Album review: ESP – Invisible Din (Tony Lowe, Mark Brzezicki)

ESP - Invisible Din (Tony Lowe, Mark Brzezicki)

Sunn Creative [Release date 11.11.16]

ESP is an interesting collaboration as it features producer/guitarist Tony Lowe and Big Country drummer Mark Brzezicki, the latter maybe not someone you’d associate with progressive rock. Tony Lowe composed all the music and Alison Fleming co-wrote the lyrics with him. There are some notable guests including Lifesign’s John Young, David Cross (ex-King Crimson), Phil Spalding (Elton John/GTR/Mike Oldfield) and Steve Gee (Landmarq).

The album’s story is based around a man’s memories of his childhood illness and a ghostly, healing presence as he ventures into an astral world (Alison Fleming provides the voice of the Ghost throughout the album).

Pink Floyd is the one band that kept coming to mind when listening to this album, from the Floyd-esque musical arrangements on ‘Overture’ and then the Gilmour approved solos on ‘Through The Dream’. The sax and flute playing of David Jackson (ex-Van Der Graaf Generator) weave in and out of the songs he appears on, none more so than on ‘Overture’. Adding this to the musical mix gives it another dimension and works well within the album’s overall sound.

Little bit of jazz/prog on ‘Quiet Days’, not my personal cup of musical tea, however the musicianship is again top notch. Camel (‘Nude’ onwards) would be another musical reference point, as ESP – like Camel – pay lots of attention to the musical detail on each song they create.

The symphonic/big sound created make this album one that will stand up to repeated plays. Interesting listen and it certainly grabs the listener’s attention taking them on a marvelous musical journey. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Related>
Album review (Bram Stoker)
Album review (Tony Lowe & Alison Fleming)

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 6 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 8 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

IZZY REIGN Spooky Scary Skeletons (FiXT)
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)