Exposé Online banner

Exposé Online

Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
Covering music from the fringes since 1993.

Reviews

Deambra — Deambra
(DSM PGRK001, 1996, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 1997-02-01

Deambra Cover art

This Southern California five-piece of veteran session players is led by guitarist Alex Deambrini. It was no surprise to learn, in their bio, that vocalist Jonn Ross has done studio work with Jon Anderson — in fact it was the first connection this writer made between Deambra and their potential list of influences. Add to that list Genesis and Marillion, and "California Sound" bands like The Eagles and Firefall. The result is a very accessible radio-ready 'progressive' sound, extremely well played and meticulously produced. Deambrini and keyboardist Wayne Peet tend to share the spotlight during the instrumental passages, although most of the writing is credited to the former; Peet's Yamaha organ with Leslies definitely adds a nice touch to many of these tunes. Despite their somewhat mainstream sound, their influences (save the Yes-like vocal harmonies) are very well absorbed, and they present a very fresh, up-to-date, and thoroughly melodic style. Standout tracks include the closer "Fountain of Hope," the Yes-inspired "Sound of the Ages," and the soulful "Evolution," which seems to exhibit a bit of Steely Dan influence. Overall, this may be too mainstream for hardcore progheads, but if one approaches Deambra armed with that knowledge, the ten songs herein are definitely enjoyable.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 11, 1996 releases

Related artist(s): Deambra

 

What's new

These are the most recent changes made to artists, releases, and articles.