Stunning and epic prog from Russia. 2nd Hands is the first official release from The Gourishankar, and this four-piece, plus a few guests, have crafted a seasoned effort here that combines old school prog with modern influences. Featuring long tracks steeped in dense instrumentation and melody, 2nd Hands is a winner all around.
Opening cut "Moon7" is an intense & proggy instrumental that hints at classic Kansas as well as Anglagard, with some great keyboard sounds and guest viola. Vocals come into play on the prog-metal meets Gentle Giant quirkiness of "Endless Drama", a nice melodic track that has a strong modern feel to it, but with plenty of searing guitar and keyboard solos & melodies it hints at the vintage era. "Queer Forest" has a certain Rush flavor to it, with very textured guitar work from Nomy Agranson, stabbing synths from Doran Usher, and melodic vocals from Vlad MJ Whiner. On "The Inexpressible Chagrin" the band moves into more atmospheric, pop flavored material, but with plenty of haunting melodies that give it a Marillion or Porcupine Tree flair, and features some nice sax and flute passages. Another instrumental comes in the form of "Syx", a catchy piece with some effective synth, flute, and guitar work, as well as some nimble drum & percussion colorings from Cat Heady. Again, the viola adds a Kansas flavor, and the occasional counterpoint reminds of classic Gentle Giant. Fans of melodic neo-prog will love "...End", complete with some marvelous keyboard textures and hook laden vocals, while the closing epic "Marvelous Choice" is pure bombastic prog rock, filled with drama, symphonic passages, gentle emotion, and plenty of instrumental hot spots.
Progressive rock fans of all ages should seek out this little gem from The Gourishankar. It's epic, melodic, and just a damn good listen that will keep you coming back for more.
Track Listing
1. Moon7 (10:11)
2. Endless Drama (7:45)
3. Queer Forest (6:30)
4. Taste A Cake (1:47)
5. The Inexpressible Chagrin (6:54)
6. Syx (11:08)
7. ...End (8:40)
8. Marvelous Choice (18:16)
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