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Corvus Stone: Debut
 Corvus Stone is a collaboration of artists who decided to unleash their debut album in 2013. The band members include: Pasi Koivu, on keyboards; Colin Tench, on guitar; Petri Lemmy Lindström, on bass; Robert Wolff, on drums; and Blake Carpenter, on vocals. Sonia Mota provides the mythical and dark album cover and other CD artwork.
Corvus Stone's debut album consists of mostly instrumental, progressive rock. They have endeavored to create a 21 track album full of songs that range from mere seconds to a couple over eight minutes.
Some of the short electric guitar bursts, in the first three tracks remind me of Per Nilsson's playing on Kaipa's latest releases. The piano and keys are dramatic and perfect for any fan of Yes or Mid – 80s Rush.
"Ice King", features some great Pink Floyd like themes and good vocals.
Acoustic guitar fills "Intermission", with some of the best music on the album.
"Moustaches in Massachusetts" has some great keys, flute and heavier guitars.
"Jussipussi" is the Zappa inspired song that everyone has wanted to make but didn't. Frank would have though up a special snide smile for this innovative guitar, bass and keyboard effects gem. Now wait for the bell…
"After Solstice" is another Yes/KC fans dream keyboard, bass, drum and guitar song.
On the other hand, with a title like, "The Rusty Wolf Attack", your expectations are high. Expectations fulfilled, this is a full on Bruford/Bonham drum attack. Imagine that combo and you're there.
"Lost and Found" is another song with an interesting story in the lyrics set to medieval themes and keyboard effects. Very King Crimson, even down to the drum roll ending.
"Scary Movie" is everything it's cracked up to be. Needs to be listened to in the dark while trying to find your way around the room.
"Cinema" is the big over the top ten minute epic. It opens with some signature guitar and rich keyboards. Meets and exceeds your expectations for the title in every way. A keyboard enthusiast's dream song. But the drums, bass, and electric lead will also stun and amaze. But don't get too comfortable, those big heavy bass chords. They are only the preparation for the finale which is breathtaking in its magnitude. Probably will make my list of top ten songs of the year. Definitely the instrumental list.
I can safely recommend this album as one of the better released of 2013…so far. Great debut, especially if you enjoy hearing new bands join this growing genre of talent. Thankfully they have set their own path bent on creating larger than life images with sound.
Track Listing:
1. The Curtain Rises
2. October Sad Song
3. Highway to Emptiness
4. Ice King
5. I'll Leave it All Behind
6. Corvus Stone
7. Moron Season
8. Horizon
9. Intermission
10. Moustaches in Massachusetts
11. Pilgrims
12. Jussipussi
13. Iron Pillows
14. After Solstice
15. The Rusty Wolf Attack
16. Lost and Found
17. Scary Movie
18. Cinema
19. You're So Wrong
20. Ice King (Instrumental)
21. Ten Inch Lisa
Added: March 23rd 2014
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score: 
Related Link: facebook.com/CorvusStone
Hits: 2483
Language: english
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Corvus Stone: Debut
Posted by Jon Neudorf, SoT Staff Writer on 2014-03-23 11:27:34
My Score:
Corvus Stone is a multi-national project with three core members; Colin Tench (guitars), Pasi Koivu (keyboards) and Petri Lemmy Lindström (bass). Helping them out are Robert Wolff (drums) and Blake Carpenter (vocals). This is their self-titled debut and was released in 2012.
No sense in mincing words, this is an excellent album. I had not heard the band before so I had no preconceptions going in and man have I been pleasantly surprised. There is so much going on here as the songs venture from one style to another but it does not sound haphazard in the slightest. Upbeat, melancholic, moody, dark; the list of adjectives used to describe this album could go on and on. The band mixes a variety of styles and genres but have remarkably developed their own distinct sound. The melodies are also very strong making the transitions from one genre to the next highly listenable and enjoyable.
The opening track "The Curtain Rises" is a cinematic journey through lush orchestrations and Latin style acoustic guitar flourishes. It is this contrast in instrumentation that makes this album so intriguing. "October Sad Song" is a real treat for the ears with wonderful guitar and synth interaction, stellar bass playing, and an overall progressive sound with a subtle bluesy vibe. "Highway To Emptiness" is a nice up-tempo rocker with gritty guitar work while "Ice King", the first track to feature vocals, is a much darker affair with eerie effects, dramatic lead guitar and cool synths. In contrast, "I'll Leave It All Behind" is an upbeat toe tapper of the highest order. The groove is quirkier with jazzy embellishments and a catchy keyboard melody to satisfy your melodic cravings. The band's progressiveness bursts at the seams in the title track. Pretty acoustic guitar and pastoral orchestrations float as softly as a feather before synths, crashing rhythms and soaring lead guitar take the listener on a wonderful musical journey.
The artwork (by Sonia Mota) and production is also very good. Very cinematic in scope and execution. The band really nail it in the sonic department as well.
With over twenty-one tracks and almost eighty minutes of music to digest, this is a massive album. Is it too long? Perhaps, but I won't complain too much as this is some of the best music to come out in 2012. Really looking forward to their next one.
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Corvus Stone: Debut
Posted by Colin Tench on 2013-06-11 13:06:03
My Score:
I just read this Mark. We have had some amazing reviews but very few really seem to have taken the time. You clearly did! Good reviewing is so important for musicians and readers of reviews, be they positive or negatine, or they mean very little.
All of us in Corvus Stone send you the very best wishes and thanks for this.
Also Sea of Tranquility does a huge amount for us all. Long may it thrive.
At this point I will say "Yay!"
Colin Tench
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