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DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION (DBA)

Skyscraper Souls

(2017 – MAGICAL THINKER RECORDS – UK)

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http://www.downesbraide.com/

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Third full release by the ever talented duo Geoff Downes (Buggles, Asia, Yes) and Chris Braide (singer, songwirter, producer from UK who moved to Los Angeles and has worked with a long list of stars) with a very special guest list. Appearances by Andy Partridge (XTC), David Longdon (Big Big Train), Tim Bowness (No Man, solos), Kate Pierson (B52’s), Marc Almond, and for the first time a real rhythm section (DBS’s first and second releases were beat programmed) including Ash Soan on drums (Trevor Horn, Squeeze, Faithless, Del Amitri…)  and bassist Andy Hodge. This is the biggest change in sound.

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While previous output had a mix of techno pop, Alan Parsons presence, and plenty of art rock, ‘Skyscraper Souls’ carries on that same chemistry with the addition of some progressive rock (YES). There is plenty of beautiful ballad and lush pop, but to my ears, this sounds like a more mature version of The Buggles, extending their range with more progressive touches and exploring the Alan Parsons world. A varied set of singers (mostly with Chris Braide, who often sounds like Colin Blunstone), even female backup vocals, forward moving rhythm, distinct keyboards, it’s all there.

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I do have two complaints. One being that they waste Tim Bowness, using him on background vocals of all things (‘Lighthouse’). I could barely tell it was even him. The next slight problem is the one so called ‘progressive rock’ piece, that is also the only extended piece (at 18:08), the title cut called ‘Skyscraper Souls’. As much as I hate to say it, this piece went on far too long for it’s own good. It developed nicely, and sounds fine, and at times it thrills, but the end section just does not know when to cut off. I listened several times but it still came close to nearly irritating me how they kept pausing, then bringing it back, then again and again. As if the song would never end. So other than those two things, I was extremely happy with the project. And as a bonus for all us collectors, Roger Dean did the art on this multi foldout digipak with booklet inside.

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I enjoyed the guitars, mandolin, sleigh bells and backing vocals of Andy Partridge (who appeared on four tracks).  His performance on ‘Darker Times’ (track 8) will never leave your head. Well worth the money alone. ‘Finale’ (last track) has more Partridge guitar work which is a true gem. I found 98% of the entire album addictive, captivating, ear tingling, and memorable. Simply gorgeous compositions, well written, sweetly arranged, pristinely produced, and flawlessly performed. I’ll forgive the overextended cut, and the sad misuse of Tim Bowness, as only a critic would probably gripe about these things. RECOMMENDED.

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Reviewed by Lee Henderson 12 – 30 – 2017

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BIG BEAUTIFUL NOISE
 

A  magazine focused on inventive, progressive, and creative music in any genre that stands out from the rest
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This magazine exists on kind donations and music related advertisements (although the ads are limited and in no way accepted for favors in reviews). All funds are used to pay for website, domain, and the endless hours of work that is required to keep the reviews and various information  in process. Any donation is extremely appreciated. Thank you.
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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