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Reviews

Drifting Sun — On the Rebound
(Bandcamp no#, 1999, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 1999-11-01

On the Rebound Cover art

For their second full length release this British quintet has shed some of their harder rock approach and gone for a more keyboard heavy neo-progressive style, not unlike bands like IQ and Landmarq, but with a stronger acoustic guitar presence to counterbalance keyboardist Pat Sanders’ piano parts. In fact Sanders and bassist Manu Sibona are the only remaining members from the lineup which recorded the debut. Guitarist John Sparman delivers some dynamic rhythms and solos throughout, doubling acoustic and electric parts, while Sanders typically works in a more supportive role. New vocalist Chris Martini is the theatric, sometimes recalling Kikko Grosso of the Italian band Asgard, with all of the seemingly contrived emotional baggage that for this writer is best digested in small doses, though those who appreciate that style of singing will no doubt eat it up. On the first couple tracks there are some treated harmonies that don’t work so well, either. Fortunately the band spends much of its time in instrumental mode, and it should be no surprise that the best tracks here are “Minstrel” and “Mon Masque,” two that break the ten-minute mark and give Sanders and Sparman plenty of room to stretch out. There’s a lot of talent, hard work and promise in this band; even given the minor flaws, they are still better than most bands playing the neo-progressive field today.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 18, 1999 releases

Related artist(s): Drifting Sun

More info
http://driftingsun.bandcamp.com/album/on-the-rebound

 

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