Not that long ago I wrote the review of United Progressive Fraternity's third album, Planetary Overload Part II, Hope (2023, see review). It was my introduction to Mark Trueack, who had his own project in the form of United Progressive Fraternity. He also sings in the band Unitopia. Nowadays UPF will not make music anymore because Unitopia has new life, after a split a few years ago. Apparently the hatchet has been buried. You can read some reviews of albums from Unitopia on the website of Background Magazine. This time Mark Trueack found the opportunity to make a solo record in the form of an EP. He needed some money to recover his restaurant in Thailand, where he lives now. The weather was not that good so everything was damaged. So the idea was born to create some new music. The music has been written by a few friends and was played by a lot of other friends. Too many to mention. I will tell you something about the music. It start with Show Me How. The music is a bit familiar with United Progressive Fraternity. It all starts with easy keyboards, recognizable but that will help you into the music. A bit further you can hear keys in the vein of synthesizer greatest and the lyrics are about the devastating area where Mark lives. He reflects if he did the good things and tell us that he changed his lifestyle during his life. It is a lovely song driven by the keys, but has also beautiful violin episodes, played by Steve Unruh (Unitopia). Then it is the time for What We've Done, the longest track on this release, more than nine minutes long. Directly in the intro there is Steve again with his violin. It all sounds a bit like an orchestra. After this the piano takes over, together with the voice of Mark, telling that the choices we as humans make, are not always the best for our planet. On the albums of United Progressive Fraternity this themes stood central in the total project, so I have to admit that lyrically it is a repeat of earlier stuff, and that is shame. Musical wise it is something else, because there is a big role for Steve his violin, and he can play so extremely well and beautiful, it touches me again and again. Halfway there is a kind of playing together between piano and violin, done nicely. Then it is time for a trumpet, it fits perfect. And yes, then we hear an acoustic guitar after which the orchestrations are back. It even feels like a fairytale. Over all it is a good song. The third one then, So Fragile. It is a soft song, laid back and with some background choirs and a bit sweet, but totally okay. Reality is the penultimate song and starts with a pan flute. The sung lyrics touches you deeply, carried by music that is really created to be supportive. Go and listen for yourself. The last one then, Save Us. Starting with keys and a little choir is always entertaining. It is good to hear some drumming and bass playing, so the rhythm section has a spotlight for some moments. You can also hear some electric guitars, should not get any crazier, haha. Also this song is pleasant for the ears and a good album closer. So as you can read, this is not a progressive rock album. It has everything to do with world music. I think that is the best word to describe what has been created. In my opinion it is good to be reviewed because it is really good music and has a message for everybody. Please think about life and the choices to be made to be good for the planet. No five stars because sometimes you miss the rock music, but four stars out of five is not a bad score at all. **** Michel Stolk (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
