Escape Music [Release date 22.07.22]
Second album from Compass, the band formed by Steve Newman, who is more known for his melodic rock efforts in Newman, He is joined by vocalist Ben Green, Newman bassist David Bartlett and drummer Toni Lakush. Good to see all four involved again after Compass’s highly recommended 2020 debut.
Compass have gone even more prog on this album as ‘Theory Of Tides’ is a concept album. The album is based on the life, works, and inner turmoil of the famous astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei.
The ten minute epic ‘Mountains on the Moon’ sets the tone for the whole album, featuring plenty of keys, precise guitar riffs, a strong driving rhythm and the melodic tones of Ben Green. It is good that Steve Newman has managed to keep some of the Newman sound as it makes this album more appealing to melodic rock fans who maybe a tad hesitant giving prog rock a go.
Lovely bit of guitar riffs and keys interplay on ‘The Assayer’, the nearest to a single on the album. Oh, and a nifty little bass solo to listen out for too. ‘Once In A Lifetime’ provides a ballad, reminiscent of 80’s Rush.
The album’s centre piece is the three part ‘Laws Of Nature’ which is where the Dream Theater comparisons come in, as it tells a story through not only the music, but also through the music’s ebbs and flows. It is a classic headphones listen with the album’s finest guitar solo on ‘Laws Of Nature Dialogue I – Fly To The Sun’, with the keyboards solo not far behind!
Compass have done it again, keeping all the musical treats we enjoyed on their debut and adding even more magic & sparkle. Unlike some prog which can, let’s be honest, unravel in a mess of overlong ‘look at me’ soloing, Compass keep an eye and ear on melody at all times. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
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