Starting a review about an EP by new British Folk Prog Metal band Albion with Jethro Tull seems weird, but it isn't. The big man behind Albion is Joe Parrish-James, a gifted guitarist, flautist and singer who is now also the new guitar player of Jethro Tull. A great choice by Ian Anderson who really promotes his new band member on the Jethro Tull website. And right he is! What Joe Parrish-James does with Albion is in my (maybe not so) humble opinion nothing more than sensational. Joe is a classically trained musician, arranger and composer who together with Jack Clark - guitars, Peter Szypulski - bass and Mikey Ciancio - drums, combines the true spirit of age-old folk music with rock, prog and metal. I got my hands on the first EP Pryderi by Albion (not the Albion Band) and was totally blown away. Pryderi is A four-track EP that traces the life of the character Pryderi through four stories or branches' of the Welsh legends that comprise The Mabinogion, a few medieval poems. Starting subtle with acoustic guitar and flute the music gets heavier with beautiful vocals by Joe. Bass and drums are tight as a rock and the twin guitars work wonders. Tender moments change to proggy elements and the metal influences are outstanding. I simply can't stop listening to this EP. All 'branches' are stunning. This is jaw dropping music by four brilliant musicians. Go to Bandcamp and give this EP a listen. I'm sure you'll buy it. And if you're there, also check the fantastic song Glyndŵr Rising (13:50 min). Combine them and you have a fantastic album. Epic! ***** Arne van Os van den Abeelen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
