Ecstasy's Memory: First Memory

Ecstasy's Memory is a solo project from seasoned Ohio prog/rock veteran of over thirty years Tony LaMonica which he himself sites as being closest to psychedelic/progressive rock, which is a pretty spot on description. The theme across the album is one of dreamy keyboard based soundscapes that are punctuated by sum roaming bass work and surprisingly sharp guitars. The end results are complex, yet relaxing songs which transport you to simpler times and less stressed days where all there all that is left to do is soak up the beauty of the land and the freshness of the air around you.

Songs such as "Morning (In The Garden Of The Ghosts)" float past in a warm haze of memories and emotions, with recorders and church organs removing the hustle-bustle of everyday life. In fact First Memory is almost like a sensual aural massage, where all the knots and tensions are removed from daily life, to be replaced with a warm satisfaction. The following track "Garden Of The Ghosts Pt. II" beefs things up slightly with a thrumming bass line adding a new texture to the layers of keys, while the guitar work in opening song "Ecstasy's Memory" is as aggressive as the album ever really gets.

Things do get a little bogged down from time to time, with "Evening At The Lake Of Stories" not quite living up to its mystical title and "The Lie That Is The World" struggling not to sound like much that has already come before on this album. The other slight downside is that this is a collection of songs you really have to be in the right frame of mind to truly appreciate, with the ever floating, breezy themes not quite cutting through unless you are able to fully give yourself to the music. In fact as background music to everyday activities, First Memory just gets ever so slightly lost.

Keyboard based progressive/psychedelic rock can be a bit of a hit or a miss affair that often leaves you feeling short changed, however on this debut effort Tony LaMonica has hinted that truly great things may be just round the corner. In the mean time there is still much to admire and enjoy in the First Memory of what is hopefully many more to come.

Track Listing
1. Ecstasy's Memory
2. Circus Of Lies
3. Morning (In The Garden Of The Ghosts)
4. Garden Of The Ghosts Pt. II
5. Evening At The Lakes Of Stories
6. All Together Now
7. The Lie That Is The World
8. Ecstasy's Memory (Reprise)

Added: May 3rd 2011
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Ecstasy's Memory
Hits: 2042
Language: english

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