.
Starting out with a haunting piano instrumental called "Ervelet", keyboardist Jargon who is also the lead singer sets a tone of melancholy that permeates the whole disc. I am not saying that this album is a downer, far from it. It is like looking outside during a rainstorm instead of the bright sunshine. There is a beauty and sadness at the same time with what you are viewing. So Close and Yet So Far Away is much like that. It is a terrific album to curl up with and enjoy with your favorite beverage in front of the fireplace.
When the title track "So Close and Yet So Far Away" hits you, it hits you with a blast of guitar that will make you think that this is going to be some metal to the max. Sorry, they give you a tinge on here but the band blends their brashness with a melodic approach that borders on AOR. Think Muse with a little bit of Spock's Beard and you will get the idea. All this adds up to a song that is hard to get out of the brain ones it enters. These guys have a knack for catchy melodies and the remainder of the album is filled with these fun, popish tunes that go down well. Never too harsh they have a mild yet still electric approach while blending in some terrific keyboard work throughout.
You cannot help but enjoy this disc. The music is terrific and the vocals of Jargon are extremely seductive in a Justin Hayward, Ed Roland sort of way. I would not be surprised to hear these guys on the radio very soon as their mainstream approach to progressive rock is hard to resist. Songs like "Lullaby" which could have been a Collective Soul number and the heaviest piece "O.K." are two examples of how broad an artistic range they use to mold the sound of Verbal Delirium and it should translate into a fan base that will not be defined by one genre. Prog metal fans, mainstream and AOR listeners will all find something to their liking.
This one is a great listen. With brilliant musical ability, Verbal Delirium delivers a disc that can be enjoyed time and time again. I have been trying to figure what it is that sets them apart and the best that I can give you is this album has class. It also has a maturity that makes the old guys like me keep hitting the repeat button as I pull out the cappuccino machine instead of going for just a cup of coffee.
Track listing:
1. Ervelet
2. So Close and Yet So Far Away
3. Dancing Generation
4. Lullaby
5. They
6. Erased
7. Time
8. The Scene Remains
9. O.K.
10. Reprise
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