Most people find history lessons incredibly boring and would rather do something other than listen to a teacher read aloud from a book. But what if there was a nice bit of progressive rock to accompany it? As you can hear, for example, on the double album released by the British act Riffstone. They brought the life story of King Richard III to life in this way, as you can hear on their double album Richard III. On this release they succeeded in finding the right combination between narration and progressive rock. A great storytelling is brought to life in a perfect way if I may say so! Let me tell you who are behind this new musical project and what the album is all about. Dave Allen (Spirergy - Hoylake, Wirral) and Colin Powell (A Multitude of One, Nova Cascade - Salford, Greater Manchester) are two UK-based multi- instrumentalists who decided to work together as Riffstone. For those who want to know what each of them is doing on this album I will tell you who did what on this double album: Dave Allen: Composition, Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Bass, Programming Colin Powell: Composition, Vocals, Narration, Keyboards, Guitars, Bass, Programming, Production, Mixing, Mastering To understand the story on which this album is based, I will give you some history facts as well: Richard III (2 October 1452 - 22 August 1485) was King of England from 26 June 1483 until his death in 1485. He was the last king of the Plantagenet dynasty and its cadet branch the House of York. His defeat and death at the Battle of Bosworth Field marked the end of the Middle Ages in England. There were two major rebellions against Richard during his reign. In October 1483, an unsuccessful revolt was led by staunch allies of Edward IV and Richard's former ally, Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham. Then, in August 1485, Henry Tudor and his uncle, Jasper Tudor, landed in Wales with a contingent of French troops, and marched through Pembrokeshire, recruiting soldiers. Henry's forces defeated Richard's army near the Leicestershire town of Market Bosworth. Richard was slain, making him the last English king to die in battle. Henry Tudor then ascended the throne as Henry VII. You'll have to know that the concept about the life and legend of England's most controversial king was originally written and recorded by Allen. It was a personal project for his wife who is a devoted Richard III enthusiast. Why a new version you might ask yourself. Mainly because Allen was inspired by Powell's acclaimed work, A Templar's Tale. I don't know how the original version sounded, but I can tell you that this version written by the two musicians is a rather entertaining musical journey through the life and times of Richard III, the much maligned King of England. All of the 14 tracks on this double album are of a very high level. I will not go through each track separately and tell you what you hear music wise and what happens in the life of this king. That would make this review even longer than it already is. But I can tell you that the music most of all reminded me of Mike Oldfield. Especially his guitar work. Also Genesis comes to mind. I am of course not referring to the period of Invisible Touch (1986), but more to albums such as A Trick Of The Tail (1976) and Wind & Wuthering (1976). And when both musicians sing together some great harmony vocals the British act Yes comes to mind as well. As for the narration and concept it is easy to think about Rick Wakeman and his concept albums released in the seventies. Albums such as Journey To The Centre Of The Earth (1974) and The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table (1975).Maybe music wise as well, but don't expect too much of the typical Wakeman Minimoog sound. Even though it is there sometimes! Perhaps it's also worth mentioning that Steve Hackett might be an inspiration to both musicians. Somebody else who hears this kind of music might come up with other names as well. Hopefully this indication gives you a good reference what the music on the 14 compositions sound like. It if you are not convinced yet, just listen to the music on their Bandcamp page. As for the artwork and design, I can tell this is taken care of in a very good way. In a lavishly illustrated 16-page booklet the story is very well explained and features nice pictures. You can sing-a-long as well because all the lyrics are included. Hopefully, this musical marriage between Powell and Allen will lead to many more wonderful collaborations. Because what these two amazing musicians deliver together just begs for more. It's easy to say that together they bring out the best in each other. They complement each other perfectly and create a perfect musical harmony. Riffstone's debut is definitely one to be proud of. And therefore highly recommended for fans of progressive rock, especially Mike Oldfield, Genesis, Yes, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Hackett. That's why I can only recommend Richard III. The nearly ninety minutes of music never bore. And that's how it should be. **** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
