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"The Story Of Our Lives"
The Story Of Our Lives is the twelfth release from Elegant Simplicity's ’one man
band’ Steven McCabe. In 1998, the album was recorded in about two weeks and
digitally mastered on a Friday in 2000. McCabe himself handles production, writing,
recording, mastering and even the cover artwork. That is a lot of work for one man
let alone putting it all together in two weeks! This could give the impression that
the album is indeed a "simple" work, but the release is anything but simple.
The Story Of Our Lives is a single work divided into twelve sections. This is an
instrumental album, which leaves us to fill in the story for ourselves. The vocals,
however, are not missed. The music lives up to the bands billing as elegantly
simple in that all of the tracks have a nice flow to them. Even the faster pieces
are lighthearted and happy. The material all fits together well with revisited
sections weaving the album into a nicely rounded effort. Wonderful melodies can be
found here accented by some very nicely laid down lead guitar sections. Every now
and again a flute is used to establish some nice pastoral feelings. This reminds one
of an artistic ability normally reserved for classical composers.
Progressive rock fans have a way of judging all new work by comparing today's
offerings to the artists of the past. Sometimes this can even be a reasonable
indulgence. This being one of those times. Fans of seventies progressive rock are
bound to feel right at home with this album. There is a very strong Camel influence
(I found myself scanning the jacket for signs of collaboration with Andy Latimer)
along with a subtle dose of Pink Floyd and what seemed to me to be a keyboard style
reminiscent of Triumvirat on the faster ‘happier' sections. These influences are
beautifully blended and used to create a wonderful stand-alone effort that reaches
into many areas from Prog to classical and even has stylings that would not be out
of place in a new age section. The only negative I found about the album is the
"New Age" drum machine beat being used instead of a more typical Prog drummer who
might have added some nice fills and accents typical to progressive rock.
This is a fine release that is both pleasant and satisfying. I would recommend this
album to anyone who likes to sit out on the deck at night and pass the evening away
quietly listening to good music and enjoying a well- earned rest. As Steven McCabe
likes to release at least one effort per annum, the next release shouldn't be too
far away!
Rating: 8 keyboards
Reviewer: Steven J. Mynaugh
Review Date: 5-14-02
Visit the artist website
Elegant Simplicity
You can purchase the CD's from
http://www.proximityrecords.co.uk/
Additional Information
Recorded at
Proprinquity Studios, 1998
Discography:
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