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Oddleaf — Where Ideal and Denial Collide
(Bandcamp no#, 2024, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2025-05-21

Where Ideal and Denial Collide Cover art

The founders of Oddleaf were playing Early and Medieval music before they decided to try progressive rock, and this background gives the band a unique sound. Much of their music has the feeling of madrigals played with electric instruments. A short and punchy description might be Renaissance (the band) with a bit of Gryphon (the band) thrown in, though without any bassoon. I’ve encountered quite a few bands that draw inspiration from ancient modal music, like Blackmore’s Night and An Danzza, but Oddleaf takes less from 80s metal and more from 70s prog. Another difference is that the lyrical subject matter doesn’t skew towards history or fantasy. Even a song like “Back in Time” defies expectations with lines like “Feel our fingertips crystallize / Down the digital abyss / Bound to a prison for our eyes / A vortex of LEDs” — the song is in fact a longing for the simple days before Covid, not some centuries-ago fantasy realm. Musically, Oddleaf does everything right when it comes to the style (usually) affectionately called “proggy prog.” The tracks have multiple sections that flow nicely, with some touches of modern harmonic sensibilities, some electronics, and a lot of imagination, but no hints of metal. The playing is impeccable as well, and lead vocalist Adeline Gurtner has a beautiful and expressive voice with a very pure tone, not unlike Annie Haslam. The compositions are by keyboardist Carina Taurer, who wields an array of instruments both classic and modern. There’s some great organ and piano work, and the synths are used to great effect with occasional Wakeman-like flair. Taurer co-founded the band with flutist Mathieu Rossi, who doesn’t shy away from electronic treatments. Bass and guitars are handled by Olivier Orlando, and Clément Curaudeau is on drums. In short, for anyone who’s a fan of classic progressive rock, Oddleaf needs to be in your collection. This is one of the best new finds of 2024.

Filed under: New releases, 2024 releases

Related artist(s): Oddleaf

More info
http://oddleaf.bandcamp.com/album/where-ideal-and-denial-collide

 

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