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Akacia -
This Fading Time : : |
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Band/artist: Akacia
Title: This Fading Time
Released: 2006
Label: Musea Records |
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Track
listing:
1. Mystery
2. DesCartes
3. Another Life
4. In the Air
5. Weatherman
6. Unfading Divine
7. January Sixth |
: : The Players : :
Eric Naylor
(vocals), Mike Tenenbaum (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Trish Lee
(keyboards), Steve Stortz (bass), Doug Meadows (drums) |
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: : This
Fading Time : :
Akacia is US-based progressive rock group, based in Massachusetts
according to what little (updated) information I managed to find on this
group. This Fading Time is their third release, and from what I could
find out facts wise their first release on Musea Records.
Musically the first word to use when describing Akacias music is retro.
Touches of music from the 70's, as well as the late 60's, is all over
this release. Production seems to enhance that feel as well, as the
soundscapes highlights the individual instruments while at the same time
having touches of that murky vibe you'll find on so many 70's releases.
But the 70's can be so much; so exactly what parts of 70's music do this
group sound like you may ask. My first answer would be yes, as in the
word and not the band.
Because the music here is a melting pot with quite a lot of elements.
The keyboards are used in a way old fans of symphonic prog will easily
recognize, while the interplay between guitar and keyboards often take
on elements psychedelic fans will nod along to. The guitar and drums, as
well as the entire rhythm section here often takes trips into jazz and
fusion territories; more jazz sounding than fusion sounding though.
Especially the mellower parts of the songs here get strong jazz vibes.
Add to that some touches here and there of early 70's hard rock tinged
with psychedelic moments; and some bluesy touches to some guitar solos,
and you have this release described.
The most remarkable
thing about this is that it sounds good. The band doesn't ramble on
changing styles with the elegance of an elephant in a hall of mirrors,
but changes, includes and moves about in the songs with the grace of an
experienced ballerina. The songs and the soundscapes are all excellently
performed. Not faultlessly, but perfectly. There are some notes that
sounds a little off key in very brief moments; but that actually adds to
the retro sound of this album, inducing atmosphere and mood.
As for the individual songs, whether you'll like them or not depends on
what type of music you like. Fans of fusion and 70's symphonic prog
should perhaps be the first to check this one out a bit more, and
especially fans of both of these styles.
The psychedelic touches here should make this one appealing to krautrock
fans as well, in my opinion.
But also fans of 70's rock in general may find this release to be
worthwhile acquiring.
Personally I found this one to be a bit above average, with "Weatherman"
and "In the Air" being my personal highlights.
Oh, these guys do it subtle and with class; but there is no denying that
these guys have a message. So hardcore atheists may not like the lyrics
here, as both God and Jesus can be heard in the lyrics.
Rating: 7 (out of 10)
Reviewer: Olav Björnsen
: : Visit the Artist’s
Website :
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: : Discography : :
This Fading Time
(2006)
The Brass Serpent (2005)
An Other Life (2003) |
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