Isobar: II

II is the second album from San Jose based instrumental progressive rock band Isobar. Core members Jim Anderson (Bass), Malcolm Smith (guitar), and Marc Spooner (Keyboards) may be familiar to Prog Rock fans who remember the band Metaphor. II includes the drumming of Mattias Olsson (Anglagard, White Willow) and was mixed by Robert Berry who is known to progressive rock fans for his collaboration with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer in 3.

The opening “Short Story Long� has a spacey atmosphere full of clever intricate changes and interesting melodies. This is a keyboard dominated piece, but there is a drive and heaviness that lies beneath propelling the track. Even with multiple variations, nothing sounds forced or out of place, no awkward transitions. “Obstination� opens with subtle keyboards and flute sounds, but quickly transitions with Angular guitar lines teamed up with horns to give the music a Crimson-ish flavor. This is where Isobar hit their stride, the addition of sax and trumpet allow them to utilize all their powers to create a unique sound. “Social Meteor� continues with the angular approach, bass, keys, and guitar all get into the mix, yet occupy their own space, no one is stepping on any toes, they all work together well. The same can be said for the entire disc, the interplay between the musicians is excellent, and everyone stays in their lane. “Zed the Exhaler� has the band dipping their toes in a more fusion like direction with the guitar and keyboard lines and phrasing, but also has a heavy aggressive side.

A Five Part “The Jury of Ten Men Suite� has a classically influenced opening, lots of keyboards and sounds, and a nice melodic lead over the top begins around the 2 minute mark. During “The Impaler of Distortions� I wish more organic keyboard sounds were used, the synth sounds begin to wear on me a bit. “Flannel� is interesting, it almost has a surf rock vibe, a lot of guitar / keyboard interplay here reminiscent of Gentle Giant due to the various lines being played from the instruments, it’s very interesting and another song that continues to morph throughout its seven plus minutes, by the end, the Gentle Giant influence is far back in the rearview mirror.

Isobar II is music that requires multiple listens to absorb, the music and melodies will hit you after repeated listens, I promise you will be rewarded for doing so.

Track Listing
1.Short Story Long
2. Obstination
3. Social Meteor
4. Eigengrau
5. Zed the Exhaler
The Jury of Ten Men Suite
6.The Suppressor of the Archives
7.The Impaler of Distortions
8.The Impersonator of Sorrows
9.The Image Motivator
10.The Squire of Reason
11. Flannel

Added: February 7th 2022
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 733
Language: english

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