|
The Tangent is Andy Tillison, the line-up changes quite frequently, but as he always hooks up very talented musicians the music don't suffer. And perhaps the input from different involved musicians is essential for The Tangent...
You hear some Morse code which is picked up by the keyboard and so The Tangent lead you into The Wiki Man, a 20+ minute long tune. Guitarist Luke Machin is back and as his play fits in perfectly, his return is more than welcome. Tillison's keyboard-laden retro prog get spiced up with some jazzy elements. Theo Travis is responsible for the saxophone and flute parts which are well embedded in the keyboard-laden sound. Lyrically COMM is about communication, and the fivesome communicate perfectly on this album. Especially the 'conversation' between Tillison and Machin is awesome - just listen to The Wiki Man! At The Mind's Eye Tillison and Machin are presenting a duel for which drummer Tony and bassist Jonathan Barrett lay the playground. This one is more guitar-based and rocks more than the opening opus. For Shoot Them Down they slow down, especially the opening passage of this balladesque tune is enchanting. The flute at Tech Support Guy adds a Tull-ish edge to the song, but then it's the vocals which hook you up. This track is the shortest on COMM, but pure fun! A good choice to check out COMM, even if it shows just one side of The Tangent.
The closer is another long track, it's called Titanic Calls Carpathia. Slowly they head into this one, the tune had a dramatic edge, first symphonic, then it becomes a dramatic prog rocker. The sad undertone fits perfect, for me the best tune on COMM. But at the end of the day it's a matter of taste. I might dig it more then the others, coz some vocal passages remind me of Asia's Wildest Dreams - and I always loved John Wetton's vocals.
The Tangent stick to their guns, the songs sound familiar without repeating themselves. Thanks for this entertaining piece of sophisticated music!
|
|