Silhouette Moon is the second album from the UK prog-rock collective known as Vienna Circle, and follows their 2009 debut White Clouds. Comprised of brothers Paul (guitars, vocals, piano, keyboards, orchestral arrangements) and Jack Davis (bass guitar, piano), Silhouette Moon also features Alex Micklewright (drums), Dave Waller (saxophone, clarinet), Jess Shute (flute), Patch Morrison (saxophone), and Gemma Davis (vocals).
The band play a lush, melodic neo-prog style not unlike acts such as Pendragon, IQ, and Marillion, and throughout this latest CD they do a superb job of contrasting atmospheric, often times pastoral musical settings with more aggressive passages that remind of Porcupine Tree and even a slightly less thunderous Dream Theater. It's a nice balance of styles that gives the album some great dynamics and keeps the listener on their toes. As much as I love the heavier moments, it's the soaring, lush vocals of "Envy" and "Dreams Presage" that provide the 'completely swept away' parts of Silhouette Moon, as Paul's many vocal harmonies just capture your senses and the rich musical textures surround you. Intelligently constructed keyboard layers, tasty guitar melodies (love the Talk Box guitar on "Scarlet Dance" !), intriguing bass lines, and locked in drum work all add to the enjoyment factor here, as each track flows so well into the next. "Woven Wings" has a charming, quirky feel to it that reminds a bit of Peter Gabriel era Genesis, with the dramatic mid section filled with soaring keyboards and some muscular guitar riffs. Other highlights include the epic prog sounds of "Ballad of Night", the sweeping lushness of the instrumental "Eternity", and the absolutely gorgeous "Together".
Much of Silhouette Moon is richly beautiful and so melodic that it will fill your heart with joy, though some songs could have used a few more uptempo passages, especially towards the back end of the CD. Regardless, Vienne Moon have put together a very pleasant and enjoyable little concept album here that signals their status within the prog rock community is certainly on the rise. Throw in a bonus DVD that contains a near 60 minute 'making of the album' documentary, showing the band in the studio with Producer Tom Davenport, and you have a very charming overall package. Recommended.
Track Listing
1. Strangers
2. Envy
3. Dreams Presage
4. Scarlet Dance
5. Woven Wings
6. Ballad of Night
7. Sea
8. Eternity
9. Together
10. Departure
Bonus DVD
Includes a feature length "Making of Silhouette Moon", bonus material and the original album trailer
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