Northern Ireland based band INDIGO PRIME is a 6 men and women strong unit that was formed in 2010 with Belfast as their base of operations. “From Dresden to Damascus” is their debut album, and was self-released by the band in 2012.
Now I’ll readily admit that I’m not the perfect guy to review nor describe this CD. But as I have a policy to review anything sent to me, I’ll stick to that policy also for this production. I might also mention that this one came to me by way of my wife, who won it in an internet radio contest, and she promised that her dear husband would review this album in the same manner as others I cater for. But as previously stated, I’m not the perfect choice for this task.
The thing is that I have more or less specialized in writing about either harder edged or more complex types of music. And while I do have a fairly wide scope of interest music wise, country, country rock and what is often called Americana these days is among the few types of music I don’t really feel a strong affection towards. And as this band and this production resides in the heartland of that particular musical territory, it’s perhaps needless to say that it’ll be quite the challenge to impress me with an album such as this.
I do find “From Dresden to Damascus” to be a pleasant enough production however. This is a strong and tight band that know what they want to do and how to achieve it. Pitch perfect vocals and elegantly constructed layered vocal arrangements is a key feature throughout, and while the rhythm backing does lack a certain complexity as far as my own personal taste goes it is well performed and easily adapted to the scope and intensity of each and every song. The piano and acoustic guitar combination is the heart and soul of the themes explored throughout, and while mainly serving as a firm foundation for the vocals to play upon they are skillfully assembled, with toned down electric guitar details supplementing with gentle riffs or careful melodic soloing, while digital strings and the organ takes turns in hovering way back in the soundscapes adding a smooth atmosphere just as much as adding a certain majestic presence in the usually more intense chorus passages.
The songs are generally pleasant to this set of ears, and early on a few compositions manage to impress just a little bit more as well. Opening cut Forget About Me, the following track No Dogs, No Blacks, No Irish and later on the somewhat more pace-filled and intense Freedom TV are all creations that I’d highlight as more intriguing than the rest.
As mentioned this type of music is rather far removed from what I’m normally accustomed to review, so my impressions on this one should probably be regarded with something of a critical eye. Still, as mentioned earlier I’d describe this CD as one residing someplace within a triangle consisting of country, country rock and Americana, and my impression is that those who tend to enjoy bands exploring within this specific context should find Indigo Prime as a band and “From Dresden to Damascus” as an album to be of interest.
My rating: 65/100
