Album review: SECOND RELATION – Eno
Long Branch/SPV [Release date 23.09.16]
Described as “progressive rockers”, this Austrian band are in fact probably difficult to pigeon hole. The title of the album might also be confusing. At first I thought it was a new offering by Eno the ambient trailblazer rather than the title track of the Austrian’s third album (following 2011′s ‘Abiona’).
Evidently lost in translation, but get past the confusion and “Eno” (the album) holds together but may appeal more to those who enjoyed the Swedish band Dirty Loops and even our own Level 42. Just add in crunchier guitars.
Throughout, there is an undoubtable jazzy and fusion hue as evidenced on the engaging ‘Labyrinth’ with its shifting time signatures and jazzy organ fills whilst ‘White Mirror’ could even be Lee Ritenour in his late-seventies commercial heyday.
‘Familiar Surroundings’ is a good example of the band’s output. The proggy passages could be Spock’s Beard but always grounded in the jazzy groove.
If Katatonia is now characterised by Jonas Renkse’s broody vocals adding a distinctive air of melancholia to the proceedings, Bastian Berchold’s jazzy vocals permeate ‘Second Relation’ and leave an indelible mark.
Apparently the band are influenced by the likes of Riverside although I can’t hear it on this showing except perhaps for the track ‘Rebirth’. If you want that reference point you probably need to return to the previous album. For the moment, if you like your prog with distinctively jazz/fusion flavours, you’ll need to investigate this. ***1/2
Review by David Randall
David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections