Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Artrock | Heft: Jahrgang 2014, eclipsed Nr. 164 / 10-2014 | VÖ-Jahr: 2014 | Wertung: 7/10 | Label: Stereohead | Autor: AS
British composer and multi-instrumentalist John Bassett may be known to prog-affine music listeners for his activities with his King Bathmat project. His last two albums were discussed in eclipsed. Now the man from Hastings, East Sussex is back with his solo debut. "Unearth" offers ten soulfully performed, mostly melancholic, imaginative pieces, which gain their fascination through progressive influences as well as proven psychedelic ingredients. Contemplative to enraptured, but always melodically drunken harmony singing meets decided and diverse (acoustic) guitar work as well as keyboard sounds reminiscent of Canterbury. Often such solo recordings suffer from too stupid drums, which fortunately is not the case here. Possible weaknesses in this respect are at any rate strongly washed over by the infectious melody waves. In its best moments "Unearth" reminds of the first two Blackfield albums. Unfortunately the second half of the CD is not quite as gripping. Still a debut that makes you want more.
Top track: Unearth
