With the all-telling title One the English collective Random Option releases their first album. We find all kinds of well-known and lesser-known names in the included info but it is clear that we are not dealing with rookies, the band consists of: David K Jones on bass, guitar and keyboards, Brian Hulse on guitar and keyboards, James Cooper on drums, Antony Wretham on keyboards and John Wilkinson as their vocalist. You might know some of the names from British Genesis tribute band Mama or other collaborations with Tim Bowness, for example. I know singer Wilkinson from the Italian Ellesmere and his voice is indeed closely related to that of Phil Collins. Everything seems to indicate that we are going to hear typical British prog and that creates high expectations. The album contains eight tracks and there are a few nice long ones among them. Also, the fact that a lot of keyboards are used seems to indicate an album that could be highly regarded by many who have a warm heart for the prog of the 70s. Well, there is certainly some truth in that. Of course, Wilkinson's voice is a first confirmation, he sings excellently and leaves quite a mark on the music. Yet the instrumental parts are also well done and it is indeed a feast for keyboard fans. Will the guitar be snowed under? No, but despite several solos, Hulse cannot completely convince me. His style is not a direct copy of Steve Hackett's but leans towards it and Steve Howe has probably been a source of inspiration as well, just listen to the beginning of opener Tommorow. Jones' bass work also has a Chris Squire edge that makes Yes shine through in this particular track. The tracks are quite different and range from pure prog to fairly light, cheerful pop. That makes the album a bit inconsistent for me. A track like Autumn Song is very "poppy" and could have been on a Phil Collins solo album. On the other hand, the more than thirteen minutes long Redemption is a real ode to classic British prog and is strongly reminiscent of Genesis in their most progressive period without being a flat out copy. Cooper's complex drumming forms a perfect foundation for this varied song. On a thick layer of keys, Hulse can let his guitar shine and Wilkinson even shifts a bit towards Peter Gabriel in terms of voice. For me the most beautiful song on the album. Keyboardist Wretham shows here that he knows his classics but also adds a contemporary touch to his playing and sound. Along Similar Lines is a somewhat shorter instrumental with alternating main roles for keys and guitar without really ripping solos. The short As blue as the Sky is a quiet song with a tight rhythm and floating keyboards and a short, tasteful guitar solo and forms a nice transition to the aforementioned highlight Redemption. While listening I come across many well-known melodies but with their own signature. It all sounds very familiar and it is clear that we are dealing with experienced and trained musicians. Tracks like One and World Is Changing are both quite long and again exude the atmosphere of the now too often mentioned Genesis and you can't avoid hearing Phil Collins. Of course, Wilkinson can't help that, he just sounds like that. The backing vocals and the often used doubled vocals also contribute to that recurring comparison. Let's be honest, there are Genesis albums that I don't like as much as this album by Random Option and that's just a big compliment to these guys. The compositions are just well put together and the somewhat flat character of some tracks is a choice of the band. Every time I listen to the album I get a feeling of nostalgia and the need creeps up on me to pull out some older albums. Does this mean that it sounds dated? Not necessarily, it sounds contemporary and fresh, but the atmosphere is related to the big names already mentioned. It is melodic and easy to listen to, but in terms of dynamics, more could be done. It doesn't really rock and the tempo remains mostly low, but it is still grand and compelling here and there. It is also intriguing and that is the biggest plus of this album, there is a lot to discover. There is a lot of attention to detail and there are many subtle nuances incorporated in many of the tracks. Unfortunately, those nuances are not reflected in the cover, what a meaningless picture that is. However, that should not prevent this album from making a good impression and is possibly only the beginning of something beautiful. ***+ Erik Fraanje (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
