Sometimes musicians manage to surprise the listener with a musical direction that's a bit different from what we're used to. Sometimes they're aiming for more commercial success, or simply because they felt like it. Something they'd always wanted to do but hadn't yet. Or perhaps this is still a case of a Guilty Pleasure, liking a style of music that is actually forbidden in progressive rock circles. There are plenty of examples. Take, for example, the renowned artist Steven Wilson, who, after a number of fantastic progressive rock albums, temporarily opted for a decidedly more commercial direction. And now we have the latest album from The John Irvine Band. Known for their instrumental albums where the guitars initially took the lead, but were then increasingly overwhelmed by the use of synthesizers. These were all fantastic albums where this occurred. And now, for the first time, there's an album where the vocals are completely foregrounded, alongside the once again extensive use of synthesizers. Something that many fans will probably react to with raised eyebrows, because the music sounds a bit different from what we're used to from John. But is it all worse, many will wonder? I don't think so, because musically it's still rock solid and the craftsmanship is clearly audible. Take Me To Your Leader is clearly an album that needs a different approach! First let me introduce to the new line up. Of course the well know John Irvine (guitar, keyboards, bass, programming) and JIB mainstay Andrew Scott on drums. But the new vocal section is something else. The man that takes the foreground all the way is without any doubt lead singer Gordon Robertson. But also his assistant on backing vocals is somebody which brings a lot of variety to the table. Emma Jean is also out of this world so to speak. Both make the difference on the entire album. You could describe Take Me To Your Leader as a progressive-pop album that retains hi-tech, jazz-rock elements next to progressive rock influences. Sometimes a blend of jazz fusion with catchy, accessible melodies. Sometimes the music feels more like 80s pop than true progressive rock. Think about Howard Jones, Buggles, Phil Collins-era Genesis (Invisible Touch). On the other hand I strangely enough, while listening to the entire album, I can't help thinking about the ESP Project. This is also a British keyboard orientated progressive rock act with a strong male lead vocalist. Tony Lowe (guitars and keyboards) and Peter Coyle (vocals) are here the key members. Sometimes I hear the music of them on Take Me To Your Leader. For those who may not yet fully grasp what the music on this album represents, a song-by-song explanation might be helpful. Here we go. Album openers Wheel Of Time and Chosen One move many times in the direction of Howard Jones music wise. Meaning catchy tunes played on the synthesizers accompanied by a eighties rhythm beat. Next up tunes A.G.I. and Siddhartha have more heavy guitar parts compared to the earlier mentioned tracks. Follow up One Small Step goes back to Howard Jones and it's a witty homage to the Buggles. It features a frantic guitar solo. Next up Man In The Moon is the first of kind of ballad type of song. Back to Jones on the next piece of music titled Assembly Line. The absolute musical highlight ends the album. It's the title track and the one with the most progressive rock influences. Actually, Take Me to Your Leader, the ninth studio album by The John Irvine Band, shouldn't be judged by its first listen. You probably won't enjoy it as much as its predecessors. This album invites you to listen to it multiple times before you truly appreciate its music. I did the same, and I discovered that there's more hidden within the sometimes poppy eighties tunes than you initially think. The strong musicianship of the musicians and the album's fantastic production simply demand expert listening. Therefore, I advise all fans not to give up immediately if you don't like the music at first. Hopefully, they'll enjoy the album, like I did, just as they did the previous albums by The John Irvine Band. If, like me, you're a Howard Jones fan and liked the Buggles, this is definitely an album for you! *** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
