Reviews roundup – Mr Averell vs. Melted Space v. Lorne Hind 360
MR AVERELL
Gridlock
Equally Tuned
Hey, mad as a hatter folks! Come over here, I’ve got a little something for you. I’d like you to meet René van Commenée, a self taught musician who studied Indian classical music as a tabla player. And here he is with a prog tinged slab of avante garde that has several helpings of Van der Graaf Generator, with Judge Smith, Dave Jackson and Hugh Banton all making appearances. Chuck in guitarist John Ellis (Peter Hammil) and David Bowie’s pianist Mike Garson, along with primo eighties loon Lene Lovitch on guest vocals, and you end up with something that is way over there.
Now be warned. Mr Averell himself is hardly what you would call a singer. Add in swathes of electronica, some impenetrable lyrics which seem to be hippyish in tone, a couple of Amun Duul tribute numbers, and a lot of drone, and I reckon about 80% of you have left the room. The rest of you will love this, but be prepared for your loved ones leaving you in the night. The nearest thing to an out and out song is ‘Kiss The Girl’, which is where primo eighties loon Lene Lovitch (c) me, does her thing.
My favourite, though, was probably ‘Sightseeings’, with its unsettling narration augmented by some fabulous sax work from David Jackson. Keep this handy for the next time you’re seated next to the loony on the bus. It should give you time to make your escape.
MELTED SPACE
Between
Ordo Decimus Peccatu
Hurrah! It’s metal opera time! From the fantastically named Pierre La Pape. The gift that keeps on giving. This is, oh joybringer, a concept album about Romulus, Remus, gods and demons. Oh. I may have just soiled myself. It features a cast of 26 singers and musicians, including Liv Kristine from Leaves’ Eyes (pictured at bottom of page) and Ashmedi from Melechesh. And there goes pair of pants number two.
Yes, this is what I like in a heavy metal album. It’s why you’ll find me queuing up to buy Avantasia special editions and anything that mentions Nostradamus. It’s because it’s ludicrous, over the top, and mental as anything metal. Which is why I loved metal in the first place. For sure, this one has a surfeit of death growls hither and thither, but the music makes up for it. To be honest, I didn’t really manage to follow the storyline, but then I am cracking on a bit. However it didn’t matter as riff after riff shredded what few brain cells are left.
It sounds fantastic, the musicianship is excellent, and even though there are a couple of songs that don’t quite cut the mustard, numbers like ‘Dying Legend’, ‘They Were Brothers’ and the big ballad (ish) ‘Dante’s Memory’ more than make up for it. Heavy Metal!
LORNE HIND 360
Zuess
Lorne Hind 360
Lorne Hind is a young Canadian guitarist,and 360 is his trio. Together they’ve produced a second album of guitar instrumentals, which sees him taking on a variety of styles and genre,all of which are a bit fusion like. Imagine, if you will, a not quite as good Neal Schon solo album
There is no doubt that he and his trio (Tom Herczegh – drums and Andrew Buntain – bass) are accomplished musicians, but that doesn’t always translate into good writing. There are some cracking tunes here such as ‘Can I Catch You’ and ‘She Does What She Wants’, but some other tunes disappear into the world of noodle. Technically, there is some excellent work going on, and other musos will take pleasure in his guitar runs and solos.
On the plus side, it’s very melodic and a world away from the million miles an hour note picking that passes for a lot of instrumental guitar offerings. Mr Hind used to sing in a more traditional rock band, and he ends things with a nod back to those days, and takes a vocal turn on the Neil Young tune ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’. Or, as it is here, ‘Keep On Rock’in The Free World’. Good for dipping into, but not one you’d put on heavy rotation.
The Rocker - The Artist Formerly Known As Zeitgeist. TAFKAZ 
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