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Reviews

TrancEnd — Lilac
(Bandcamp no#, 2023, DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2023-12-12

Lilac Cover art

TrancEnd is a band based in Asheville, North Carolina, that has hit upon a distinctive and enjoyable style. Lead singer Brittany LeAnn sometimes reminds me a bit of Bel Canto’s Anneli Drecker, and the arrangements sometimes feature electronic percussion reminiscent of such bands as Portishead, Massive Attack, and Lamb. But drummer Ian Maurus uses real drums as well, and the music sometimes ventures well outside the kind of steady grooves usually found in trip hop. The other two members of the band are Evan Maurus and Zach Maurus, both credited with guitars. From listening to the music, it seems that bass guitar and keyboards are both in the mix, but in today’s world — who knows? Touches of psychedelia and even progressive rock can be detected in the songs as well, which gives them a very appealing sound. The musicianship is uniformly solid, but it’s the songwriting that brings it to life. I don’t want to risk disappointing anyone by overemphasizing the prog element — I think it’s there, but don’t expect anything that sounds like Yes, Genesis, or King Crimson. There’s a tendency to use patterns of notes for backing instead of block or strummed chords, and the sense of drama in the transition between sections reminds me of classic prog techniques. Be that as it may, TrancEnd has produced a very fine album that deserves widespread attention.

Filed under: New releases, 2023 releases

Related artist(s): TrancEnd

More info
http://trancendband.bandcamp.com/album/lilac

 

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